Organic materials are a resource, not waste. Food scraps and food-soiled paper products make up approximately 25 percent of what we throw away.

In most organics recycling programs, food scraps and food-soiled paper products are sent to a composting facility. Instead of taking up space in a landfill or being burned in an incinerator, organic waste is recycled into compost - a valuable resource used in landscaping and road construction projects. Businesses may also be able to participate in food-to-people and food-to-animal programs.

The valuable compost can be used to:

  • Replenish soils
  • Reduce soil erosion
  • Prevent polluted stormwater runoff from contaminating wetlands, lakes and streams
  • Capture carbon dioxide for climate protection

For more information

Learn more by watching our video about what's compostable in each room of your home.

For more about organics recycling, see our information for:

Organics accepted for drop off 

County residents and small businesses can now drop off their organics recycling for free at the Brooklyn Park Drop-off Facility. More information is available on the A to Z How-to-Get-Rid-of-It Guide. 

Other resources