Organics Collection & Drop-Off Programs
Organics collection and drop-off programs transport organics to a commercial composting facility for processing. These facilities can accept a wider variety of materials than you can compost at home.
Collection and drop-off programs take a wide range of materials, including all types of food (such as meat, bones, and dairy products), as well as food-soiled and non-recyclable papers, compostable plastics, and other household items.
Visit the “Start Small” page to learn more about what can be placed in the organics bin.
Organics Recycling Drop-Off Site Locator Map
Wondering what organics recycling drop-off sites are closest to you? The MNCC created a locator map to help Minnesotans find information and opportunities for organics recycling closest to their homes or businesses.
This resource is ever evolving as Minnesota’s organics programs grow and is being regularly updated. If a program is missing, please email compostmn@gmail.com with a link to the program so it can be added quickly to the map.
Not in Minnesota? Reach out to your city, county or state, or search online to find organics programs near you.
Find my composting program
Communities with Organics Recycling Programs
City Resources:
- Lake Park, MN
- Audubon, MN
- Detroit Lakes, MN (3 sites)
- Detroit Township at the Becker County Solid Waste Campus
Mankato (North Mankato and Lake Crystal)
- Chanhassen – Feed My Starving Children
- Cologne – Bountiful Basket Food Shelf
- Waconia – Gather & Grow Food Shelf
- Watertown
- Victoria
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:
- Permitted sites: Contact your MPCA permit engineer.
- PBR facilities: Complete the Source Separated Organic Materials Transfer Facility PBR Notification Form.
- Limited solid waste collection services transfer facility: Send facility information as required (see Source separated organic material collections sites (w-sw3-57) to county and request the county to submit a letter to the MPCA containing the information, along with a statement that the facility is necessary due to limited availability of SSOM collection. Submit electronically to organicsdropsites.pca@state.mn.us.
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.
For more information or to get the Limited Solid Waste Collection Services Transfer Facility Permit application, go to the MPCA’s website: Source Separated Organic Materials Collections Sites Fact Sheet.
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!