Organics Recycling

Organics - food scraps and food-soiled paper products - are a resource, not a waste. Organic waste makes up approximately 25 percent of what we throw away.

In most organics recycling programs, food scraps and food-soiled paper products are sent to a composting facility. Instead of taking up space in a landfill or being burned in an incinerator, organic waste is recycling into compost - a valuable resource used in landscaping and road construction projects. Businesses may also be able to participate in food-to-people and food-to-animal programs.

The valuable compost can be used to:

• Replenish soils
• Reduce soil erosion
• Prevent polluted stormwater runoff from contaminating wetlands, lakes and streams
• Capture carbon dioxide for climate protection

For more information

To learn more about organics recycling, see our information for:

• Residents
• Businesses
• Schools

Other resources

• Resources for organics recycling programs, including videos, posters and container labels.
• Information about compostable foodservice ware and compostable plastic bags.
• Organics collection at events. If you are holding an event in Minneapolis, you can collect organics at the event through their container rental program. See the event recycling web page for more information.