Isla Vista Compost Collective (IVCC) is a student-led initiative focused on providing access to composting in the Isla Vista community. Our mission is to promote sustainable waste management by diverting organic waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable soil amendments. 

We offer a reliable and free composting service to Isla Vista residents, who can drop off their source-separated food scraps at our community composting sites. Our team then transforms the waste into high-quality compost, which we provide as a free organic fertilizer for community gardens. Our initiative is closing the local food loop, producing fresh produce to nourish the community, while preserving essential nutrients through composting. Our commitment to sustainable and circular practices benefits both the environment and the community.

Organic waste generates harmful greenhouse gasses and toxic leachate when sent to landfills. However, composting can help reduce methane emissions, support healthy soil ecosystems, and enhance the nutritional value of food- leading to more self-reliant and healthy communities.

Since our establishment in 2017, we have diverted over 70,000 pounds of food scraps from the landfill through community composting and education. By partnering with local organizations and expanding our outreach efforts, we aim to continue to increase our impact and inspire others to join us in the pursuit of sustainable resource recovery, reduction and management. 

Interested in learning how you can utilize this service?

Interested in more ways to get involved?

Stay up to date on upcoming workshops, social events, food drives, and more using the resources here!