Food Scraps Drop-off
How to Get Started
Sign up to receive occasional email updates about the food scraps drop-off program.
Find a container to collect food scraps. Pick up free compostable bags at a Washington County food scraps drop-off site. 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.
Start collecting food scraps at home. Line your container with a compostable bag and fill it with food scraps and other accepted items. See the Frequently Asked Questions for details on what is and is not accepted.
Bring bagged food scraps to a drop-off site. Bring your filled compostable bag to a free drop-off site. Pick up another free bag while you are there. To ensure there are enough bags for everyone, please only take the number of bags you drop off.
Environmental Center
4039 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129
Hours
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Northern Yard Waste Site
5527 170th Street North, Hugo, MN 55038
Summer 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 Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Hours
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.
Forty percent of all food in America is wasted. Get tips on how to buy the right amount of food and make it last longer. And check out the fact sheets below.