Backyard composting is a great way to reduce waste! This page provides information on the City of St. Louis Park’s requirements for setting up a compost bin, what can and can't go in a backyard bin and other resources such as educational events and compost bin sales.

Composting structures

Compost bins must be made of durable material such as wood, wire mesh, plastic or concrete block, or a combination thereof, or be a commercially available compost bin designed for composting organic materials. The structure should not be more than 150 cubic feet in volume and must be enclosed on the top and sides.

Compost bins are only allowed in the backyard. They must be located at least 15 feet from any inhabited building or edge of a body of water, and 5 feet from any city park, trail, alley or right of way.

Composting dos and don'ts

Do compost leaves, grass clippings, straw, non-woody and woody plant trimmings, sawdust, raw fruit and vegetables scraps, dry eggshells, tea bags and coffee grounds.

Do not compost meat, bones, grease, eggs, dairy products, whole or partial animals, feces or inorganic materials such as rock, plastics or synthetic fibers.

Compost must be properly maintained at all times to minimize odors and to promote effective decomposition of the materials in a safe, secure and sanitary manner.

Learn more

You can find more useful tips on how to start composting on Hennepin County's composting website or the University of Minnesota Extension's website.

Contact

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