Educational Workshops

Learn how to compost in Los Angeles, connect with your local Compost Hub, and explore community soil health resources. From hands-on workshops to guides and mini-courses, these tools make it easy for gardeners, educators, and compost enthusiasts of all levels to dig in, understand their soil, and help communities thrive.

Three Educational Offerings:

1) How to Compost in LA

Building off of our How to Compost in LA Guide and Educational Video, this in person workshop guides participants through the composting options offered across LA County.

Our How to Compost in LA workshop offers a hands-on introduction to the basics of composting for community members of all ages. Participants explore real compost samples, learn how decomposition works, and discover the three main composting pathways available across Los Angeles—at home, with LA Compost, or through municipal organic waste services.

Ideal for libraries, community centers, and groups seeking to learn more about composting, this one-hour workshop includes a guided presentation, compost exploration activity, and a take-home compost sample. Content can be adapted for youth or adult audiences, making compost education accessible, engaging, and rooted in local action.

Join us: Find a How to Compost in LA Workshop near you by visiting our Events Calendar.
Let’s Work Together: Interested in bringing a How to Compost in LA Workshop to your community? Share your interest via this form. One of our team members will get back to you with availability and more information.

2) Get to Know Your Compost Hub

Get your hands in the pile and learn the magic behind turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil at one of our community Compost Hubs

Perfect for Compost Hub members, site partners, and anyone curious about composting, this workshop breaks down the basics in a simple, approachable, and interactive way. You’ll learn what makes a great compost pile, explore the stages of decomposition, and see how finished compost supports healthy soil and thriving plants.

Each workshop adapts to the site and group—sometimes we build or turn a pile, sift finished compost, or head into the garden to put that goodness to use.

Workshops run about 1.5–2 hours, and we provide everything you need: compost samples, greens and browns, tools, and take-home tips so you can keep the magic going at home or in your community.

Join us: Find a Get to Know Your Compost Hub Workshop near you by visiting our Events Calendar.

Become a Compost Hub Member: Learn more about our compost hubs and join a hub near you by visiting our Compost Hubs page.

3) Community Soil Health Resources

More in-person soil health offerings are coming in 2026 with the launch of the Magic Soil Bus! In the meantime, if you’re curious about your soil, please review these resources developed in collaboration with LA Compost and partners.

Compost and Soil Microscopy Mini-Course: This mini-course introduces soil ecology, microscope basics, and low-tech ways to assess compost and soil health. Click here.

Soil + Soul Healing Toolkit: Compost Issue: Developed after the 2025 Eaton Fire in LA County, this toolkit helps communities safely assess and remediate contaminated compost and soil. Click here.