Resources for communities developing organics collection or drop-off programs.  

Compostable products increase collection of organics and reduces contamination

Minnesota based NatureWorks LLC in partnership with Taco Time, the City of Seattle, Cedar Grove Composting, Ecotainer, Pactive, and WNA performed a case study showing the effectiveness of using compostable products in aiding in the diversion of more organic materials for composting.  

Through the project, Taco Time switched almost all of their products over to compostable items which not only significantly reduced contamination, but also confusion for its customers.  
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Read Taco Time's case study here.
The Organics Recycling Outreach Guide is a resource to be used voluntarily by waste educators both public and private statewide.  The guide was developed by the Association of Recycling Managers in coordination with stakeholders from around the Twin Cities Metro Region.  The use of the terminology included within is endorsed by all compost sites in Minnesota and several other organizations including the MNCC.
Eureka Recycling's Zero-Waste Composting Study
Zero-Waste Composting is a comprehensive approach to composting that requires we first make efforts to eat the food we buy, then compost as close to the source as possible, and only collect what is left. All of this is done to preserve and create soil, a rapidly depleting resource that our lives depend on.

The Soil Story
A video about the role of compost in combating climate change by sequestering carbon in soils. Click here.

Curb to Compost Toolkit
​How to include food scrap collection in an existing yard debris program.          
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Compostable Plastics Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to help determine if a compostable plastics program is appropriate for your organization and to guide in properly managing your compostable plastics.

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MNCC and ARM Model Backyard and Small Site Ordinance
A tool for local governing authorities to assist in determining appropriate regulations for backyard and small site composting in their community.

Minnesota Communities with Organics Recycling Programs

Organized Collection Cities:
Collect Organics Alone:Collect Organics with Yard Waste:Co-Collect Organics with Blue Bag Organics Program:
Open Hauling Cities - collection varies by hauler selected Drop-off Programs:

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.
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: