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Food Scraps (Organics) Drop-off
Organic material makes up 25% - 35% of what we throw away. When you participate in the food scraps drop-off program, your food waste and non-recyclable paper products will be recycled into compost at a commercial compost facility. Compost is a valuable resource that improves soil, reduces erosion, and decreases the need for fertilizers.
COVID-19 Updates
Food scraps drop-off is now self-serve! Please follow the new safety procedures:
- Remain in your vehicle while waiting.
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other customers.
- Please wear a face covering during drop-off.
Starter kit pick-up has resumed. The following changes have been made to pick-up procedures:
- Please stay in your vehicle - no exceptions.
- Through a cracked window, let staff know your name and that you signed up for a starter kit.
- Kit will be placed in your trunk or cargo bed, not in the passenger area.
- Staff are wearing face covering for your protection. We strongly encourage you to do the same.
The pandemic caused uncertainty in 2020 for many businesses, including the compost facility that manages food scraps from Washington County’s drop-off sites. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is working with this compost facility to ensure that their operations have returned to pre-COVID capacity. For more information from the MPCA, click here.
Food Resources
- Food Saving Tips: How to reduce food waste
How to Get Started
Step 1 – Sign up online and pick up a free starter kit!
Starter kits include a 2 gallon kitchen pail and 10 compostable bags. Kits are available to Washington County residents only. Limit 1 kit per household. Must be picked up at the Environmental Center or the Northern Yard Waste Site.Step 2 – Start collecting food scraps at home
- See the Frequently Asked Questions for details on what is and is not accepted.
- Collect food scraps in a compostable bag inside of your kitchen pail and tie off the bag when full. Be sure to review the list of accepted items.
- If using a bag not provided by the county, check that it has the “compostable” logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) on the bag or the box.