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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 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 below.
- 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 the Mahtomedi drop-off site located behind the Mahtomedi Fire Station
This self-serve drop-off is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless otherwise noted. Replacement bags are available. To ensure there are enough bags for everyone, please only take the number of bags you drop off.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
For more information on this and other Washington County programs, visit www.co.washington.mn.us/foodscraps.