The city of St. Pete announced on Earth Day that they would bring back the ‘Burg’s free composting program. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 30% of what we throw away could be composted, notes St. Pete on its official composting page.

Composting, as defined by the EPA, is a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. The end product is compost – a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during the composting process. They use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials, and oxygen to breathe. 

The free St. Pete composting program is back

You can compost at home using food scraps from your kitchen and dry leaves and woody material from your yard. Composting is a resourceful way to recycle the food scraps and yard trim you generate at home all year and manage your waste more sustainably.

Residents can use their compost to build healthier soil, prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and improve plant growth in your garden and yard.

Those interested in receiving their free compost bin can request one on the city’s website. There is a process to receiving your bin, including a workshop residents must attend.

Take a required workshop to receive your bin

You can sign up for a required Composting Workshop here. Workshops are offered monthly at recreation centers locations all over St. Pete. Class size is limited and class sign-up will be locked 5 business days prior to each compost class, so plan ahead!

Reminder, you must be a resident of incorporated St. Pete and residing in a single-family home. Those registering outside of city limits or residing in multi-family units will not receive a compost bin even if they registered to attend a workshop

1. Step 1: Sign-in with an existing Parks and Recreation account or create a new account.
2. Step 2: Select Home and Search Composting.
3. Step 3: A box will appear with the next scheduled date – Select that date or arrow down to view all possible dates and locations.
4. Step 4: Select composting in blue and reservation tab will open.
5. Step 5: Reserve your spot. You will receive an email confirmation.

Attendees at the composting workshops will receive their free composting bin to take home after the workshop.

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