Dakota County residents can drop off organics at two sites as a free, convenient and easy way to manage organics and reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill.
Locations
Sign up
Call 952-891-7557 or email organics@co.dakota.mn.us.
You’ll receive a welcome kit with a free container label, compostable bags and details on how to recycle organics. You’ll also receive the access code to enter the locked drop-off location.
Start collecting
You can use any container to collect organics in your house.
- Reuse a container like an ice cream bucket, coffee container or yogurt tub
- Purchase a countertop organics container at local stores or online
Line your container with a paper bag or certified compostable bag, just make sure it has the BPI or Cedar Grove logo — they’re available for free at the drop site.
Take your bagged organics to a drop site near you. Use your access code for the enclosure and place your bag in the dumpster. Take a free certified compostable bag and start collecting again.
Accepted
- All food, food scraps, peels, pits, etc.
- Coffee grounds, filters and teabags
- Paper towels, napkins and tissues
- Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
- Paper egg cartons
- Certified compostable products: Items with the BPI or Cedar Grove certified compostable logo on the product or packaging
- Hair and fur
- Popsicle sticks and toothpicks
- Houseplant trimmings and flowers
Not accepted
- Yard waste including pumpkins and garden plants
- Plastic bags
- Pet waste, litter or bedding
- Fast food wrappers
- Frozen food boxes
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Paper plates, bowls and cups without BPI or Cedar Grove certification
- Single-serve coffee pods (i.e., K-Cups® )
See a more detailed list of acceptable and unacceptable items.
Organics collected will be taken to a local commercial compost facility where it will be turned into compost, a nutrient-rich soil additive. Because it is delivered to a commercial facility, meat, dairy, and fruits and vegetable scraps are accepted. Compost improves soil quality, reduces erosion and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers.
Buying compostable products
Disposable foodservice ware is often used at parties and celebrations. Opt for certified-compostable bowls, cups, utensils and plates and drop them off with your food scraps.
Always look for the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or Cedar Grove logo on each product or on the box they came in. These are the only products that have been tested to break down at a commercial compost site. Don’t be fooled by products marketed as “degradable”, “biodegradable,” or “made from plants."
Find local vendors of compostable bags and foodservice ware.
