Organics

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Collection update: If unplanned delays occur, they will be posted on the garbage & recycling page.

About the organics collection program

About 30% of trash is made up of food scraps and other material that could be composted through the city’s voluntary curbside organics program.

There is no extra cost to participate for households with city solid waste collection service. If you are interested in signing up for the organics program, complete the organics sign up form.

Organics is collected weekly from single-family homes by the city's organics hauler, Republic Services.

If you live in an apartment, townhome or condo that doesn't receive city collection service, visit the multifamily recycling page for more information.

Collection day guidelines

Follow these guidelines to ensure your organics is picked up:

Set your cart out by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day each week.
Make sure your compostable bags are tied shut before placing them into your organics cart.
- Pizza delivery boxes and paper egg cartons may be placed loosely in the cart.

Benefits

Participating in the organics program has several benefits, including:

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions – When organic material is kept out of landfills, we prevent methane, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from being produced. This then helps to prevent climate change.
Improves soil – Adding compost to soil reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
Protects water – Adding compost to soil increases its water retention, reduces erosion, and prevents polluted storm runoff from contaminating our wetlands, lakes and streams.

Watch the what happens to my organics video for more information about the organics composting process.

Signing up

Setup

Certified compostable bags must be used to collect your organics. Paper bags are also allowed for collecting dry organics.

All curbside organics participants receive a yearly allotment of compostable bags from the city at no additional cost. Pick up your bags at city hall or the Municipal Service Center.

For more information and resources on how to collect organics in your home, view the organics setup and tips page.

Missed pickup or problems

Materials accepted for organics recycling

View the organics acceptable materials page for a list of materials that can be put in your organics cart for composting.

IMPORTANT – Yard waste is no longer accepted in organics carts.

Organics and yard waste are collected separately. This change has been effect since Jan. 1, 2019, due to changes with the city's composter. Residents with organics collection cannot put yard waste in their organics cart. See the yard waste page for yard waste set-out instructions.
Organics carts containing yard waste will have a reminder attached to it, asking you to remove the yard waste. Your cart will not be emptied until the yard waste is removed. Carts with four or more reminders will be removed from service.
Residents wishing to request a smaller organics cart due to this change should contact utility billing at 952.924.2111 or complete the organics cart change form.

Organics carts had updated labels affixed to lids in 2019. This update was only made to 30- and 60-gallon carts with an existing picture-based label. If your label is peeling back or improperly applied, contact public works at 952.924.2562 or recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov to request a new label.

Walk-up service

Walk-up service is an optional service for residents who may not be able to set their organics cart out at the curb or alley. Republic Services can collect your cart from a different location on your property for an extra fee.

Organics walk-up service is billed directly to residents on an annual basis by Republic Services. The weekly rate for organics walk-up is $10 per month plus taxes and fees.

Note: Walk-up service is also offered for garbage and recycling by The Buckingham Companies.

Contacts

Republic Services
952.941.5174
SLP@republicservices.com

Public works
Municipal Service Center
7305 Oxford St.
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
952.924.2562
recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov

FAQs

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.
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 and yard waste (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.
Does the city provide free kitchen pails?

The city does not provide kitchen pails for organics collection.

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.

More FAQs