Organics

Recommended disposal options

Check with your hauler or city

Check with your recycling hauler or city recycling coordinator to find out if there is curbside organics recycling service or drop-off locations available.

See a listing of cities where curbside or drop-off organics recycling services are offered.

Compost in your backyard

Some organic waste, including fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, plant trimmings and leaves can be composted in your backyard. Note that meat, bones, dairy, fats and oils cannot be composted in backyard bins. See the how to compost in your backyard factsheet (PDF) and learn about compost bins sold by Hennepin County.

Other disposal options

Hennepin County drop-off facilities

See restrictions and instructions below:

Drop-off facilities accept:

All food: fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and bones, dairy products, eggs and egg shells, pasta, bread, beans, rice, nuts and shells

Food-soiled paper: pizza boxes from delivery, napkins, paper towels, paper egg cartons

Certified compostable products: compostable paper and plastic cups, plates, bowls, utensils and containers; look for the the BPI logo or the term "compostable" on certified products

Other compostable household items: coffee grounds and filters, cotton balls and paper swabs, houseplant trimmings, wooden chopsticks, popsicle sticks and toothpicks

Locations

Fee

No charge

Drop-off limit

No more than five bags per person per day accepted. Events using Hennepin County’s event recycling containers can arrange to drop off more than five bags. Organics are accepted from Hennepin County residents and small businesses only.

Materials preparation

Organics must be in closed, BPI-certified compostable plastic bags. Look for the BPI Compostable logo.

Food soiled delivery pizza boxes do not need to be bagged.

Drop-off facilities do not accept:

No yard waste; diapers, diaper waste and sanitary products; animal waste, litter or bedding; cleaning or baby wipes; grease or oil; Styrofoam™; dryer lint and dryer sheets; recyclable items (cartons, glass, metal, paper, plastic); frozen food boxes; microwave popcorn bags; gum; fast food wrappers; products labeled "biodegradeable."

No plastic bags or wrap in organics recycling. Separate plastic bags and film to recycle. For recycling options, see Plastic bags and wrap.

Rethink and reduce

As much as 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted. Take steps to reduce food waste by planning carefully and only buying what you need, organizing your refrigerator and cupboards so you remember to use up food before it goes bad, using up leftovers, understanding the real meaning of use by and sell by dates, and learning how to properly store, freeze and preserve foods.

Green Disposal Guide