In the spirit of Earth Day, Portlanders are being treated to a generous helping of free, garden-friendly compost, courtesy of the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). Green-thumbed locals can haul home the nutrient-rich material on a first-come, first-served basis from the Sunderland Yard recycling facility, as announced by the city's transportation bureau.

The Sunderland Yard isn't just any old city facility it's a hub for recycling the byproducts of urban maintenance and a testament to Portland's commitment to sustainability, every year since its inception, the event has drawn community members together, reflecting the city's environmental ethos and PBOT's innovative waste management strategies which transform collected leaves into compost, break down concrete and asphalt into gravel, sift through dirt for reuse, and repurpose sand from wintry roadway emergencies.

Marking its sixth consecutive year, the Free Compost Days event aligns with a broader citywide agenda to reduce landfill waste and decrease the material costs associated with maintenance and construction works. PBOT ensures valuable resources are not squandered; instead, they're repurposing them in ways that benefit both the environment and the city's bottom line.

Those looking to enrich their gardens and outdoor spaces with the high-quality compost must act swiftly; the city's initiative has been met with enthusiasm in previous years, and supplies are expected to go quickly, it's a remarkable chance for residents to participate directly in the city's sustainability efforts, get their hands dirty, and literally lay the groundwork for a greener Portland.