Dakota County has opened a new organics drop-site at Holland Lake Trailhead in Lebanon Hills. The drop site opened on November 3rd, 2017 and all Dakota County residents are welcome to sign up and participate in the program for free. For more information about the organics recycling program, go to www.co.dakota.mn.us and search organics drop off. 

How to Participate

1. Sign Up

Call 952-891-7557 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You'll receive a welcome kit with a free container label, compostable bags and details on what can and cannot go in the organics bin. You'll also receive the access code to enter the locked drop-off location. Anyone is welcome to participate, but the enclosure requires a code to prevent non-organic contamination. 

2. Start Collecting Organic Waste                                                        

You can use any container to collect organics such as:     

• A small step container
• A clean and empty ice cream bucket, coffee container, or other type of tub
• A specially designed countertop organics container which can be purchased at local stores or online

Line your container with a paper bag or certified compostable bags which are provided to residents for free at the drop-site. If you decide to purchase your own bags, make sure they have the BPI or Cedar Grove Logo on the bag.          

When the bag is full, securely tie it closed and bring it to a drop-site near you. There are two locations in Dakota County Thompson County Park (360 Butler Ave, West St. Paul) or Lebanon Hills (opening November 3rd, Holland Lake Trailhead, 1100 Cliff Rd, Eagan).

Accepted items:

• All food, food scraps, peels, pits, etc.
• Coffee grounds, filters and teabags
• Paper towels, napkins and tissues   
• Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
• Paper egg cartons
• Certified compostable products: Items with the BPI or Cedar Grove certified compostable logo on the product or packaging
• Hair and fur
• Popsicle sticks and toothpicks
• Houseplant trimmings and flowers

Not accepted

• Yard waste
• Plastic bags
• Pet waste, litter, or bedding
• Fast food wrappers
• Frozen food boxes
• Microwave popcorn bags
• Paper plates, bowls and cups without BPI or Cedar Grove certification
• Single-serve coffee pods (i.e., K-Cups® )

 

Organics collected at these sites will be brought to a local organics recycling facility (The Mulch Store Specialized Environmental Technologies site) where it will be turned into compost; a nutrient-rich soil additive. Because the organics collected is brought to a commercial facility, meat, dairy, and bones are accepted among other food scrapes and napkins. Compost is beneficial because it improves soil quality, reduces erosion, and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers. Questions about this program? Visit the Dakota County webpage or call 952-891-7557.