Free Compost

Union City Community Compost Hub

Coming soon! Check back here in August 2023 for more details regarding Union City's community compost hub where residents can fill their own container with free compost. 

Annual Compost Giveaway Event

Please join the City of Union City and Republic Services at our 2023 Compost Giveaway Event on Sunday, April 16! It's our way of thanking you for properly recycling your food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings in your green compost cart as part of the curbside compost collection program. 

Union City households are eligible to pick up two (2) free bags of compost between 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (or while supplies last) at the Union City BART Station Parking Lot #1 (southwest corner of Decoto Rd. and 11^th St). To participate in the event, bring a photo ID or other proof of Union City residency such as the event postcard or utility bill. 

No RSVP required. Please arrive during the designated time slot based on your household's last name: A - G = 8:00 to 9:00 AM | H - M = 9:00 to 10:00 AM | N - S = 10:00 to 11:00 AM | T - Z = 11:00 to 12:00 PM.  For more information, contact Republic Services at (510) 657-3500. 

Compost Publications & Resources

When Union City residents and businesses recycle compostable materials like food scraps, food-soiled paper products, and yard trimmings in their green compost bin/cart, they not only reduce methane emissions, but they also create compost - a valuable soil amendment that improves soil quality, retains moisture, conserves water, and nourishes plants and trees. 

Explore the publications and resources below compiled by StopWaste on the compost cycle to learn all about compost! 

1. Sort and Collect Organics (Compostable Materials)
   

   • Stop Food Waste First: Edible food is too essential to waste! Find tips that will help you prevent food waste and save money.
   • Union City Curbside Compost Bin/Cart Sorting: Learn what can go in your green curbside compost bin/cart.
   • Backyard Bin Sorting: Learn what to put in your backyard compost bin (different than your curbside green compost bin/cart that is serviced weekly).
   • Worm Composting Sorting: Learn what to put in your worm compost bin.

2. Make Compost 

   • Backyard Composting: Learn how to make compost in a backyard compost bin.
   • Composting with Worms: Find all the information you need to set up a worm compost bin. 
   • Build or Buy a Compost Bin: Explore different types of compost bins and find one that works for you.
   • Composting on Urban Farms: Download an in-depth guide for support in becoming an expert composter.
   • Using your Curbside Compost Bin/Cart: Get more information about your Union City's curbside compost program.  

3. Get Compost

   • Check back here in August 2023 for more details regarding Union City's community compost hub where residents can fill their own container with free compost.  
   •  https://www.stopwaste.org/at-home/home-gardening/year-round-local-resources#bulk%20garden Compost Vendors: Find vendors who sell compost.
   • Go from Lawn to Garden: This website has resources that will make your lawn conversion projects easier, including a directory of vendors who provide bulk compost, mulch and other sheet mulch materials.

4. Use Compost

   • Overview: How Do I Use Compost?
   •  https://www.stopwaste.org/at-home/home-and-community-gardening/the-compost-cycle/using-compost-in-the-garden Home Gardeners: Find how-to tips for using compost in the garden.
   • Landscape Professionals: Find best practices, tips for identifying quality compost, and resources geared towards landscape professionals.
   • Carbon Farming: Learn how compost and other gardening practices reduce climate change.

5. Plant and Grow

   • Year-Round Local Gardening Resources: Find gardening resources and supplies, and learn how to meet other East Bay gardeners.
   • Gardening Events Calendar: Check out StopWaste's listing of local gardening events.
   • Gardening Tips: Visit this Lawn to Garden website for tips on growing an edible landscape.