Organics Waste Collection

Organics 800x520

The City of Blaine has started a pilot organics drop-off program located at Blaine City Hall. The plan is to use this first location to test the participation levels and demand for organics. If there is enough demand additional locations will be added later in 2022. 

What are organics?

Organics include all food scraps, most non-recyclable and food-soiled paper, and certified compostable products.  

Why should organics be removed from the trash?

Approximately one-third of the waste collected weekly is recyclable, organic material. Removal of organics from your weekly trash reduces the amount of material dumped at the landfill. Once this material reaches the landfill, the collection and reuse of it is no longer feasible. 

What happens to the organics?

Food scraps and non-recyclable paper products are processed and turned into compost, a nutrient rich resource that improves soil and decreases the need for fertilizers.

What is the cost?

This will be a free program for Blaine residents. The City is able to offer this service at no cost through a SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) grant. 

Why drop-off and not curbside?

The goal is to keep the cost and complexity down to start the program. The drop-off model has been successful for other cities in Anoka County. If there is a high demand for the program, the City will evaluate the feasibility of curbside collection.

How do I start?

  1. Sign up for the program at Blainemn.gov/OrganicsSignUp
  2. Come to Blaine City Hall and pick up a free starter kit, kitchen pail, and bags*.
  3. Start collecting organic items.
  4. Secure the bag* and bring it to the drop-off location in the Blaine City Hall parking lot. Carts are located in the South end of the parking lot.
  5. Repeat (Additional bags are available at city hall)

*All organics material for recycling MUST be bagged securely in a brown paper bag or BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) Certified compostable bag. 

Look for the BPI logo to confirm your bag is compostable. BPI LOGO

When will the program launch?

The organics drop-off site is now open. The drop-off site is located at Blaine City Hall in the south end of the parking lot. Look for the household organics drop-off signage.

What materials will be accepted?

  1. Accepted
  2. Not Accepted

Food Scraps

  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Meat, fish and bones
  • Bread, pasta and baked goods
  • Eggshells
  • Dairy products

Food-soiled and Non-recyclable Paper

  • Food-soiled paper including pizza boxes, paper towels and paper napkins
  • Facial tissue, tissue paper, paper egg cartons, fast food drink carriers and toilet paper and paper towel cores

Certified Compostable Products

  • Certified compostable tableware, drinkware, napkins and serving ware.

Other Compostable Items

  • Coffee grounds, filters and tea bags
  • Cotton balls and cotton swabs without chemicals
  • Wood chop sticks, popsicle sticks and toothpicks
  • Floral trimmings and house plants
  • Hair and nail clippings