Town Meetings & News

The City Council held its last meeting on Wednesday, January 21. To watch the full meeting, click here. 

If you missed the SB 79 Workshop you can watch the full workshop here.

COMPOST at Holbrook-Palmer Park & SB 1383 

SB 1383 focuses on cutting methane, a potent climate pollutant released when organic waste decomposes in landfills. The law establishes two major statewide goals:

• Reduce organic waste disposal by 75% by 2025 (compared to 2014 levels).
• Recover at least 20% of edible food currently thrown away and redirect it to people in need.

These goals support California’s broader climate strategy to reduce methane emissions by 40% from 2013 levels by 2030.

Organic waste—food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and other compostable materials—makes up a large portion of what Californians throw away. When landfilled, this material generates methane, contributing to hotter summers, drought, and wildfire risk.

What This Means for Atherton Residents

Atherton participates in the statewide effort by ensuring residents have convenient access to organics recycling and by promoting practices that keep compostable materials out of landfills.

One of the most community‑friendly resources available is free compost at Holbrook‑Palmer Park, offered daily for Atherton residents.

Daily Compost Pickup at Holbrook‑Palmer Park

To support SB 1383 goals and help residents close the loop on organic waste, the Town provides locally produced compost made from the very yard trimmings and organic materials collected through the community’s green‑waste program.

Location:

Holbrook‑Palmer Park
150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton

Availability:

Daily, during regular park hours
(Residents should bring their own containers, shovels, and transportation.)

Why Use This Compost?

• Improves soil health and water retention
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers
• Supports drought‑resilient landscaping
• Returns nutrients to local soils, completing the organics‑recycling cycle
• Helps Atherton meet SB 1383 compliance requirements

This program transforms organic waste into a valuable community resource—one that residents can use in home gardens, landscaping projects, and drought‑tolerant plantings.

How Residents Can Support SB 1383

Atherton residents play a vital role in meeting statewide climate goals. A few simple actions make a big impact:

• Place food scraps and yard waste in the organics cart
• Keep plastics, glass, and contaminants out of organics bins
• Use the free compost at Holbrook‑Palmer Park to enrich your soil
• Stay informed about local sustainability programs and workshops

These everyday habits help reduce methane emissions, protect the environment, and strengthen Atherton’s commitment to sustainability.