Compost Guide | Can Do with Compost

Compost Guide

What Can I Do with Compost?

Revised On: Nov. 24, 2023 - 8:20 a.m.

The following guidance is for household composting only. For commercial composting, you will need to get notification approval | Learn More >

Compost Uses

  • Mulch (to help plants retain moisture). Apply a thick layer (about 3 inches) around the base of the plant. Leave about 2 to 3 inches of space between the base of the plant and the mulch to avoid rotting the base. Re-mulch once or twice a year.
  • Soil amendment (to add nutrients to plants). Mix compost with the top few inches of soil in a plant container or bed, or combine with potting mix for new plantings. Note: Do not use compost alone for new plantings because it can provide poor drainage.
  • Liquid fertilizer (compost tea). Put about a pound of compost in a cheesecloth or stocking and steep it in a bucket of chlorine-free water for about three days. Then apply the tea to your plants. 
  • Gift. If you don't want to keep your compost, consider sharing with school/community gardens, any gardening friends/neighbors, or even some local farms may accept compost. You can also post your compost to a community listing, such as Craigslist.

What if I can’t/don’t want to keep my compost?

City Programs (Yard Waste)
Composting Services
Drop Off
  • Find a home compost pile accepting scraps near you | Learn More >
  • Check with your local community garden or farmer’s market to see if they have a compost drop off program.
  • Check with your local university for on-campus drop off locations.
    • ASU: Front-of-house composting bins can be found at all athletic event venues located on Tempe campus, University Services Building, Wrigley Hall, and Student Pavilion kitchenettes, at select zero-waste events, and the Memorial Union Zero Waste Station (First Floor food court).
    • UA: Compost Cats

References to specific commercial products, processes or services, or to any trade, company or corporation is provided to the public for information and convenience purposes only, and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation or favoring by ADEQ or the State.