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Vermicomposting Picture By looseends on Flickr original at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lunaspin/2607482657/

Worms Eat My Garbage!

It's the title of a great book on worm composting, and it gets the point across right away! Vermicomposting is using worms to eat primarily leftover food waste to make compost.

The vermi in vermicomposting is German for worm, hence "worm composting." Vermicomposting uses primarily food waste and is great for apartment dwellers, as it requires a small footprint and doesn't generate smells.

If you generate lots of yard waste in addition to food waste, you're better off choosing an aerobic composting option. You'll find details on our Home Composting Page.

What kind of worms are used?

A specific type of surface feeding worm, the Red Wiggler, is used for vermicomposting. Most worms live deep in the soil and only come to the surface to eat. Red Wigglers, however, like to spend most of their time at the surface, living in the food they eat. They're very good eaters, too. Would you believe that these little guys can consume their whole body weight in just one day? They're perfect for vermicomposting!

In addition to food scraps, your worms will also eat their bedding material, most commonly newspaper. Other materials work well, too. Get the full details in our Composting ABC's booklet, available in English and Spanish. You can request a copy by calling 805-882-3600 or emailing us at LessIsMoreSB@countyofsb.org

How do I start vermicomposting?

There are many tutorials online for how to make your own vermicomposter. However, if you're looking for something easy and cost-effective, the County now sells "The Essential Living Composter" vermicomposters at-cost to County residents!

These vermicomposters are small enough to fit easily inside your home or apartment, and come in plum and black. They cost $50 -- almost half the retail price! (Please note -- worms not included! Call your local garden store to check on worm availability, or consider purchasing them online if not available locally.)

The Essential Living Composter (2-Tray) Worm Vermicomposter

The design of this vermicomposter allows for the best aeration and moisture control so that your worms can breathe freely and their bedding is never dry. The liquids from the composting process collect at the bottom of the composter, where you can use the spout to collect it. Mix this liquid with a little water and you have worm tea -- an excellent fertilizer for gardens, sometimes referred to as "black gold"!

What are the specs?

Plastic:  BPA free, UV inhibited, recycled polypropylene
Assembled Dimensions: 15"D x 15"W x 21-1/4"H
Volume (per tray): 0.53 cu ft / 4 US Gallon / 15 Liter

Where can I get one?

The bins are available to Santa Barbara County residents only. Please note: each location has different payment instructions, please check the instructions for the location closest to you before purchasing.

South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station
4430 Calle Real, Santa Barbara
Accepts Visa or Mastercard

Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station
4004 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos
Accepts Visa or Mastercard

North County Public Works Building*
620 West Foster Road, Orcutt
*This location only accepts exact cash or check made
out to “County of SB/RRWM”

New Cuyama Transfer Station**
5073 CA-166
New Cuyama, CA 93254
**Purchases must be made online in advance at www.LessIsMore.org/payment

Pick-Up Instructions:

  • Upon arrival at the South Coast or Santa Ynez Valley transfer stations, please drive up to the scale house and wait to be rung up by the attendant; if there's a line, please continue to wait and do not walk up to the scale house.
  • Call ahead if you have a specific color you need to ensure that it's in stock at that location.
  • Don't forget to request a copy of the Composting ABC's!

I live in New Cuyama. Is there a way for me to purchase and pick up a discount compost bin nearby?

Yes! You can pick up a vermicomposter from the New Cuyama Transfer Station. However, purchases for discount compost bins at this location must be made in advance online at www.LessIsMore.org/payment. The only online payment method accepted is credit card. Once your online payment is processed, you may pick up your compost bin order at the New Cuyama Transfer Station during normal business hours. Please allow at least 48 hours for payment processing before picking up your order. Check out these detailed instructions in English and Spanish on how to use the payment portal to purchase a discount compost bin for pickup at the New Cuyama Transfer Station.

Please note this online payment portal is for discount compost bin orders available for pickup at the New Cuyama Transfer Station ONLY. It is not necessary to purchase discount compost bins in advance for any of our other pickup locations.

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