Food Items

Both organics and unopened, non-perishable food items have options beyond of the landfill! Learn more at the drop-downs below.

Non-Perishables 

Please note that these options apply to UNOPENED non-perishable food items.

UCSB Associated Students Food Bank

Donate your unopened, non-perishable food items to the campus pantry or collection bins.

DONATION DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:

  • Collection Bin #1: UCSB's Education Abroad Program office
  • Collection Bin #2: El Centro
  • Food Pantry (during business hours): University Center on the second floor

In addition to non-perishables, the AS Food Bank also accepts unopened toiletries and Student Dependent Program Items (diapers, baby formula, infant wipes).

Learn more about the food bank HERE.

 

IVCSD Free Donation Pick-Up Service

If you have non-perishable, unopened food items that you would like to donate, you can use our free Donation Pick-Up Service! We'll collect your items directly from your doorstep and deliver them to local organizations. Find more information about the program HERE or fill out the Google Form below to schedule a pick-up time. 

 

Organics 

Compost your organics (food scraps) with the Isla Vista Compost Collective! Learn more about the program HERE.

Find a map of drop-off locations and compost guidelines below.

 

 

✅ What You Can Compost

  • Food Scraps
    • Fruits and vegetables (peels, cores, and scraps)
    • Grains, rice, and pasta
    • Bread and baked goods (without butter or frosting)
    • Coffee grounds and paper filters
    • Tea leaves and paper tea bags (with staples removed)
    • Eggshells
  • Plant-Based Materials
    • Yard trimmings (grass clippings, leaves, and small branches)
    • Cut flowers
    • Houseplant trimmings

 

🚫 What You Cannot Compost

  • Animal Products
    • Meat, fish, and poultry
    • Bones
    • Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)
  • Oily or Greasy Foods
    • Foods cooked in oil or grease
    • Salad dressings or sauces
  • Non-Compostable Materials
    • Plastic, metal, and glass
    • Paper with wax, plastic, or glossy coatings
    • Styrofoam
    • Synthetic fabrics
  • Other Waste
    • Pet waste or litter
    • Diapers or sanitary products
    • Large wood pieces
  • Compostable Packaging
    • Items labeled "Certified Compostable" (e.g., utensils, plates, and cups)

 

❗Most Commonly Found Unaccepted Items

Please take extra care to remove these items from your food scrap donations:

  • Produce stickers on bananas, avocados, and other peels
  • Twist ties on produce
  • Rubber bands on produce