Yard waste, such as grass clippings, tree trimmings and leaves, amounts to more than 30 percent of the trash Torrance residents dispose of each year. Most of these materials could be turned into a valuable soil amendment or mulch by composting in your own backyard.

Torrance has a permanent composting and water-wise gardening demonstration site at Columbia Park. It is always open for viewing, and periodic free workshops are offered for more detailed information. It is operated in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

Come and learn about ways to reduce and recycle your yard waste by:

Composting: The natural way to mulch and replenish the soil using yard waste and kitchen scraps

Grasscycling: Leave your clippings on the lawn and add water and nitrogen to your soil.

Worm Composting: Make great compost using your kitchen scraps.

Water-wise gardening: Reduce water use and yard trimmings by planting drought-tolerant and low maintenance plants.

FREE WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED IN TORRANCE ARE HELD AT:

Columbia Park
4045 - 190th Street
at the Northwest corner of 190th Street and Prairie Ave.

Beginning workshops are for those interested in learning about backyard composting, worm composting, grass recycling, water-wise gardening, and fire-wise gardening.

Advanced workshops are for those interested in learning about organic gardening, good soil, environmentally responsible ways to control pests, conserving water in the garden, and using native and drought-tolerant plants.

Workshops are on Saturdays starting promptly at 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, April 10, 2010 - Beginning Workshop

Saturday, May 1, 2010 - Advanced Workshop

Click here to go to the schedule of all composting workshops sponsored by L.A. County.

Composting and worm bins will be available for sale by the County following the workshops.

Torrance residents can also purchase the worm composting bin or Bio-Stack composting bin at a discounted rate of $50.  These multi-level, quick to assemble, lidded bins are ideal for easy composting.  Both are made from recycled plastic and come with instructions. 

The Bio-Sack is available at the Manager's Booth of the Torrance Farmer's Market.  For market location and times, click here (Torrance Farmer's Market).  Or, you can buy either compost bin through the Public Works Department.  Please call ahead at 1-310-781-6900 to confirm availability.  Check or cash only, no credit cards accepted. 

Need Mulch?
You can get it free (just bring your own shovel and bucket)
Load up your own containers and take as much as you need
It's clean, free and organic - made from clean yard waste collected throughout the Los Angeles area.
Offered to all Los Angeles County residents by the City of Los Angeles

S.A.F.E. Collection Center
1400 North Gaffey Street
San Pedro

Open 7 days a week for mulch pickup, 9 am to 5 pm
(This location also houses a hazardous waste and electronics recycling center with different operating hours.  Click here for flyer (pdf) or call 1-800-988-6942.)

For instructions, suppliers and other composting information try the
Los Angeles County Smart Gardening site or CalRecycle