Compost Connector

Compost solutions for California farmers, vendors, and jurisdictions.

Rebates on compost for CA growers

As a result of Senate Bill 1383 implementation, California is ramping up compost production. Through Compost Connector, Zero Foodprint works with local jurisdictions to make the best use of this compost by directing it to farms and ranches where it can sequester carbon and promote healthy soil. 

If you’re a California farmer or rancher purchasing compost from an Zero Foodprint approved facility, you’re eligible to apply for Compost Connector. Here’s what to do:

  • It’s a short and sweet form, but it’s best to have some details about the compost you’re expected to purchase this season.

  • Once your application is submitted, you’ll need to sign a Compost Connector agreement, which will be sent to the email provided via DocuSign.

  • After the agreement is signed, we’ll give you access to a program portal. We’ll provide resources to walk you through how to make claims and secure rebates for your compost purchases.

ZFP Approved Facilities

Sample Invoice

Compost Connector FAQs

Resources for Vendors

If you’re a Zero Foodprint approved compost vendor and would like to learn more about how Compost Connector can help your customers receive financial assistance toward their compost purchase, click the link below.

Resources for Vendors

Resources for jurisdictions

Zero Foodprint works directly with farms and ranchers to source compost on behalf of jurisdictions. Compost Connector can help you easily meet SB 1383 ROWP procurement targets. Learn more and request a custom consult.

Resources for jurisdictions

Healthier soil for

A healthier planet

Adding compost to your soil can have a whole host of benefits, such as increased nutrient availability, water holding capacity, and carbon sequestration, just to name a few.

“I don’t know how to tell you how grateful we are! A normal farmer cannot have the money to get compost. It’s absolutely expensive, and farmers like us can’t afford to pay for all that. What you’re doing with Zero Foodprint grants and Compost Connector is my dream come true!”

Ofelia at Hummingbird Agrotek

You’ve got questions.
We’ve got answers.

  • Any California rancher or farmer growing food or beverage products for human consumption who is interested in purchasing compost procured from a Zero Foodprint-approved facility. Only compost orders placed after you have signed an agreement with Zero Foodprint are eligible to receive funds.

  • You must sign a Compost Connector agreement to access the program portal, where you can view available funding and reserve compost rebate credits.  If no credits are available, continue to check back since additional funding will become available throughout the year.

    After reserving your rebate credits, you have 30 days to purchase your compost and upload the required documentation.

    Once documentation is verified by our team and your funding request is approved, a rebate payment will be issued. Electronic payments take up to 3 weeks, while checks will arrive within 6-8 weeks.

  • Your funding will be a fixed dollar amount per ton of compost purchased, as reflected on your compost invoice. 

    The maximum amount of compost per rebate claim is 1,000 tons and there is a $20,000 funding maximum per year.

    We recognize that the rebate may not cover the full cost of compost, delivery, and spreading. We hope these rebates will encourage the use of compost and help offset its cost. Please see our Restore Grants for additional funding opportunities.

  • That’s fine! We use a ratio of 1 Ton to 2.5 Cubic Yards.

  • Yes. Once rebate credits are reserved, your compost purchase and claim submission must be made within 30 days.

  • You can claim rebate credits as many times as you'd like throughout the year, up to the $20,000 yearly rebate maximum. Once a claim has been created, you will have 30 days to submit your documentation before your funds expire. The program will stop accepting claims after Dec. 12th, 2025.

  • You can source any compost product from a vendor on our list of Compost Connector-approved facilities. The documentation you submit to receive your rebate must be on the letterhead of a facility on this list.

  • Only the amount of compost listed on your invoice will be eligible for funding. You can purchase additional products at the same time as your compost, but these will not be covered by the grant.

  • You should apply separately for each location and/or business entity. To receive funding, your compost purchase information must match your application's business/farm name and grower contact information.

  • Yes. You can view suggested compost application rates here.

    Please provide your most accurate estimate of how much compost you will purchase per claim. You’ll only receive funds based on the actual amount of compost purchased and all unused rebate credits will expire after 30 days, so there is no benefit in overestimating the quantity desired. For example, If you request 500 tons of rebate credits but only purchase 400 tons, your payment will be based on the 400 tons reflected on your compost invoice.

  • For 2025, Compost Connector has moved to a first come, first served rebate program. Your funding is not guaranteed until you have started a claim and reserved rebate credits in the program’s portal.

  • We’re happy to answer it. Please email us at compost@zerofoodprint.org