The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department can help residents save money and improve the environment through the Backyard Composting Program.

Partnering with the cities of Santa Barbara and Goleta, and Solvang to provide the service, the county offers free educational resources to help residents learn how to compost where they live.

“When you compost leftover food scraps and plant materials in your own residence, you will create your own nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden, and practice sustainability.” said Sam Dickinson, compost program specialist.

For composting content, visit www.LessIsMore.org/Compost.

The county also offers composting bins at wholesale prices at three locations:
 
South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station, 4430 Calle Real, Santa Barbara.
North County Public Works Building, 620 W. Foster Road, Orcutt.
Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station, 4004 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos.

Using a green waste recycling bin is another way to help complete the organics loop, which starts when grass, leaves, flowers, and other yard materials are discarded into the bin. These materials are collected and chipped into mulch, which is then distributed to local residents and farmers.

“The main benefit of mulching is water conservation and nutrient input. Returning this mulch to the soil completes the organics loop, with many positive impacts for any garden,” said Joey Costa, mulch program coordinator.

Residents can get load-your-own mulch for free at the South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station and the Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station. For details visit www.LessIsMore.org/Mulch or call 805-681-4981 in South County, 805-686-5084 in North County.

For more about the Backyard Composting Program, visit the county’s recycling website, www.LessIsMore.org/Compost, or emailsdickinson@cosbpw.net.