Department of Public Works

What to Compost

Kitchen Waste • Lawn Clippings (use thin layers so they don't mat down) • Chopped Leaves (large leaves take a long time to break down) • Shredded Branches • Garden Plants (disease-free plants) • Shredded Paper • Weeds (before they go to seed) • Straw or Hay • Newspaper • Wood Ash (sprinkle lightly between layers) • Tea Leaves and Coffee Grounds

Do not Compost

Meat Scraps and Fatty Trash • Excessive Wood Ashes (counteracts with manures) • Sawdust (generally slows the decomposition of the pile)

How to order A Compost Bin

Cost 

Compost bins are sold at actual cost. Call to obtain one. Please make checks payable to the City of Pasadena. We do not accept credit cards. Please do not send cash in the mail.

Please mail order form and check to: 

City of Pasadena
Public Works/Recycling
PO Box 7115
Pasadena, CA 91109

Pick-Up 

Please call 744-7168 to arrange for a convenient time to pick up your compost bin.

For more on composting visit www.smartgardening.com 

Compost bin order form