Organics Collection & Drop-Off Programs


​Organics collection and drop-off programs take organics to a commercial composting facility to be processed. These facilities are able to accept a wider variety of materials than you can compost at home. Collection and drop-off programs can accept all foods (including meat, bones, and dairy products), food-soiled and non-recyclable papers, compostable plastics, and other household items.

​Visit our "What is Compostable?" section to learn more about what goes in the organics bin.

Video Resources

Check out this video from Ramsey county about collecting food scraps and dropping them off at drop-off sites!

"What happens to the organics I place in the cart for collection from my home?"

Watch this video from the MPCA about Large-Scale Composting to find out!  

Minnesota Communities with Organics Recycling Programs

Organized Collection Cities:
Collect Organics Alone: Collect Organics with Yard Waste:​
Co-Collect Organics with Blue Bag/Green Bag Organics Program:
Drop-Off Programs:
Open Hauling Cities - Collection varies by hauler selected
  • Bloomington
  • Chanhassen
  • Chaska
  • Eden Prairie​
  • Minnetonka
  • Orono
  • Pope / Douglas Counties
  • Shorewood
  • Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (commercial)

Curbside Pick-Ups Programs Coming Soon
  • Ramsey / Washington Counties – Late 2022 - Early 2023
  • Grant County – commercial organics and drop sites starting in 2022
  • Stevens County – commercial organics and drop sites starting in 2022
  • Otter Tail County – commercial organics and drop sites starting in 2022
  • Glacial Ridge Compost Facility
For information on access to a curbside organics collection program, contact your City or County recycling coordinator.

How to Set-Up an Organics Drop-Off Program

1. Find a location for the drop-off site. Existing recycling drop-off sites are recommended.

2. Find a hauler and compost site.  In some cases, the compost site may also haul organics to their compost facility.
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3. Receive approval to open the site.  Drop-offs can be paired with:
​4. Get residents to participate!  Use the Organics Recycling Outreach Guide to make sure you're using proper terminology and are identifying the correct materials that are accepted at organics recycling composting facilities in Minnesota.
  • Some drop-off programs charge fees for participation; others do not.
  • Some drop-off programs are only open during designated hours (ex. those at transfer stations or PBR yard waste composting sites); participants at others can use the site at their own convenience.
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For more information or to get the Limited Solid Waste Collection Services Transfer Facility Permit application, go to the MPCA's website: