A compost bin can help you recycle your yard trimmings and kitchen scraps at home. The Home Composting Education Program has a limited quantity of Earth Machine home composting bins for purchase at only $55.00 each (tax included) by appointment only, Earth Machine on the Left.

The bin is made of high density polyethylene with U.V. stabilizers, made with 50% recycled materials. The Earth Machine will fit into an automobile for easy transportation, it comes packaged in two halves (no corrugated cardboard packaging) which nest inside of each other. There is a 10-year warranty.

Unit dimensions are 33" x 33" when assembled. Unit weight is 15#. The product features an easy, snap-together assembly, enclosed design, locking lid, and a sliding door to make it easy to harvest finished compost.

Compost accessories available for sale include the wingdigger compost aerator for $15, the no wait compost thermometer for $25, and the kitchen counter food scrap container for $15. Worm bins are available for sale for $10, worms not included. Updated as of December 18, 2009.

Compost bins are available for purchase by calling (408) 918-4640 for an appointment. Then you can pick up the bin at the County of Santa Clara Service Center, 1553 Berger Drive, Building 1, San Jose, CA 95112. Take 101 to Oakland Road, North on Oakland, cross Gish Road and turn left on Berger Drive. Then proceed to the second floor receptionist and ask for Home Composting.

Sources for Finished Compost in Santa Clara County
Note:  When self-hauling compost be sure to use a heavy tarp to “cover your load”.

BFI Organics - Newby Island Compost Facility
1601 Dixon Landing Road
Milpitas Ca 95035
For compost sales call 408 945-2844
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 4:00.Minimum order is 2 yards
Small orders (1 yard) Saturday sales 8-11. Cost is $25 a yard.
Feedstock used: yard trimmings, kiln dried lumber (pallets)
Note: wear a hat to protect head from seagull droppings.

Guadalupe Landfill “Valley’s Pride” Compost
999 Guadalupe Mines Road
San Jose CA 95120
408 268-1694
Hours: Monday – Friday 8-4:30
Feedstock used: yard trimmings, stable manures, redwood grindings
Delivery available. Self – haul price $20/yard, bags available for small quantities.

Zanker Road Resource Management
705 Los Esteros Road
San Jose CA 95134
408 313-0444
Hours: M-F 7 - 5 Sat/Sun 8 - 3
Self – haul price $14 cubic yard, order minimum 2 yards.
Feedstock: yard trimmings

Z-Best Products
30 yard minimum
980 Highway 25
Gilroy CA 95020
408 846-1577

Monterey Mushroom
642 Hale Avenue
Morgan Hill CA
408 779-4191

Royal Oaks Mushrooms
15480 Watsonville Road
Morgan Hill
408 779-2362

Wheeler Farms
PO Box 19561
Stanford CA 94309
650 424-1896
Feedstock: Horse Manure
Delivery only, 3 yard minimum. $40/yard plus delivery.
www.wheelerfarms.net

SMART Station (Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Altos & Palo Alto residents only)
301 Carl Road
Sunnyvale CA 94089.
For larger quantities (weekends recommended), call (408) 752-8530 24 hours in advance.
Self service is available 7 days a week 8 – 5 in front of SMART station near buy back center.

Cupertino Residents
Unlimited free bulk compost Friday and Saturday mornings from 8:30- 11:00AM at Steven’s Creek Quarry, Steven’s Canyon Road across from the Steven’s Creek Reservoir dam.  The site is open typically the last weekend in March through the 4th weekend in October.  The site may be closed during that time due to rainy weather or muddy conditions.
Feedstock: yard trimmings
Bring:

1. Driver’s license to verify residency
2. Heavy plastic bags or garbage cans (a limited number of sturdy paper bags are available at the site).
3. Shovels
4. A helper (there is no staff to help you at the quarry)
5. A tarp and tie-downs to cover the load in your truck bed or protect your car trunk

Palo Alto Residents
Residents may receive up to one cubic yard of compost on scheduled Compost Giveaway Days. The dates in 2010 are Saturday-March 27, Sunday-April 4, Saturday-June 26, Saturday-September 25 and Sunday-October 3. Bring driver’s license to verify residency, shovel, containers to carry the compost home.Compost can be picked up at the Palo Alto Landfill located at the east end of Embarcadero Road.
Feedstock: yard trimmings.

The new Organics Yard at the Palo Alto Landfill sells Palo Alto Compost mixed with a variety of materials to create soil amendments specially developed for Palo Alto soils.  The following materials can be purchased: Topsoil Blend, Soil Conditioner, Potting Mix, Palo Alto Compost, Sandy Loam, Deco Top Dressing Mulch and Wood Fines.  The landfill is located at the east end of Embarcadero Road and is open from 8-5 seven days a week.