Jackson, CA- In an effort to support California’s greenhouse gas emission goals and comply with Senate Bill 1383, Amador County is proud to announce the opening of a new compost collection center in Jackson. The Community Compost Site at Mother Lode Land Trust’s C and C Ranch is a collaborative effort by the Land Trust, University of California Master Gardeners, Amador Waste Management and Recycling Department, and is supported by a generous grant from CalRecycle. This partnership was formed to help Amador County residents meet the requirements of SB 1383, which includes a 75% reduction of organic waste in CA landfills by 2025. 

Our new compost collection center is an important milestone in our community’s efforts to embrace sustainability,” said Jeff Gardner, Director of Solid Waste for Amador County. Ellie Routt, Executive Director for the Land Trust said, “Mother Lode Land Trust is excited to share space in our community garden to demonstrate a common-sense approach to reducing waste and improving soil health.”

According to CalRecycle, 48% of what California throws away in landfills is organic waste. By providing an accessible and efficient way to recycle organic waste, we are taking a proactive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the pressure on our limited landfill space, and creating nutrient-rich compost for local use.

Residents of Amador County will be able to sign up to reserve a 15-minute window to drop off food or yard waste. Organic waste that is acceptable includes fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, tree or brush branches 3 inches in diameter or smaller, grass, plant stalks, and fall leaves. Materials that cannot be accepted include meat, fish or bones, paper products or cardboard, “compostable packaging,” dryer lint, pet waste, fats, oils or grease.  In addition to serving as a drop off site, residents can also learn how to compost at home from UC Master Gardeners. Educational materials showcasing the tools and techniques for composting will be available and volunteers will offer a variety of free classes on composting and vermicomposting throughout the year.  UC Master Gardener, Dawn Martella said, “Composting is one of the most effective, accessible and easily adopted practices an individual can do to help reduce organic food waste in community landfills. We are excited to help teach the public the easy steps for turning their food scraps and green waste into beautiful rich compost that they can use to grow delicious and nutritious food.”

The Mother Lode Land Trust (MLLT) was established in 1990 by a coalition of ranchers, conservationists, and other concerned citizens to preserve our rural quality of life for future generations.  Located at 1334 Jackson Gate Road, the Amador Community Garden and Composting Site are also home to the Heritage Rose Garden and the Community Bicycle Skills Park. The site hosts seasonal events such as the Amador Trail Stewardship Mountain Bike Club, UC Master Gardener plant sale, and a community harvest party. Garden beds at the community garden are also available for Amador County residents to rent. The Amador County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a grand opening ribbon cutting on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. Come join the celebration and find out more about this exciting new resource in Amador County.