Skip to main content
TRANSLATE

Using Translation

The County of San Mateo has added a translation feature developed by Google Translate to assist web visitors in understanding information on this website in a variety of foreign languages. Please be aware that Google Translate, a free third party service which the County does not control, provides automated computer translations that may not give you an exact translation. The County cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate so translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The County disclaims and will not accept any liability for damages or losses of any kind caused by the use of the Google Translate feature.

four community members looking at a community garden planter bed
COMMUNITY GARDENS
Cutting down on landfill waste.

Community Gardens

The Sustainability Department partners with local community organizations and businesses to build vibrant community gardens and to promote sustainable composting techniques. The goal of the program is to provide the opportunity for community members to learn about composting from the gardens, and ultimately, be inspired to start composting at home.

The Sustainability Department provides funding and resources to help start up and maintain the gardens; the partnering organization’s role is to use the funding to build the garden, coordinate with the gardeners to maintain the garden, and promote composting and sustainable gardening. Please reach out to us if your organization is interested in getting started on a community garden!

If you are interested in partnering with us, please fill out the Community Garden Partnership Program Application.

The Latest News & Events

Compost Workshop
May
12
Compost Workshop

Learn how easy and fun it is to recycle your fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and plant cuttings into compost in these free workshops! These workshops teach composting options suitable for those with or without a backyard. Apartment dwellers welcome! Compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden soil, helps retain moisture, which saves water, prevents erosion, loosens clay and compacted soils for better drainage, and suppresses weeds. It is rewarding to know you are turning what some consider waste into precious organic material for your garden.

Discounts and rebates for backyard compost and worm compost bins will be distributed to San Mateo County residents!

COMPOST WORKSHOP

Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Atherton
Register here.

LEARN MORE
Short christmas tree propped up against a wooden fence next to a green compost bin.

Holiday Recycling Guide: How to Recycle Trees,…

Once the holidays wind down, it’s important to dispose of trees, lights, and decorations properly so they can be…
Learn More
Family of three walking along the shoreline at Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto.

How King Tides Help Us Prepare for the Future

In January, we had an amazing Coffee and King Tides event at Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto! We…
Learn More
Collage with four nature images and text in middle that reads '2026 Earth Month'

2026 Earth Month Events

Happy Earth Month! As we step further into spring, the month of April reminds us to celebrate our…
Learn More