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School Recycling & Disposal
 
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Environmental Resources
952-891-7557
schoolrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us

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Organics Collection in Schools

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​Most schools are required to collect food scraps in back-of-house (non-public areas).​

In an organics collection program, all types of food scraps are accepted. A hauler picks up and delivers it to a commercial composting facility. Items collected are turned into compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment used to improve soils and prevent soil erosion and runoff.

Here is a minimum list of materials that must be collected for commercial composting:

  • Bakery and dry goods
  • Coffee grounds
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs and eggshells
  • Meat, fish and bones
  • Produce/fruits and vegetables

Keep these items on the Designated List of Contaminants out of the organics container.

Graphic showing the cycle of food to food scraps to collection to compost to growing.Add co​llection s​ervice

Most waste haulers in Dakota County offer organics collection services for commercial accounts like schools.​ Refer to the Setting up​ Recycling an​d Tra​sh Services list and call to confirm which haulers offer organics collection. 

You can also drop off your food scraps at a commercial compost site. Call first to verify fees, hours and materials accepted:

  • The Mulch Store, 651-423-4401, 16454 Blaine Ave. E., Rosemount
  • Dakota Prairie Composting, 612-233-9191, 12386 Chestnut Blvd., Shakopee

Some haulers collect food by-products — used cooking grease and oils as well as fatty animal by-products — for rendering at specialized facilities.

Setting up an organics program

Take the following steps to ensure that the organics collected at your school is clean and free of contamination.

Focus on​​ back-of-house collection first

Collect food scraps from back-of-house areas (non-public), including kitchen prep areas, dishwashing and storage areas. Back-of-house collection of food scraps is required for most schools.

Food scraps collection in other areas, like cafeterias, can be considered if they can be sorted correctly. Contaminants must be kept out of organics containers. Before expanding to student areas, evaluate opportunities to serve food or beverages in bulk and use reusable products. This can save money on product and hauling costs and help reduce contamination.

BPI logo.Label con​​tainers

Containers should look different than trash and recycling containers. If possible, choose green containers and lids.

Label each organics container following County Labeling Requirements. Schools are encouraged to use our free labels.

Collect organics in Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)-certified composable bags.  Look for the BPI logo on the product or packaging. Find a local vendor of compostable bags and products. 

Public schools are eligible to purchase compostable bags and products with state contract pricing:

Certified Compostable Bags State Contract
Certified Compostable Products State Contract ​

Educate staff an​​d students

Schools that collect organics for commercial composting must provide standardized organics education at least once a year.  Follow County Education Requirements. ​

Get help

Schools in Dakota County can get free containers, labels, educa​tional resources and technical assistance.

Last updated: 6/25/2025 8:28 AM

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