Home Composting & Workshops
Compost Curious?
The Waste Reduction team is offering two free composting workshops in 2026.
Hot Composting Workshop
April 25th, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Have you been curious about hot composting? Maybe you have tried before but need a refresher. No matter your experience, join the City of Santa Cruz Waste Reduction Staff for a workshop all about hot composting! In this workshop, we will build a backyard compost pile together, discuss best practices for maintaining a bin, and look at strategies for reducing wasted food (and why it matters!) Plus, enter our raffle to be eligible to win composting accessories!
Registration is required. Register here to secure your spot!
Vermicomposting Workshop
April 4th, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Have you been curious about vermicomposting (composting with worms)? No matter your experience, join the City of Santa Cruz Waste Reduction Staff for a workshop all about vermicomposting! In this workshop, we will build a vermicomposting bin together, discuss best practices for keeping your worms happy, and look at strategies for reducing wasted food (and why it matters!) Plus, enter our raffle to be eligible to win a free worm bin!
Registration is required. Register here to secure your spot!
Home Composting $40 Rebate Program
For City of Santa Cruz residents only!
How the Program Works
The City of Santa Cruz will give you a $40 rebate when you purchase a City approved compost bin or worm bin.
Shop Local
San Lorenzo Garden Center
235 River St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
The Garden Company
2218 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Fill out the Home Composting $40 Rebate Program form(PDF, 537KB). The forms are also available at the participating retail stores. Forms must be filled out completely, including your 11-digit Santa Cruz Municipal Utility bill number. Incomplete forms may not qualify for a rebate.
Send the completed form and your proof of purchase (receipt) to:
City of Santa Cruz - Public Works
Home Compost Rebate Program
809 Center Street, Room 201
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
You should receive your rebate within 5 to 6 weeks.
Do I qualify?
This program is for City of Santa Cruz residents only. To qualify for the Home Compost $40 Rebate Program, you must be both a City resident and a City refuse (garbage) customer. The $40 rebate is provided once per household, and the bin is yours to keep! You will use your 11-digit Santa Cruz Municipal Utility bill number as proof of residency and refuse service.
Green Waste Recovery customers, including Live Oak residents, are not eligible for this program and should call 800-665-2209 for information about any County of Santa Cruz compost programs.
Why should I compost at home?
Composting keeps valuable organic material out of our landfill. Turn yard clippings, autumn leaves and kitchen fruit and vegetable scraps into an organic material that your garden will love.
Will I need the Curbside Collected food scrap pail?
We are thrilled to be able to divert more methane-emitting food waste from the landfill with our Curbside service. The 6-gallon pail is great for all the food you can't backyard compost like: Cooked and raw meat and fish, cheese, acidic fruits, solid fats, oil, and grease.
Are you ready to try home composting?
Select the compost or worm bin that fits your needs. Purchase it from one of our participating merchants. Fill out your rebate form and send it in along with your receipt. The $40 rebate is good for a one-time purchase only. For more information, call the City of Santa Cruz Waste Reduction at 420-5591 or email.