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.
Add collection service
Most waste haulers in Dakota County offer organics collection services for commercial accounts like schools. Refer to the Setting up Recycling and Trash 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:
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.
Label containers
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 and 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, educational resources and technical assistance.