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1. What should I put my food scraps in?

BPI Certified Compostable bags are what is recommended. BPI Certified Compostable bags are sold at most grocery and hardware stores or online.

2. How do I tie or secure my bags?

BPI Certified compostable bags can be tied off with a knot at the top or can be tied with twine or 100% cotton string or yarn. 

Please Note: Be cautious when using yarn - many yarns contain synthetic materials. Twist ties are not accepted because they contain a metal component.

3. Why are my compostable bags leaking?

There are several reasons your compostable bags may be leaking. Depending on what materials you’ve been collecting, something sharp (for example, pineapple rind or sharp bone) may have ripped a hole in your bag. It is also possible your bags have expired – be sure to look for an expiration date when purchasing compostable bags and use them within one year of purchase.

Also, be aware that these types of bags have been intentionally designed to break down under industrial composting conditions, so heat and moisture will cause them to break down more quickly. While it may seem inconvenient, this means that the bag is doing its job. Try keeping your kitchen pail in a cool, dark area, such as under your sink or in your garage. Some residents even choose to keep a bag in the refrigerator or freezer for wet materials.  If the problem persists, double bag your material or try purchasing a different brand of compostable bags with the BPI Certification.

4. Won't the organics collected in my home smell?

Food goes anaerobic and gets smelly more quickly when it is cut off from oxygen. Use a  container with an aerated lid.

Collect your organics in a cool, dry place, such as under the sink or in your refrigerator.

Keep a container in your garage or basement lined with a larger compostable bag so you can take your smaller kitchen bags out more frequently.

Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your compostable bag when you replace it. Baking soda is a natural odor-eater.

Remember - there is nothing going into your organics that isn't already going in your garbage. Smell is a natural part of organics decomposition.

5. Can I put paper towels or cotton balls with cleaning products in my organics recycling?

Paper towels, napkins, or cotton balls with chemicals on them are not accepted for organics recycling. The harmful chemicals can compromise the quality of finished compost and impact soil health.

Materials containing natural cleaning products (such as vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, etc.) may be put into your organics recycling for composting. Read the MN Pollution Control Agency's advice (PDF) for reducing toxic chemicals in your home.

6. What if I want to compost more frequently than what pick up offers?

Consider signing up for the Lino Lakes organics recycling drop off program, the four drop off sites are open 24/7. 

7. What kinds of paper can I put in my organics recycling?

Accepted:

• Food soiled paper: Delivery pizza boxes, plain white paper plates (without a plastic lining - colorful designs indicate a plastic lining)*, coffee filter, paper tea bags.
• Non-recyclable papers: Paper egg cartons, shredded paper, napkins, tissues, tissue paper, paper towel.

Not Accepted

• Papers with a plastic lining: Paper plates with colorful decorations, paper coffee cups and drink cups (unless they are BPI Certified Compostable), frozen food boxes, ice cream containers, Chinese take-out containers, milk cartons, juice boxes, etc.

8. Can I put fast food wrappers in my organics recycling?

Fast food wrappers are not accepted in organics recycling. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that these wrappers often contain a plastic and/or chemical coating that composting facilities do not want in their finished product. Fast food wrappers are also not accepted in regular recycling. Unless the wrapper is labeled BPI Certified Compostable, throw it in the trash.

9. What happens to my organics material after it is picked up?

Organics materials are transported to the SET Mulch Store in Rosemount. Finished compost is used to improve soil health on farms or community gardens or used for construction or landscaping projects to prevent erosion.