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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, schools, 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 and reduce the amount of organic materials from being sent to landfills. Gardeners can use compost as a soil amendment to grow nutritious and fresh produce!

Benefits

Improved Health and Nutrition

Gardening has been shown to contribute to participants’
mental and physical health.

As a form of relaxation, recreation, and physical activity, gardening can have a positive impact on mental and physical well-being.

Access to nutritious and fresh
produce provides numerous health benefits.

Food Security

Community gardens can increase the availability of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, help to reduce the cost of food for families, and increase community self-sufficiency.

Reduce GHG emissions for low-income populations in areas with limited access to grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

Environmental Improvements

In urban areas, gardens add to community green space, which can reduce stormwater runoff and provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Partnership Requirements

  • Garden must be in San Mateo County
  • Garden must be accessible to the public (exception for schools, youth/senior centers)
  • Partnering organization must commit to maintaining the garden by keeping up with the vegetation and compost bins
  • Partnering organization must compost the materials generated from the garden and promote composting to the garden members

How to Partner with the Sustainability Department

The Sustainability Department provides funding and resources (while available) 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.

Reimbursement for:

  • Planter beds or plots
  • Compost bins
  • Compost signage
  • Compost brochures and outdoor brochure holders
  • Compost and garden tools
  • Storage sheds
  • Irrigation supplies
  • Workshops and classes

The Latest News & Events

Free Tire Recycling Drop-Off Event @ Millbrae library
Aug
22
Free Tire Recycling Drop-Off Event @ Millbrae library

The County of San Mateo Sustainability Department is hosting a free tire recycling drop-off event for San Mateo County residents. There is a limit of 9 passenger or light truck tires per vehicle, as required by state law. Tires accepted at this event must be size R19.5 or smaller, with or without rims. Please ensure the tires are deflated. Tires from commercial, auto repair, and/or salvage businesses will not be accepted.

  • Location:  1 Library Ave, Millbrae, CA 94030
  • Date:  August 22, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Collector: San Jose Conservation Corps

Questions?

  • Call 888-442-2666

Residents must provide proof of residency in San Mateo County (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, garbage collection bill, etc.).

For larger truck tires (tractor, truck etc.) contact the Sustainability Department at 888-442-2666 for recycling location information or visit www.recyclestuff.org.

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