ORGANICS FAQ

Hello Organics Program Participants,

Thanks to you, our organics program is growing. New growth means new opportunities for helping us make the program successful.

We’ve created the attached organics Yes-No guide to help you understand what can and cannot be put in organics bins. Please know that any contamination in the organics bins could mean all the material must go in the trash –– you’re working hard to do the right thing with your food waste, and we want to make sure it becomes the rich compost we all want it to be.

You may ask why some things can’t go in the organics bins. There are many reasons, but it comes down to whether the material you put in the organics bin will break down into compost. Below are answers to the common questions we get about the “why” of recycling organics.

Why can I put delivery pizza boxes in the organics bin, but can’t put other cardboard?

1. Yes: Delivery pizza boxes can be put into the organics recycling bin because they are soiled and can’t be recycled with clean cardboard.
2. No: Clean cardboard should put in your regular recycling bin because it’s clean and can be recycled into new cardboard.
3. No: Frozen pizza boxes should put in your regular recycling bin because they’re clean and can be recycled into new cardboard.
4. Tip: If you transport organics in a cardboard box, do NOT put the cardboard box in the organics bin.

Why can’t I put my yard and tree waste in the organics bin?

1. Compost is made from a recipe of two parts brown material (yard waste, tree waste, leaves) to one part green material (food waste, grass clippings). The processing of these materials starts after the bin is brought to the processing facility. Until then, the brown and green materials need to be kept separate so the processing facility can control the recipe.
2. No: Yard and tree waste in the organics bin.
3. Tip: Yard and tree waste can be taken to either of the two Anoka County compost sites.

Why do I have to use a BPI-certified compostable bag instead of a plastic bag? 

1. Yes: BPI certified compostable bags can be put into the organics bin. These bags break down quickly and do not contain harmful chemicals or plastic.
2. No: Plastic bags do not break down into compost and can’t be put in the organics bin.
3. Tip: Approved material put into an organics bin needs to be able to break down in the commercial composting process of 3-6 months. BPI-certified compostable products have been tested and verified to meet this requirement.

Why can’t I put food ware that isn’t BPI certified compostable into the organics bin?

1. Yes: BPI-certified compostable food ware can be put into organics bins. BPI-certified compostable food ware breaks down quickly and does not contain harmful chemicals or plastic.
2. No: Disposable food ware packaging that isn’t BPI certified compostable can’t go into the organics bin because it will not break down into compost.
3. Tip: Disposable food ware packaging that isn’t BPI certified compostable includes products with plastic, waxed coatings, and metal.

This is the BPI-certified compostable product logo to look for.

Why can’t I just put my unbagged food waste into the organics bin?

1. Yes: Food waste in a BPI-certified compostable bag cuts down on mess, odor, and pests.
2. No: Putting food waste directly into an organics bin is not allowed and creates a messy situation for the waste hauler to deal with.
3. Tip: As organic waste breaks down more liquid is produced. BPI-certified bags help to keep this mess contained while it is waiting to be processed.

What happens when an organics bin becomes contaminated with unaccepted items?

1. When a hauler comes to empty an organics bin, they look for contamination such as cardboard, yard and tree waste, plastic, glass, metal, or anything else that won’t break down into compost.
2. When contamination is found, the entire organics bin is deemed contaminated and is considered TRASH and isn’t made into compost.
3. When there is repeated contamination in an organics bin at a drop-site, that drop-site may need to close, removing a valued resource from the surrounding community.

Why are restaurants and businesses NOT allowed to use organics drop-site bins?

1. No: This resource is only for residents, not businesses. Businesses have other organics opportunities through the county.
2. Tip:  If you have a business and would like to participate in the organics recycling program, please call Amy Ulbricht at 763-324-3481 to get started.

Why are there “NO DUMPING” signs at organics drop-sites?

1. No: Dumping unaccepted items is illegal and causes community harm as well as health and safety issues.
2. Tip: Some items can be confusing to dispose of such as appliances, mattresses, medication, construction debris, etc. If you have questions on how to properly dispose of items, please call Recycling & Resource Solutions at 763-324-3400 for assistance on where you can bring your items. 

Thank you again for your participation in our organics program. Please take time to review the attached organics Yes-No guide and help our organics program thrive. Remember that organics drop-sites are a valued community resource.

If you have questions about organics recycling, feel free to contact me and I’ll respond as soon as I can.

Thank you,

          Heidi Blum

           Program Specialist- Organics, Waste Prevention and Reuse

           Recycling & Resource Solutions

           Phone: 763-324-3485  |  Mobile: 612-357-6634

Heidi.Blum@AnokaCountyMN.gov | Recycle@AnokaCountyMN.gov