In an organics composting program, all types of food scraps can be collected. A hauler picks up the organics and delivers it to a commercial composting facility where it is turned into compost, a nutrient-rich soil amendment used to improve soils and prevent soil erosion and runoff.
Here is a list of organics that are suitable 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 out of the organics container:
- Cartons
- Refrigerator/freezer boxes
- Plastic items
- Diapers
- Recyclables (glass, paper, metal, plastic)
- Trash
Haulers for commercial composting
Most waste haulers in Dakota County offer organics collection services for commercial accounts. Refer to the
Commercial Recycling Service Providers list to see which haulers offer organics collection.
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) like the kitchen to simplify the program. Organics collection in other areas where they are generated, such as cafeterias, can be considered if students and staff are able to properly sort on a consistent basis and keep contaminants out of the organics container.
Place labeled containers together
Place containers designated for organics next to trash containers. Containers should look different than trash and recycling containers. If possible, choose green containers or lids.
Label each organics container following County Labeling Requirements to indicate organics, include images and, where applicable, preparation instructions. Color-code labels using the standardized organics color (green). Use our free labels.
Collect organics for composting in bags that are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) and have 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
Expand to student areas
The cafeteria or other areas where students eat meals is often a large source of food waste. Add a sorting area that includes organics collection bins for students to scrape their leftovers. Consider ways to reduce the number of compostable bags being used to save money and resources, such as shared hallway collection stations or smaller collection containers (e.g., bus tubs) that don't require use of a bag.
Train staff and students regularly
Educate students (if they sort) and employees, including teachers, food service, and housekeeping/cleaning staff and contractors, about organics collection, including what can and cannot be placed into the organics container and how to set up a successful program. Schools that collect organics for commercial composting must follow County Education Requirements for what to cover in training and how frequently to provide it.
Get help
Schools in Dakota County can get free containers, labels, educational resources and technical assistance.