Organics Drop Off

Dakota County residents can drop off organics such as food scraps and compostable paper products at the organics drop site at Thompson County Park in West St. Paul, or Holland Lake Trail Head, part of Lebanon Hills in Eagan. It is a free, convenient and easy way to manage organics and reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill.

Step 1: Sign up to participate

Call 952-891-7557 or email organics@co.dakota.mn.us
You will receive a welcome kit in the mail with a container label, compostable bags and details on how to recycle your organics. You’ll also receive the access code to the locked drop-off location

Step 2: Place an organics recycling container in a convenient location

Use a container like an ice cream bucket, or purchase a counter top organics container.
Line container with a paper bag or certified compostable bag. Compostable bags are free at the Dakota County organics drop off location. If using your own bag, check that it has the BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) logo on the bag or box.

Step 3: Collect food and non-recyclable paper

For a detailed list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, visit Dakota County’s website

Step 4: Bring bagged organics to the drop off location

Access the organics recycling enclosure using your access code.
Place the filled bag in the container marked "organics recycling."
Take a free compostable bag for next time.

Please visit Dakota County’s website to sign up and for more information on what is accepted at the drop off location.