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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 Procedures
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.
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.
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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