County Programs

Composting Bins

The County of Santa Barbara Public Works Department, Resource Recovery & Waste Management Division, is offering the Earth Machine composting bin at the great sale price of $40.00. This price includes applicable sales tax and is over 50 percent off the retail price. By using the Earth Machine, you can convert your kitchen and yard waste into a great soil amendment for use in your garden or yard. Join the many people in Santa Barbara County who are already enjoying the benefits of backyard composting! Click here to find out where to pick yours up.

The Earth Machine is a great container to use to start your home composting operation, but it is not self turning or a tumbling style composting bin. While worms are welcome in the Earth Machine, it is not a worm composting bin. It does have the following features and benefits:

Santa Barbara County offers this container
for only $40.00 to people interested in
backyard composting. Pick yours up here.

• the unit snaps together for easy assembly; no special tools are required;
• the round design allows the unit to be turned or accessed from any direction;
• the sliding door can be secured to prevent animal entry;
• the bin can be fastened to the ground by twist pegs for animal and wind control;
• ventilation slots are large enough to allow oxygen in but small enough to keep out rodents;
• the twist top lid allows for ventillation control;
• the black color fosters maximum solar heat retention;
• the unit is durable and lightweight.

The Earth Machine has the following specifications:

Composition: Ultra violet resistant recycled polyethylene
Weight: 20 pounds
Capacity: 10 cubic feet or 80 gallons
Unassembled Dimensions: 18" high x 34" wide
Assembled Dimensions: 33" high x 34" wide
Pieces: Lid, top section, bottom section, door*, four ground screws*, instructional booklet* (*packaged together)
Usage: Garden and kitchen waste
Warranty: 10 years

The Earth Machine comes with an instructional booklet. If you have questions about the Earth Machine or composting, please contact our composting specialist at (805) 882-3618 or send an e-mail message to the composting specialist.

To learn more about composting and access our composting booklet, please go to our Backyard Composting web page at back_yard_composting.html or come to one of our Composting Workshops to learn from the County's composting program specialist.

Pick Up Locations

There are two County facilities where you can pick up your composting bin. Payment has to be $40.00 in cash or local check made out to "The County of Santa Barbara".

South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station (click for directions)
4430 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA
Days and hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (805) 681-4345

North County Public Works Building (click for directions)
620 West Foster Road
Santa Maria, CA
Days and hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (805) 739-8750

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Copyright © 2000 Santa Barbara County Public Works Department
Resource Recovery and Waste Management Division

Last updated: June 25, 2010