Free itemsFree (worth about $10)
Free dog or cat food at San Diego Humane Society (Gaines St)
Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
San Diego Humane Society, San Diego CampusCentral San Diego
Verified Oct 22 · sdhumane.org
No catch
Free stuff in San Diego
Free things you can take home and keep.
Free to join: unlock how to get each one, the official links and tips.Join free
Tomorrow 2 listings
Free items
Free mulch pickup at Ramona Disposal (City of Escondido program)
Mon–Sat, 7am–4:30pm; closed Sundays
Ramona DisposalNorth County Inland
Verified Oct 22 · City of Escondido
Catch: Self-load only: bring your own containers and shovel
This weekend 2 listings
Free items
Free electronic signal flare for boaters (Shelter Island)
Sat, Oct 24, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shelter Island Boat Ramp Parking LotCentral San Diego
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: One per vehicle, while supplies last · Bring proof of eligibility (residency, boat registration or slip fee) · No commercial flares
Free items
Free mulch and paper shredding in Ramona
Sat, Oct 24, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ramona High SchoolNorth County Inland
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: Unincorporated County residents only · Ends early if it reaches capacity
Coming up 2 listings
Free items
Free compost giveaway: Boo to Bloom
Sat, Oct 31, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Los Peñasquitos Ranch HouseNorth County Inland
Verified Oct 21 · City of San Diego
Catch: The city's page links to Eventbrite to register; sign up to be safe
Free items
Free compost pickup in Chula Vista
Sat, Nov 14, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Otay Sustainability ParkSouth Bay
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: Bring your own buckets, shovel and tarp · Eligibility isn't stated; bring proof of address to be safe
Always free 10 listings
Free itemsFree (worth about $10)
Free pet food in Sherman Heights, 2nd Wednesday monthly
2nd Wednesday of each month, 9–11am
Sherman Heights Community CenterCentral San Diego
Verified Oct 22 · sdhumane.org
No catch
Free items
Free Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl test strips
Ongoing; hours vary by site
Pickup sites and vending machines countywide
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: A brief few-minute training is recommended · Pharmacy pickup may have a copay; the free sites don't
Free items
Free garden seeds from library seed libraries
Ongoing, while supplies last
Participating San Diego Public Library branchesCentral San Diego
Verified Oct 21 · City of San Diego
Catch: Limited to what each branch has on hand · Rules vary by branch; some require signing up in person (Pacific Beach: up to 6 packets per season)
Free items
Free compost and mulch for Oceanside residents
Mon–Fri 7:30am–5pm, Sat 8am–4pm; closed Sundays
El Corazon Compost FacilityLa Jolla & North Coastal
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: City of Oceanside residents only
Free items
Free compost for Solana Beach residents
Mon–Thu 8am–3pm
Solana Beach Public Works YardLa Jolla & North Coastal
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: City of Solana Beach residents only · Bring your own container
Free items
Free street tree planted for Santee residents
Ongoing; request by phone
City of SanteeEast County
Verified Oct 22 · City of Santee
Catch: Santee residents with a parkway strip in front of their house · You water the tree · Not every parkway is suitable
Free items
Free street tree for your parkway (City of San Diego)
Ongoing; request online
Your parkway (City of San Diego)Central San Diego
Verified Oct 21 · City of San Diego
Catch: City of San Diego addresses only · You agree to water it for three years · Driveways, corners and hydrants can limit placement
Free items
Borrow a free Wi-Fi hotspot or Chromebook from the library
Ongoing; 30-day loans
San Diego Public Library branchesCentral San Diego
Verified Oct 21 · City of San Diego
Catch: Library card in good standing required (Student EXCEL cards can't borrow hotspots) · Under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign the agreement · First come, first served; no renewals · Fees apply if lost or damaged
Free items
Free trees for your yard (unincorporated San Diego County)
Ongoing through 2030; apply online
County Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program (pick up after approval)East County
Verified Oct 21 · San Diego County
Catch: Unincorporated County property owners only · Tree care workshop or online training required · Report planting and tree health for three years
Free items
Free compost and mulch at the Miramar Greenery
Ongoing; call 858-694-7000 to confirm availability that day
Miramar Greenery (Miramar Landfill)Central San Diego
Verified Oct 21 · City of San Diego
Catch: City of San Diego residents only; bring proof of residency · Up to 2 cubic yards, self-loaded · Bring your own shovel, container and tarp; loads must be covered