Food Scraps (Organics) Drop-off

Organic material makes up 30% 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.

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, Northern Yard Waste Site or Mahtomedi City Hall.

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 Sites
Accepted Items
Quick Tips
Reduce Food Waste

Drop-off Locations: Open To All Residents

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.

The food scraps drop-off at the Environmental Center has moved to a new and improved location. Customers dropping off food scraps no longer need to use the Environmental Center drive lane. Simply enter through the food scraps gates and follow directional signage carefully.