Food scraps and food-soiled paper make up a quarter of our garbage. Instead of going to waste, food waste can be treated as a resource. Residents have the option of backyard or worm composting, and some have curbside organics recycling along with their regular recycling service. Businesses can donate excess food or send it to composting or food-to-animal programs. 

For more information

Compost is a valuable resource used in landscaping and road construction projects. Using compost helps to:

  • Replenish soils.
  • Reduce soil erosion.
  • Prevent polluted stormwater runoff from contaminating wetlands, lakes and streams.
  • Prevent climate change by capturing carbon dioxide and preventing methane generated when food is landfilled.

For more about organics recycling, see our information for:

Learn more by watching our video about what's compostable in each room of your home.

Organics accepted for drop off 

County residents and small businesses can now drop off their organics recycling for free at the Brooklyn Park Drop-off Facility. More information is available on the A to Z How-to-Get-Rid-of-It Guide. 

Other resources