Rolling Hills Addresses Its Rural and Equestrian Composting Needs

Certified Master Composter Kelly Cisneros explains to Rolling Hills community members the ratio of carbon-rich materials (browns) and nitrogen-rich materials (greens) required for a healthy compost pile at a recent workshop.

The City of Rolling Hills recently collaborated with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to host a workshop where residents experienced hands-on training from a Certified Master Composter. The residents learned about composting basics and its environmental benefits, as well as locally specific topics, such as whether composting horse manure or tainted hay is possible. Eager participants filled City Hall chambers for the event.

“Composting hasn’t traditionally been a staple in Rolling Hills, so it’s been inspiring to see residents come together to learn and collaborate with each other to these new skills to help the environment,” said Samantha Crew, a management analyst for the City of Rolling Hills, who worked with SBCCOG staff to organize the workshop.

Participants will receive two free 80-gallon compost bins and two stainless steel kitchen pails with odor-blocking charcoal filters to kick-start their home composting efforts.

CalRecycle funds the program for cities in its territory to support the implementation of organic waste management education. Initially, Rolling Hills hesitated to accept the grant due to limited resources to implement the program, but staffing assistance offered by the SBCCOG made it possible.

“The workshops mark a promising step toward greener waste practices—proving that even small communities can make a big environmental impact,” said Kim Fuentes, deputy executive director at the SBCCOG and lead for its Environmental Services Center. “We’re very pleased to help Rolling Hills create a program that benefits the community and the environment.”

The city is planning one more workshop in October. Interested Rolling Hills residents may add their names to a workshop interest list at southbaycities.org/waste, enabling them to receive two free compost bins and kitchen pails. •