Organics recycling is another opportunity to significantly reduce trash. About one-third of what we throw away is organic material, such as food scraps and non-recyclable paper. By turning organics into compost, they become a nutrient-rich soil amendment useful for landscaping, gardening, and road construction projects.
Organics are accepted Tuesday through Saturday at Hennepin County drop-off facilities in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington. More information is available online on the Green Disposal Guide.
Materials accepted in organics recycling:
All food
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish and bones
- Dairy products
- Eggs and egg shells
- Bakery and dry goods
Food-soiled paper
- Napkins, paper towels and tissues
- Pizza boxes from delivery
- Paper egg cartons
Certified compostable products
- Compostable paper and plastic cups, plates, bowls, utensils and containers. Look for the BPI or Cedar Grove logos or the term "compostable" on certified products.
Other compostable household items
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Hair and nail clippings
- Cotton balls and swabs with paper stems
- Houseplants and flowers
- Tea bags
- Wooden items such as chopsticks, Popsicle sticks and toothpicks
Materials NOT accepted in organics recycling:
- Yard waste
- Diapers and sanitary products
- Animal and pet waste
- Litter or bedding
- Cleaning or baby wipes
- Grease or oil
- Styrofoam
- Dryer sheets and lint
- Recyclable items (cartons, glass, metal, paper, plastic)
- Frozen food boxes
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Gum
- Products labeled "biodegradable"
