Hello, and thank you for your question. I don't think UME Extension offices offer free compost bins, but you can ask. Here is the link for the Baltimore City Extension office, and this is the link for the Baltimore County Extension office. The email and phone numbers are at the bottom of the pages. 

I also asked an AI chatbot your question, and here is the response:

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) provides extensive education, Master Gardener advice, and workshops on home composting, but they do not directly distribute free or subsidized compost bins to Baltimore City residents as a general ongoing program (unlike a few specific rural MD counties, like Charles County).

However, there are low-cost, DIY, and local community alternatives available to Baltimore residents looking to start composting:

1. Baltimore County / Regional Annual Sales

If you live near or are on the border of Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Department of Public Works hosts an annual Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale (typically held in spring). They offer stationary bins and tumblers at a heavily discounted rate compared to retail.

• How to obtain: Keep an eye on the Baltimore County Solid Waste Management site each spring to pre-order bins for local pickup.

2. DIY Low-Cost Options (Recommended by UME)

University of Maryland Extension frequently recommends building a functional, low-cost bin yourself rather than buying an expensive commercial unit:

• 5-Gallon Bucket System: Drill $1/4$-inch aeration holes around the sides and bottom of a standard 5-gallon hardware store bucket (often under$5).
• Hardware Cloth / Wire Mesh Bin: Form a cylinder out of 1/2-inch hardware cloth mesh secured with zip ties. This creates an open-air enclosure that costs around $15–$20 and decomposes yard waste and food scraps quickly.
• Plastic Tote Bin: Buy a dark 18- to 30-gallon plastic storage tote, drill aeration holes along the top lid and sides, and set up a basic vermicomposting (worm) or standard backyard bin.

3. Baltimore City Drop-Off & Scrap Pick-Up Alternatives

If maintaining an active backyard bin isn't ideal for your space, Baltimore offers several neighborhood initiatives for food scrap management:

• B'more Food Scraps Drop-Off Locations: Baltimore City runs free drop-off sites where you can bring household food scraps. Locations include the Western Sanitation Yard, the Quarantine Road Landfill, the UMB Campus Center drop-off, and several local farmers' markets (such as the Govans Farmers Market / Loyola Community Compost Bin).
• Baltimore Free Farm: Offers community composting programs where residents can bring food scraps in reusable containers or 5-gallon buckets during scheduled drop-off hours.
• Curbside Pickup Services: Services like Compost Crew or the Baltimore Compost Collective (a local youth-empowered social enterprise) offer residential collection services where they provide you with a sealed collection bucket for a small monthly fee.

Next Steps with UME

To get technical assistance, soil testing advice, or step-by-step guidance on balancing nitrogen ("greens") and carbon ("browns"):

1. Visit the University of Maryland Extension Home & Garden Information Center (HGIC) online.
2. Reach out to the Baltimore City Master Gardeners through UME for local workshops, virtual seminars, and direct advice on pest-proofing your backyard bin setup.

Notice: AI-assisted response provided by Extension for educational purposes only. Verify local regulations and product labels before taking action. Consult a licensed specialist for specific medical, legal, or commercial advice.