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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
- Reduce Your Wasted Food Challenge
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Reduce Your Wasted Food Challenge will help give you tools to track wasted food at home, prevent waste (by repurposing leftovers and food scraps), and save money. Sign-up here to join the Washington County team.
- 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.
Step 3 – Bring bagged food scraps to a drop-off site
Visit a county site during normal operating hours for self-serve drop-off. Replacement bags are available. To ensure there are enough bags for everyone, please only take the number of bags you drop off.
Drop-off Locations in Washington County
Environmental Center
4039 Cottage Grove Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129
Tues: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thur: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
5527 170th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038
Wednesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (or dusk)
Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Search the Disposal Directory to find more drop-off locations outside of Washington County.
Environmental Center
4039 Cottage Grove Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129
Hours
Tues: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thur: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Washington County Northern Yard Waste Site
5527 170th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038
Summer Hours: April - November
Wednesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (or dusk)
Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.
Winter Hours: December - March
Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Search the Disposal Directory to find more drop-off locations outside of Washington County.
Yes - Accepted Items
Food
- Fruit and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and bones
- Dairy products
- Eggs and egg shells
- Bread, pasta, beans, and rice
- Nuts and shells
- Coffee grounds, filters, and tea bags
- Animal and pet food
Non-recyclable paper
- Paper towels, napkins and tissues
- Pizza delivery boxes
- Paper egg cartons
- Dirty paper bags
Certified compostable products
- Certified compostable paper and plastic cups, plates, bowls, utensils, and containers
- Look for the BPI logo to ensure it is compostable
No - Not Accepted
- Diapers
- Cleaning or baby wipes
- Yard waste
- Animal and pet waste, litter, or bedding
- Dead animals
- Dryer lint and dryer sheets
- Recyclable items (cartons, glass, metal, paper, plastic)
- Frozen food boxes
- Styrofoam
- Rubber
- Wood
Quick Tips for Storage and Transport
- Use a rigid tote or pail to transport bags
Compostable bags start to break down sooner than you think. Using a rigid container that can be emptied and returned helps avoid spills and leaks in your vehicle. - Avoid plastic bags
Plastic bags are not accepted – they are very difficult to empty and frequently too dirty to recycle. If you don’t have a tote, try using a paper grocery bag instead. They should hold up for the trip and are compostable. - Freeze it
While it isn’t necessary, if you’re concerned about odors during transport, you can always freeze your bags. - Seal it
If you’re worried about pests, try using a 5-gallon pail with a tight seal or a galvanized steel can with locking lid, and always keep it stored in a cool dry place.
Contact us
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Email
Ph: 651-275-7475
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