Backyard Composting

Composting 101

Backyard compostingCompost is organic matter that has decomposed. It is dark, crumbly, earthy smelling and makes a great supplement for your garden and plants. It also helps you save money by reducing disposal costs and saves landfill space.

Compost Bins 

Basic Methods


Cold Composting

A slow process but maintenance free. Just start a pile with a mixture of green and brown material and keep adding to it. I one to two years, the material at the bottom will be compost.

Hot Composting

A quick process but needs some attention. Make it in batches in a bin, using the right ammount of green and brown material. Turn about once a week for nutrient-rich compost in two to three months.

  • Plant trimmings
  • Horse & chicken manure
  • Food scraps (enclosed bins only)
  • Twigs and stalks
  • Branches (if chipped)
  • Leaves
  • Straw
  • Course untreated wood, sawdust or shavings
  • Dry grass clippings
  • Paper egg cartons
  • Paper plates (no grease/food)

DO NOT Include

  • Clippings recently treated with herbicides
  • Diseased plants
  • Tenacious weeds
  • Morning glory
  • Dandelions
  • Noxious weeds
  • Tansy
  • Ragweed
  • Roses
  • Blackberries
  • Dog & cat feces
  • Weed seeds

Worm Bins

Shallow, enclosed systems that use live worms to convert food scraps to compost.

Food Digesters

Enclosed bins that are partially buried. A convenient way to reduce waste when you don't need compost.

Soil Incorporation

A method where food scraps are buried in the soil at least one foot deep. Care must be taken with this method because food scraps can attract pests and rodents.

Compost Bins

Can be used for food scraps but only if it is designed to keep out pests and rodents, like the Earth Machine.

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Bread and grains
  • Coffee grounds
  • Eggshells
  • Tea bags
  • Paper towels, napkins, plates

DO NOT Include

  • Meat or animal products
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy (cheese, butter, etc.)
  • Oily foods

Learn More

The Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County offers in-depth information, free workshops and online assistance from a master composter.

  • Dirt Works, located on Alta Drive off Capital Mall Drive, behind Yauger Park and the Apple Park Apartments.
  • Closed Loop Park, located off Hogum Bay Road at the Thurston County Waste & Recovery Center (Take Exit 111 north, off of I-5).
  • The Farmer's Market, located downtown at the north end of Capitol Way.

  • Get a temporary project container
  • Get a waste assessment for your business
  • Submit a Service Request Online

City Calendar

City Updates

  • COVID-19 Information

    All City buildings are closed to the public through at least April 10. You can take care of many of your most common needs on our Online Services page.

    For information about impacts to City operations, business resources, and more visit our COVID-19 Information page.

  • Utilities Relief Program

    City of Olympia utility customers affected by the COVID-19 emergency can fill out a simple self-certification form to have their utility payments deferred for 60 days without interest or penalties. Complete the form...

  • Council Meetings during COVID-19 Emergency

    The Olympia City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. However, the Council will change how it conducts meetings to adhere to the required social distancing guidelines. Starting at the March 24 Council meeting, the following steps will be implemented:

    • The Council Chamber will be closed to the public.
    • No public comment will be taken at the meeting.
    • The meeting will be broadcast on monitors in the City Hall lobby, and chairs will be set up in a safe, social-distancing arrangement in the lobby.

    How can I comment?

    A link to the Council agenda and meeting packet will be posted to Engage Olympia after 3 p.m. the Thursday before the meeting. Once posted, the public can comment on agenda items until noon on the Tuesday that Council meets. This will give Councilmembers an opportunity to review the comments before the meeting that evening.

  • COVID-19 Public Health Information

    For the latest public health information and answers to specific questions about COVID-19, please visit the Thurston County Public Health website.

  • Meetings

    Agendas and Minutes for City Council and most advisory committees.