Little Tokyo Compost Bin
Weekly on Fridays | 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Between JACCC & Little Tokyo Towers
Mottainai — “What a Waste!”
The Little Tokyo Compost Bin makes it easy for neighbors, businesses, and organizations to turn everyday kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Located between JACCC and Little Tokyo Towers, the program offers weekly Friday drop-off hours as well as an “Anytime Drop Off” option for those who need flexibility. Participants simply add their food waste to the first bin on the left (no plastic bags) and cover it with “browns” to support a healthy composting process.
Inspired by the Japanese principle of mottainai, an expression that conveys “what a waste!” and encourages mindful stewardship, this program is rooted in the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, with a fourth R: Respect — respect for the Earth, your community, yourself, and others. By composting together, we divert organic material from landfills and strengthen Little Tokyo’s culture of sustainability. Each contribution, big or small, nourishes our shared environment and keeps valuable resources local.
This effort is made possible through a strong community network. Azay Restaurant, Café Dulce, and other local businesses model sustainable kitchen practices. Cultural and civic organizations such as the Japanese American National Museum, Little Tokyo Service Center, and Union Church of Los Angeles actively participate. Residents from Casa Heiwa, Hikari Apartments, Little Tokyo Towers, Sakura Crossing, Teramachi Homes, and Tokyo Villa contribute regularly, demonstrating how collective action can turn a simple compost bin into a thriving neighborhood resource.
This program is supported, in part, by the Arts District/Little Tokyo Neighborhood Purposes Grant, and is done in collaboration with LA Compost and Sustainable Little Tokyo.
Interested in Learning Bokashi Composting?
Discover the Okinawan art of bokashi composting, a simple, low-odor method that uses a special fermenting additive to break down kitchen waste, including meat and dairy, into nutrient-rich soil and fertilizer for your plants. Join Hiro's Bokashi Workshop to learn the process step by step and start composting at home with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Compost Bin?
The Compost Bins are located off the pedestrian path between JACCC and the Little Tokyo Towers. Click here for a map of the location.
What can be added to the Compost Bin?
Accepted green items include: fruit and veggie scraps, rice, stale bread, coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, green leaves, and grass. Accepted brown items include mulch/wood chips, newspaper (shredded and uncoated), saw dust from untreated wood, old top soil, and brown leaves.
How should I add to the Compost Bin?
To add to the Compost Bin:
- Place your food waste into the first bin on the left, making sure not to use any plastic bags.
- Once your scraps are inside, cover them with a layer of “browns” from the container next to the bin.
These simple steps helps balance the compost, control odors, and keep the process healthy.
How does the “Anytime Drop Off” option work?
Email Emi Osaki, JACCC’s Community Arts Manager, at eosaki@jaccc.org to get access to the “Anytime Drop Off” bin and learn more details.