Free Compost in San Mateo!

Need to contact Recology?
Use the "Contact Us" feature at www.recology.com/recology-san-mateo-county or, for immediate action, please call Recology's service hotline at (650) 595-3900.

Our residents can also contact Siliva Pa'uli in our Solid Waste Division at spauli@cityofsanmateo.org or call (650) 522-7297.

Compost Awareness Event:

Join us on Saturday, May 10 for San Mateo's Compost Awareness Event featuring a Compost, Seeds & Seedling Giveaway!

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Location: The Phoenix Garden (222 Paul Scannell Drive)

Activities: Everyone is welcome to stop by to pick up FREE compost, FREE plant starts, and FREE seeds-available while supplies last! You'll also learn easy ways to reduce waste, get expert tips from master gardeners, and discover how to support our local pollinators.

Compost

Free compost will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to the public on May 2, at the following location:

• City of San Mateo Corp-yard - 1949 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403
• Anchor Road/Bay Trail Parking Lot - Anchor Road at 3rd Ave/J. Hart Clinton Drive

Residents bring shovels, gloves, and containers and leave with rich compost for their gardens!

Waste 101 - Did you know?

The State of California anticipates our average resident should produce about 5.8 pounds of garbage each day and the average employee should produce about 13.3 pounds of garbage each day?

Yet, our average resident produces only 3.9 pounds of waste per day while our employees average only 7.6 pounds. With your continued help, we can continue to reach for the goal of producing zero waste.

As of 2015, we achieved close to a diversion rate of 73 percent. This means that close to three quarters of all debris produced in our City is sent to recycling, composting or alternative fuel instead of the landfill. Not only is this better for the environment but it will also help to keep our City clean and beautiful.

With the combined efforts of our residents, businesses, and partnerships between staff and a number of waste management and recycling companies, we to continue to work together in realizing this long term goal.

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