Santa Monica

The City of Santa Monica distributes compost bins, along with a comprehensive and accessible reference book, for the discounted price of $25 (plus tax) to residents ($35 for non-residents). For more information or to request a composting bin, please call the Solid Waste Management Division at (310) 458-2223. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays.

In the coming days I will find out which composters Santa Monica is selling. 

Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles had a couple of bins.  After more than ten years using them, I cannot say enough about the Earth Machine.  This thing is great.  At the size and shape of an upside-down trash can, it looks deceptively small for what it can do.  In the unlikely event you should fill one up, you can check it two days later and you'll have more capacity.  Worms work well with the Earth Machine.  Air circulates well and although in compost it always helps to turn the pile once in awhile, the Earth Machine is extremely low maintenance.  Best of all, for City of Los Angeles residents, the Earth Machine can be had for a mere $20.