Locks removed from organics drop-off carts
The locks are being removed from organics drop-off site carts for the winter.
Thank you for making sure you're only bringing accepted organics to the drop-off sites.
Removing the locks makes it easier for you to use the organics drop-offs in the wintertime, but it also makes it easier for others to put contamination into the organics carts. If you find contamination in a cart, do your best to remove it or leave it visible so we can dispose of the contaminated material appropriately.
Please read the reminders below on what food-service items are and are not accepted in the organics recycling.
What food-service items can be composted?
Any paper, plastic, or plastic-lined plate, bowl, cup, utensil or to-go container must have the BPI logo on it to be accepted for composting. The BPI logo verifies the item has been tested by a third party and that it will fully and safely break down in a commercial composting facility.
Items labeled as 'biodegradable', 'made from plants', or other misleading terms without the BPI logo are not accepted and should be placed in your garbage.
BPI logo is not needed on:
Napkins and paper towels
Paper grocery bags
Paper egg cartons
Delivery pizza boxes
If you have a question if an item is accepted:
If not willing to find more information, throw the item in the garbage
Items that should never go in organics carts
Items commonly found in organics recycling carts that are NOT compostable include:
Non-compostable paper cups
Fast-food wraps and boxes
Decorative or glossy paper plates (without BPI logo)
Asian take out pails
Ice cream tubs
Milk cartons
Butter wraps
These items are NOT waxed lined. Almost all moisture-barriers have oil-based plastic components to them that make them not compostable. Putting these in a green organics cart will result in microplastics in our compost.
Reduce wasted food this Thanksgiving
If food waste was a country, it'd have the 3rd highest greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Reducing wasted food not only saves us money, it also helps the planet.
With the holiday season right around the corner, we want to share some tips to reduce wasted food.
Don’t over do it: Get an accurate headcount. Use Save the Food's Guest-imator and Meal Prep Mate to help you plan and shop accordingly. If you are assigning dishes for people to bring, let them know the number of people they will be serving.
Food Storage: Store your produce to maximize freshness. Did you know that most herbs last longer if you place them in a glass of water like cut flowers? To save herbs for later, you can freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil or butter poured on top. Take out a cube of rosemary and throw it in your turkey for Thanksgiving. Learn more great food storage tips at savethefood.com
Leftovers: If you are hosting, ask your guests to bring their own containers to take leftovers home with them or save containers in advance to send leftovers home with guests. If you aren’t hosting, bring your own container with you to take leftovers home. The host will be grateful.
Make sure to recycle those steel cans, pie tins, cartons, beverage bottles and boxes; and put any food scraps or uneaten food in the organics for composting.
Learn more about reducing wasted food and how it can save you money through Hennepin County's Trash or Cash web page.
Minneapolis resources
Hennepin County resources
Drop-off facilities - for chemicals, paint, cords, and more
Hennepin Multi-Unit (inc. condo and ownhouse) recycling and organics grants