Announcing the Newly Elected MNCC Board Members

The MNCC Board of Directors welcomes Jon Klapperich and John Springman to the MNCC Board. We look forward to working with them over the next three years.
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Jon Klapperich
Jon Klapperich is the Program Manager at Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Waste Wise Foundation where he and the Waste Wise team work directly with Minnesota businesses to implement and improve their recycling programs. Jon and Waste Wise have been instrumental in getting hundreds of businesses the start-up funding they need to implement organics recycling activities. Jon has his master's degree in sustainable forestry and when he's not trying to get more people to recycle, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and playing baseball. 
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John Springman
John Springman works as a Supervisor in the Environmental Health Division at Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health where he has gained over 27 years of experiences working in solid waste related activities. John manages Ramsey County's Solid Waste Services program, which provides a variety of residential collection locations for yard waste, organics, household hazardous waste, pharmaceuticals, and sharps. He also manages waste hauling and recycling operations at all Ramsey County owned and leased spaces. John earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Environmental Service and Biology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. 

Thank You, Max Milinkovich

The MNCC Board would like to thank out-going Board member Max Milinkovich for his leadership and service to the Minnesota Composting Council and the compost industry. His knowledge and experience were valued by the MNCC Board of Directors and the Board is very happy Max has elected to continue as chair of the International Compost Awareness Week Committee. The Board looks forward to working with Max on that project.

Register your 2019 Spring Plate to Garden events today!

Yes, there's snow on the ground, but Spring is just around the corner. It isn't too soon to start planning a Spring Plate to Garden event or your non-profit, business, or school.

Take advantage of International Compost Awareness week and schedule your Plate to Garden during the week of May 5-11, 2019.

Visit the MNCC Plate to Garden page for more information.

Compost Operator Training - Save the Date: April 17, 2019

The MNCC is pulling together a third training for compost operators. It will be held on April 17, 2019 at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

When: Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Where: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Time: Tentatively 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

The agenda is being prepared and will be posted when available in early 2019. It will be a two-part agenda providing training for compost operators in the morning session. In the afternoon, we are working to bring in National Speakers on a variety of topics including phosphours issue, PFOA's in products brought to compost facilities, the latest findings in groundwater issues at compost facilities, and other topics as they can be arranged. Registrants will be able to register for the whole day or half of the day.

​If you wish to be a sponsor of the event, please contact the MNCC at compostmn@gmail.com.

Economic Impact Study

The MNCC is proud to present the Economic Impact Study of the Minnesota Compost Industry! Published in December 2018, this study dives into the composting world and takes a comprehensive look at the economic impact and economic growth potential of Minnesota's composting industry. With direct comparisons drawn between recent data and data gathered in the MNCC's 2014 Economic Impact Survey, these newly released results showcase the vibrant, growing compost industry in Minnesota.

Annual Meeting - Thank you!

Thank you to all who attended the MNCC's annual meeting on December 6, 2018.  
The MNCC welcomes suggestions from its members and perspective members on future workshop ideas, its legislative platform and policies, and items that would be helpful to improve the composting industry in Minnesota.  Please review our approved 2019 legislative policies and priorities and let us know your thoughts.  

We are happy to share some of our accomplishments in 2018 and priorities for 2019.

2018 MNCC Accomplishments 

  • Events:
    • January workshop on commercial organics
    • July Compost Operator Training (supported through a MPCA Environmental Assistance Grant)
  • Legislative activities:
    • ​Supported Governor's Bonding Bill funding to increase composting capacity
    • Opposed auxiliary container bills (HF3606, SF3135)
  • Education & Outreach:
    • Plate to Garden Compost events held throughout Minnesota
    • Promotion of International Compost Awareness Week
    • Assistance from Carver County's MN GreenCorps Member in 2017 - 2018 and 2018 - 2019
    • Applied for MPCA Environmental Assistance Grant to assist with Market Development work (will hear if awarded grant in Fall 2018)
  • Industry Support:
    • ​Updated letter that is sent to manufacturers, distributors and retailers regarding products with confusing or misleading labeling
    • Partnering with MnDOT to understand how best to help expand compost use
    • Partnering with MDA to educate composters on management of invasive species and noxious weeds
Join the MNCC today and help continue efforts to expand and support the composting industry in Minnesota!

