Free compost available

Is your soil in need of nutrient replenishment to support your dream garden? You are in luck! There are two ways to get free compost:
  1. Free compost giveaway almost every month
  2. Free compost available daily year-round at the Shoreway Environmental Center
Cupped hands holding soil and plant

Free compost giveaway


A free compost giveaway is held at Bedwell Bayfront Park, located at the intersection of Bayfront Expressway and Marsh Road, on the first Saturday of every month except December and January starting at 7:00 am.

Residents should bring proof of residency, shovels, and containers, and be prepared to help themselves to the large pile of compost just inside the park entrance. The compost comes from residential recycling of organic material through the curbside collection program and is available while supplies last.

Rules for compost pick up


  • This program is for Menlo Park residents only and not for commercial use.
  • The packing of truck beds is prohibited.
  • Residents are welcome to take up to one cubic yard of compost, which is equivalent to two 96-gallon garbage carts.

Shoreway Environmental Center


Menlo Park residents are also welcome to pick up free compost daily year-round at the Shoreway Environmental Center, located at 333 Shoreway Road in San Carlos. The center is open weekdays from 6:00 am - 6:00 pm and on weekends from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Proof of residency is required. Residents are allowed two 3-cubic feet paper bags of compost, which is equivalent to two 22-gallon garbage carts. Paper bags and shovels are provided.

For more information, please contact the Shoreway Environmental Center.