ABOUT

As a community based non-profit, we support a healthy transition where food is never wasted, but returned to the soil for the next cycle of life.

Cooperatively with a diverse network of partners within LA County, we co-create spaces for local compost access and engagement, restorative practices, and community empowerment. Community composting takes a collective effort.

OUR STORY

LA Compost began in 2013 with the collective efforts of volunteers, friends and family.

We wanted communities to see how far their organic material was traveling and the harmful effects it had on the environment. In the beginning, our collection crew rode bikes with trailers that allowed them to haul food scraps, leaves, paper, and other organic material from restaurants, homes, and schools to local compost centers. While this model has worked in other cities, LA’s sprawl made the pilot unsustainable.

In 2014, LA Compost shifted to a model of decentralized community compost hubs -cared for, maintained and enjoyed by activated community members. LA Compost hubs are built in places where people coexist -in churches, schools, gardens, and workplaces. We now have community compost hubs throughout LA County. Each hub reflects the community in which it's located, but they all serve the same purpose. They compost organics locally while creating shared spaces for people to connect with each other and the natural world.

In 2018, we defined our scope according to the Hierarchy to Reduce Food Waste and Grow Community established by the Institute of Local Self Reliance. Our programs serve the individual for home composting, the community with access and education to a decentralized network of composting infrastrucutre, as well as regionally based sites for organics processing, compost creation, and continued education.

LEARN HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Meet the Team

Andrea Torres: San Fernando Valley Compost Manager
Elena Lopez: Outreach & Communications Manager
Enjoli Ferrari: Compost Hubs Program Manager
Erica Montelongo, South LA Compost Manager
Lynn Fang: Soil & Compost Specialist
Maggie Smart-McCabe: North East LA Regional Coordinator
Mark Pranger: Farmers' Market Program Manager
Michael Martinez: Founder & Executive Director
Noemi Gomez: San Gabriel Valley Compost Manager
Paola Reyes: Community Engagement Coordinator
Samuel Huntington: Operations Coordinator

The Board

Robbie Martin: Board Member
Shannon Wright: Board Membe