Plate to Garden Compost

Plate to Garden Compost provides community organization, schools, and others the opportunity to raise money while educating citizens about the benefits of composting and using finished compost.
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For program details, past events, and pictures Click Here

Members Only Web Area

MNCC has launched a members only area of the website.  The first area added is a "Members Events" webpage.  Members will be able access reduced member registration rates for all MNCC workshops and trainings.

MNCC members were emailed an invite to create their own username and password to receive access to these pages.  If you did not see the email in your inbox, check your junk folder.  If you still aren’t seeing the email, send us an email at compostmn@gmail.com and we’ll help you troubleshoot the issue.
The MNCC would like to thank all our past sponsors

The Compost Story

The Compost Story involves a host of film stars urging citizens to compost. Much of the funding for the project came from members of the USCC after one of the founders, Finian Makepeace, introduced the project at COMPOST2017.
Share the video with others who may not understand the benefits of composting and using compost. For more, visit their website: kisstheground.com/thecompoststory

Join the movement


Become a member of the USCC and the MNCC and help us reduce the waste going to landfills!



What we do:

  • Compost Operator Trainings
  • Educational Workshops
  • Promote Pro-Composting Legislation
  • Develop Education Programs to Forward the Use of Compost

Get Involved



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Participate in a MNCC Committee 

To get involved, email compostmn@gmail.com.
Committees include:
  • International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW)
  • Legislative and Environmental Affairs
  • Plate to Garden Compost
  • Compostable Products
  • Market Development
  • Training and Events
  • Communications
  • Membership
If there's a topic you'd like the MNCC to consider forming a committee to discuss, please share it with us!

 Minnesota Composting in the News

October 12, 2018 - Hennepin County pushing forward with new organic waste ordinance
July 11, 2018 - Pope Douglas Organic Recycling Program Expanded
June 24, 2018 - Put waste in its place: Organics recycling program now available
April 5, 2018 - Minnesota Daily: State bills would prevent local governments from regulating to-go containers, enforcing ranked-choice voting
April 2, 2018 - Southwest Journal: Bill to nullify polystyrene ban draws opposition
April 1, 2018 - Duluth News Tribune: Local View: Legislators looking to -re-empt locals on packaging, health, environment
March 30, 2018 - Kare11: Lawmakers take on takeout containers
March 29, 2018 - MPR News: Local control v. statewide standard -- battle over preemption continues
March 9, 2018 - MinnPost: It's locals vs. the Legislature, round 2: The battle over pre-emption is back at Minnesota Capitol
2/10/2017 - MNR News: Plastics tech makes composting easier.  But will businesses get on board
2/9/2017 - Kare 11: MN researchers invent 'corn' tires
12/10/2016 - Southwest Journal: Food waste represents biggest recycling opportunity, study finds
11/26/2016 - Star Tribune: Hennepin County to give cities incentive to start organics recycling
11/11/2016 - Days of Operation for Northfield's Compost Site Extended
10/18/2016 - Fox 21: WLSSD Yard Waste Compost Site Expands Hours
9/28/2016 - MPR News: Can compost harm the environment?
9/12/2016 - CIty of Minneapolis: Organics recycling reaches 40 percent opt-in rate
7/11/2016 - Monitor: Organics recycling site opens in Como Park
7/11/2016 - Sun Patriot: County approves compost project
7/7/2016 - Recycling Today: Quest expands customer portfolio
7/3/2016 - ABC Newspapers: Recycling options: Organics are a resource, not a waste