Backyard Composting

Don’t toss it, compost it! 

Composting is nature’s own recycling mechanism by taking organic discards and converting them back into valuable nutrients for the soil. Scraps from your kitchen can be turned into a rich, healthy soil amendment and used in your garden. View our composting and vermicomposting guides for what to add and avoid for each style of composting. 

Free Mulch and Compost for Residents

The City of Ventura hosts quarterly Mulch and Compost Giveaways, where City of Ventura residents can register for an appointment to pick up mulch and compost. All mulch and compost products are purchased from Agromin, and provided to City of Ventura residents free of charge. Using mulch and organic compost are great ways to reduce waste, conserve water, reduce need for application of pesticides or fertilizers and help with pest management. For event details and to register for an upcoming event, please review our Events webpage.  

Free mulch is also available year-round on a first come basis at Cornucopia Gardens, located just off Telephone Road, across from Kimball Community Park. 

Compost Bin Rebate Program

Print out the compost coupon below, or request one from the Environmental Sustainability Division, and present it to Green Thumb Nursery in Ventura to purchase a discounted compost bin (Soil Saver) or vermicompost bin (Wiggly Wranch). Limit one bin per household. City of Ventura residents must show proof of residency.