Organics Recycling
Did you know about 25% of our garbage is organic material that could be composted?
Organics recycling
You can sign up with your garbage hauler for curbside collection of organics. Per State law, all residential haulers must charge their customers for organics recycling whether or not the customer participates in the program.
Organic material can also be recycled for free at the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility. Materials accepted include:
- All food scraps – including meat, bones and dairy
- Food – soiled and non-recyclable paper including napkins, paper towels, and delivery/takeout cardboard pizza boxes
- BPI-certified compostable plastic utensils, cups and containers
- Other items including coffee filters, ice cream and corn dog sticks, and uncoated paper plates
- Materials must be in BPI-certified compostable bags and there is a five bag limit per person per day.
Organics Recycling Guide
View the Organics Recycling Guide for tips on collecting organics at home and tips for what can and cannot be recycled.
Drop-off location and hours
Hennepin County Drop-Off Facility
8100 Jefferson Highway N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
View map and directions to Hennepin County Drop-Off Facility
Visit the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility’s webpage
Hours
| Days | Hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday through Saturday | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Holidays | The facilities are closed: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day |
Phone and email
612-348-3777
Email Hennepin County Environmental Services
Backyard composting
You can also compost material in your backyard. Compost is organic matter such as fruit and vegetable scraps or garden waste that has been broken down and can be used as fertilizer.
Some benefits of composting include:
- Great fertilizer for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs
- Regenerates poor and/or depleted soils and increases water retention
- Reduces erosion
Compost bins
You can purchase a backyard compost bin at the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park. Bins are 3′ by 3′ by 3′ and made of cedar and wire mesh.
Compost bin sale
Each spring Brooklyn Park hosts a compost bin sale in partnership with the Recycling Association of Minnesota. Preorder bins beginning March 1 each year on the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) website.
Use the code BP20Off at the checkout to receive a $20 discount.