Compost in Albany
Compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment made of decomposed organic matter. It can be applied to soil improve moisture retention, promote plant growth, and draw down (sequester) carbon dioxide down from the atmosphere.
Where can you find some nutrient-rich compost for your garden or house plants?
Albany Compost Hub at Gill Tract
Free Compost for All!
Notice: The Compost Hub has moved to a new location at the Gill Tract Farm and can be accessed from Jackson St.
The Albany Compost Hub at Gill Tract is now open every Sunday 12-4! The Compost Hub offers free, self-serve compost to all visitors. The hub is funded by the City of Albany and is a partnership of the City, UC Berkeley, the Gill Tract Farmer's Coalition, and StopWaste.
Instructions for using the hub
The hub is open on Sundays from 12PM-4PM. Please note that the hub recently moved locations. It can now be accessed by entering the farm from Jackson St. Burlap sacks are available on site, although you are encouraged to bring your own containers.
The compost is self-serve, meaning you must load your containers yourself. You can bring your own containers or use the burlap sacks located next to the pile.
On your first visit, please fill out the Gill Tract waiver form. At every visit, please fill out the compost hub user survey. This helps us track usage and support future funding for the hub!
Q&A
About the Hub
The Albany Compost Hub at Gill Tract is a partnership of the City of Albany, the UC Berkeley Rausser College of Natural Resources, the Gill Tract Farmer's Coalition, and StopWaste.
The compost is purchased by the City of Albany and distributed to the public free of charge. The hub is located at the UC Gill Tract Farm and is staffed by the Gill Tract Farmer's Coalition. This project is part of the City's ongoing efforts to promote waste reduction, environmental education, and compost use.
SB 1383
Senate Bill 1383 is a landmark California law relating to many aspects of organic waste. Among the many aspects of the law, it requires all Cities to purchase and use 0.08 tons of compost per resident every year. In Albany, that's about 1,400 tons of compost! The Compost Hub aims to make some of that compost available to the public for their personal use, and to the Gill Tract Farm, to aid them in growing food for the community.
What is compost?
Compost is decomposed organic matter. When materials like food, leaves, and yard trimmings are broken down by microorganisms, they form a material that looks a bit like dirt, but is rich with nutrients. The compost can be added to soil to provide nutrients that help plants grow, and improves the overall health of the soil. You can learn more about compost and how to use it here.
Compost is also an important way to fight climate change. When we put food scraps in the landfill, they can't break down properly and instead release methane, an incredibly powerful greenhouse gas. When food scraps are placed in the compost bin, they don't release methane but instead turn into a stable form of carbon that can return nutrients to the soil and even help the soil capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere! It's a win-win-win.
What kind of compost is at the hub?
The Compost at the hub is the Green Compost from Acapulco Rock and Soil. The compost is organic and OMRI certified, meaning it can be used for organic gardening. It is produced by California Soils Inc., in Vernalis (near Tracy) and made from 100% recycled yard trimmings.
Is there a limit to how much I can take?
While there isn't a specific limit, we do require that the compost be taken in containers, rather than loaded directly into vehicles. This compost is meant to be used for personal use, not commercial use. Please take what you need and leave some for others.
Can I use the hub if I'm not an Albany resident?
Yes! The compost hub is open to all, including those who don't live in Albany!
Annual Compost Giveaway
Annually in April or May, the City of Albany, in partnership with Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC), provides 40 cubic yards of bagged compost to the Albany community. The bagged compost is WM EarthCare Homegrown Compost™ which is 100% local, and made from your own Bay Area yard trimmings and residential food scraps. Learn more at www.wmearthcare.com.
Sorting and Composting at Home
In Albany, the waste hauler picks up organic materials disposed of in curbside carts or bins and then takes the organic materials to a processing facility where it is turned into compost. Separating organic materials (food scraps, food-soiled paper, plant and yard waste) from trash and placing the organic materials in the organics cart or bin is now the law in California and in Albany.
To ensure that your organic materials are processed into nutrient-rich compost, only put the following items into your green cart or compost bin:
- Food products: fruit, vegetables, breads, cereal, dairy, meat and bones, coffee grounds and coffee filters
- Uncoated food-soiled paper: paper towels, paper plates without plastic coating (not glossy), napkins, pizza boxes
- Plant and yard waste: wilted flowers, dead plants, twigs, leaves, hedge trimmings
Not sure if something is compostable? Search it using the RE:Source Guide!
Want to start your own compost pile? Learn how to start your own compost pile or worm compost bin!