Food Scraps Drop-off
20% of our trash is food waste. When you participate in the food scraps drop-off program, your food waste and non-recyclable paper products are turned into finished compost in just six months at an industrial compost facility. Compost is a valuable resource that improves soil, reduces erosion, and decreases the need for fertilizers.
How to Get Started
Step 1 – Sign up online and pick up a free starter kit!
Starter kits include a 2 gallon kitchen pail and 10 compostable bags. Kits are available to Washington County residents only. Limit 1 kit per household. Must be picked up at the Environmental Center, Northern Yard Waste Site or Mahtomedi City Hall.Step 2 – Start collecting food scraps at home
- See the Frequently Asked Questions for details on what is and is not accepted.
- If using a bag not provided by the county, check that it has the “compostable” logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) on the bag or the box.
Step 3 – Bring bagged food scraps to a drop-off site
Visit a county site during normal operating hours for self-serve drop-off. Replacement bags are available. To ensure there are enough bags for everyone, please only take the number of bags you drop off.
Environmental Center
4039 Cottage Grove Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129
Thur: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
5527 170th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038
Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.
Search the Disposal Directory to find more drop-off locations outside of Washington County.
4039 Cottage Grove Dr., Woodbury, MN 55129
Hours
Tues: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.Thur: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Northern Yard Waste Site
5527 170th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038Summer Hours: April - November
Wednesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (or dusk)Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.
Winter Hours: December - March
Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Mahtomedi Site
800 Stillwater Rd., Mahtomedi, MNHours
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless otherwise noted.Search the Disposal Directory to find more drop-off locations outside of Washington County.
Yes - Items Accepted
Food
- Fruit and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and bones
- Dairy products
- Eggs and eggshells
- Bread, pasta, beans, and rice
- Nuts and shells
- Coffee grounds, filters, and tea bags
- Animal and pet food
Non-recyclable paper
- Paper towels, napkins and tissues
- Pizza delivery boxes
- Paper egg cartons
- Dirty paper bags
Certified compostable products
- Certified compostable paper and plastic cups, plates, bowls, utensils, and containers
- Look for the BPI logo to ensure it is compostable
No - Items Not Accepted
- Diapers
- Cleaning or baby wipes
- Yard waste
- Animal and pet waste, litter, or bedding
- Dead animals
- Dryer lint and dryer sheets
- Recyclable items (cartons, glass, metal, paper, plastic)
- Frozen food boxes
- Styrofoam
- Rubber
- Wood
Quick Tips for Storage and Transport
- Use a rigid tote or pail to transport bags
Compostable bags start to break down sooner than you think. Using a rigid container that can be emptied and returned helps avoid spills and leaks in your vehicle. - Avoid plastic bags
Plastic bags are not accepted – they are very difficult to empty and frequently too dirty to recycle. If you don’t have a tote, try using a paper grocery bag instead. They should hold up for the trip and are compostable. - Freeze it
While it isn’t necessary, if you’re concerned about odors during transport, you can always freeze your bags. - Seal it
If you’re worried about pests, try using a 5-gallon pail with a tight seal or a galvanized steel can with locking lid, and always keep it stored in a cool dry place.
Reduce Food Waste
Recycling food scraps is a great option, but reducing the amount of food we waste is even better! Over 30% of all food in America is wasted. Get tips on how to buy the right amount of food and make it last longer.
- Visit SaveTheFood.com
- Review Food Saving Tips: How to reduce food waste
- Understand food labels - what sell by, best by, and use by actually mean: USDA - Food Product Dating
Contact us
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Email
Phone: 651-275-7475