According to the EPA, as a country, we throw out more than 250 million tons of stuff every year. More than half of this goes into landfills.

28% of that waste is food scraps and yard waste that could be composted. But, only 8% of it actually is. Meanwhile, more than two thirds of our organic waste goes into landfills, where it releases methane, a greenhouse gas more harmful than carbon dioxide.

Composting keeps waste out of landfills, but the benefits don’t end there. Adding compost to soil adds nutrients, reduces erosion, and improves soil structure. This means farmers don’t have to add as many chemical fertilizers, and can worry less about soil loss. Composting is an easy way to support sustainable agriculture, and turn your food back into food!

Sources: https://www.epa.gov/smm/advancing-sustainable-materials-management-facts-and-figures, https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.

Landfill: The landfill is filling up!  We want to divert as much waste as possible so that we extend the life of our landfill.  As we mentioned in the previous section, a significant portion of waste that goes to the landfill is actually compostable, causing landfills to grow at a faster rate than necessary.

Local Jobs: This is a locally run collection service with an emphasis on employing young people at living wage standards and empowering them through team decision making and management.

Local Soil Fertility: In start up phase, we will be bringing the compost to an industrial facility in Shakopee.  As the business scales, we plan to process the compost locally to be made available to local farmers and gardeners.

Food scraps and leftovers: Meat, fish, dairy, fruit, vegetables, shells, bones, pasta, rice, eggshells, nutshells, bread, grains

Food-soiled paper: Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, waxed cardboard, soiled paper bags, kitchen paper towels, paper napkins, paper egg cartons, uncoated paper plates (absolutely no plastic)

Plants, flowers, and approved compostable packaging: Plants and flowers, landscape vegetation, holiday trees, untreated wood scraps

What does it cost?

$7 per month ($84 per year).

You can add an additional bucket for $3 per month ($32 per year) using the sign up form or by emailing us at northfieldcomposting@gmail.com.

When does the service start?

Service starts the week after you subscribe and continues all year round!

Does it smell bad?

If you always keep a lid on your containers, you will not suffer from any bad smells. We also recommend rinsing out the small container after you dump it.

How often do you pick up my compost?

Once a week, on Tuesdays.

Will you pick up compost from my house?

We currently collect from Northfield, Dundas, and the surrounding area. We are happy to accommodate rural subscribers-send us an email if that’s you and we’ll work something out!

What is the difference between organics recycling and composting?

Organics recycling and compost are two terms that can be used interchangeably, but in technical terms organics recycling refers to the material that is collected and compost refers to the product of the process.

How do I sign up?

Fill out the brief form at the bottom of the page

Do I have to sign up?

No, this program is totally voluntary!

Should I use bags?

We will provide you with one bag for your bucket each week. You can purchase extra bags (sold at Cub or Just Food Co-op), but please ensure that they are compostable.