How is the organics program different from backyard composting?
You can compost more materials with the city's organics program than in your backyard compost bin. Large-scale commercial composting facilities maintain higher temperatures than backyard compost bins. These temperatures are needed to kill bacteria and break down items that cannot be composted in a backyard compost bin, including meat, bones, dairy products and compostable plastics. Backyard composting is still a great option for turning fruit and vegetable scraps and yard waste into a soil amendment that you can use at home.
What does the city provide to organics recycling customers?
When you sign up, your household will receive the following:
- A brown-lidded cart for organics (30- and 60-gallon sizes are available)
- A supply of BPI-certified compostable bags at no additional cost
- An informational packet, expert advice and assistance
If you have questions, contact public works at 952.924.2562.
What about using my garbage disposal for food scraps?
Putting food scraps down the garbage disposal places extra processing burdens on wastewater treatment facilities. It takes energy and resources to process solids, including food waste, at wastewater treatment plants. Composting food scraps through the organics program or backyard composting is a better option, as finished compost puts valuable nutrients back into the soil.
How often is my organics cart picked up?
The city's hauler picks up organics every week on your regular collection day. If your cart collection is missed, contact republic Services 952.941.5174 or SLP@republicservices.com.
Can I change the size of my organics cart?
Residents may change the size of their organics cart one time in a 12-month period by calling utility billing at 952.924.2111. Available cart sizes are 30 and 60 gallons.
Can I use regular plastic bags to collect organics?
No. Plastic bags are not compostable and are a contaminant. Bags labeled BPI-certified compostable that meet ASTM D6400 standards must be used to collect organics. The city-provided bags meet this standard and are available for pickup at city hall or the Municipal Service Center.
Where can I pick up my supply of certified compostable bags?
Once you sign up, pick up your supply of compostable bags at one of the following locations:
- City hall (first floor), 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St. from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where can I find additional compostable bags if I run out of the bags the city supplies?
Additional compostable bags are available at city hall (first floor), 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., and the Municipal Service Center, 7305 Oxford St., at discounted prices in both 13- and 3-gallon sizes.
In addition, compostable bags may also be purchased at retail locations such as Ace Hardware, Lunds & Byerlys, Target and Whole Foods. Remember, only bags labeled BPI-certified compostable may be used.
Does the city provide free kitchen pails?
No. You can use any small bucket, ice cream pail or crock for collecting organic material. Some residents use larger under-the-counter bins or stand-alone cans in their kitchens for collection. Look online or check with your favorite local store if you wish to purchase your own indoor collection bin.
How do I tie my compostable bags shut?
First, make sure not to overfill your bag. Empty it at least weekly or when it is just over two-thirds full. Start by grabbing the opposite sides of the top of the bag, twist them a couple of times, and then tie a knot using the two twisted areas you just created. Tie a knot one more time and place the bag in your organics cart. To see this method, view the how to tie compostable bags video. Please do not use twist ties because they are not compostable.
If I don't have much organic material, can I put my kitchen pail out for collection?
No. All organic material must be put in compostable bags and placed in the organics cart for efficient collection.
Will my organics container smell?
Organics won't smell any more than your regular garbage smells. Remember that with organics, you're simply moving the organic materials from your garbage cart into your organics cart.
Help prevent odors in your home by using a collection container that has a vented lid. Food waste starts to decompose and creates odors more quickly when access to oxygen is cut off. You can purchase a pre-made kitchen pail with a vented lid (with or without a carbon filter), or you can make one using an ice cream pail or other container.
Consider collecting your "wet" organics (food scraps, meat trimmings, etc.) in a large yogurt or cottage cheese container or ice cream pail and keep that container in your refrigerator or freezer. Dump the wet organics into a compostable bag and place the bag in your organics cart the night before your collection day. For more ideas, visit the organics set up page and the collection tips page.
Are frozen food boxes, fast food wrappers or to-go coffee cups accepted?
No. While these items were originally collected through the program, commercial composters no longer want them. These products have a thin plastic lining to keep grease and liquids from penetrating the paper. The plastic is not compostable and is difficult to remove from the finished compost. The only food packaging items accepted are those that are certified compostable by BPI.
Are pizza delivery boxes and egg cartons compostable?
Yes. These items are accepted as part of the city's organics program. All organics must be bagged in certified compostable bags. The only exception is pizza delivery boxes, which can be put loose in your organics cart. Make sure to remove any delivery stickers usually found on the sides of delivery boxes.
What happens to the organic material once it has been collected?
Organic material is composted at a commercial composting facility. Compost can be made using items that can’t be easily composted in a backyard, such as bones, fish skins and dairy products. Organics become compost in just 180 days after you put them out for weekly collection.
Where can I get finished compost from the organics program to use at my home?
St. Louis Park residents can pick up a limited amount of compost at the brush drop-off site each spring and fall, when it is open to residents. Each household can take 25 gallons of compost (equal to five 5-gallon buckets) in the spring and again in the fall.
Compost is located past the gate, near the operator's shed and is only available during the hours of operation listed on this webpage.
Proof of residency required. Bring your own shovel and container.