A man helping a young girl deposit the contents of a small black planter into a standing black plastic composter.

Composting

What is Compost?

Compost is a dark, crumbly, sweet, earthy-smelling form of decomposing organic matter.

Composting is the natural breakdown of organic materials by living organisms. In a meadow or on the forest floor, dead plants decay and many of the nutrients that plants take up during their life are released back into the soil forming compost.
 

Why Compost?

Backyard composting is a simple, convenient way to turn yard waste into a rich soil amendment. It greatly reduces the volume of yard trimmings and food scraps normally disposed of and produces a rich soil amendment that:

  • Reduces the need for commercial fertilizers and pesticides.

  • Improves drainage and loosens heavy clay soils.

  • Conserves moisture in light sandy soils.

  • Produces healthier plants and slows evaporation, which reduces water usage.

  • Saves money on fertilizers and water.

  • Reduces the need for City collection of yard waste.

Composting Workshops
Learn to compost with free webinars and in-person workshops through Los Angeles County's Smart Gardening Program. Discounted backyard compost of work bin units are also available to purchase. 
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