Olmsted County Launches Food Scrap Drop-Off Program to Combat Waste
Did you know food waste accounts for 21% of trash produced in Olmsted County? And, that food waste can be transformed into valuable compost? Olmsted County has designed an innovative food scrap drop-off pilot program for residents interested in trying out this concept. With kits now on sale, this trial initiative (June 1 through December 31, 2024) is a fantastic opportunity for residents to make a real difference in their community.
Olmsted County Environmental Resources Director Tony Hill is excited about the program’s potential impact.
“We are continually exploring ways to minimize waste and use waste as a resource. This is one area where everyone can make a difference. Through this pilot program, we will learn if residents are willing to separate their food waste and set the course for future food scrap programs,” said Hill.
For $25, the Food Scrap Composting Kits offer everything you need to get started:
- 26 BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certified compostable bags.
- Easy-to-follow instructions.
- Tips on reducing food waste.
 Food scraps in a compostable bag; photo credit: Maggie Ludwig
Kits are available online and can also be picked up during business hours at the Olmsted County Environmental Resources Department—2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200 in Rochester. Limited quantities are also available at the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus (OCRC).
Participants will drop food scraps off weekly at the OCRC. Green RU will provide composting services. Green RU is an Olmsted County licensed hauler specializing in source-separated organics and currently serving local businesses.
Starting June 1, 2024, participants can bring their food scraps to the OCRC during normal business hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
By joining this pilot program, residents are not only helping the environment but will also contribute valuable feedback to help shape the future of organics recycling in Olmsted County.
 Food scraps drop-off bin at the Recycling Center Plus; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
Save Time and Energy by Mulching
Maintaining a yard takes a lot of work, especially when you bag your grass clippings. In addition to collecting the clippings, you have to load them up and drive them across town to the Olmsted County Compost Site.
Save time this summer by mulching. "As a general rule, grass clippings of an inch or less in length can be left on your lawn where they will filter down to the soil surface and decompose quickly," states the University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension. Keeping your grass clippings on-site has noticeable benefits:
- Grass clippings are a valuable source of nitrogen so you'll save on fertilizer costs.
- You won't need to bring your clippings to a Compost Site; this will save you time.
- The organic content in the grass clippings can improve your soil if it is sandy, heavy clay, or low in organic matter
In some instances, removing the clippings may be recommended—excessively long clippings can mat together and smother the grass beneath. However, regular mowing will reduce the need to do this.
It's important to remember to sweep grass clippings out of the curb and back onto your lawn as the clippings can travel through storm drains and impair water quality. To learn more, read the U of M Extension's full article.
 A Rochester resident mulches grass clippings; photo credit: Rachel Wick
Spring Outreach Events
Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility Open House
The Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility (OWEF) held its annual open house on Saturday, April 27, 2024. We would like to thank everyone who took time out of their weekend to learn about the facility and the rest of Olmsted County's Integrated Solid Waste Management System. The event was a success with 333 visitors!
 Residents stop in the Control Room at the OWEF; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
Arbor Day Celebration
Olmsted County participated in Rochester Public Utilities' 22nd Annual Arbor Day Celebration. Due to inclement weather, the event was held indoors at the Rochester Community and Technical College Field House. A big thank you to the hundreds who stopped by our booth to "Give Recycling a Shot!"
 Students line up to give recycling a shot; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
 Hundreds pack into the field house at RCTC during RPU's annual Arbor Day celebration; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
Litter Bit Better
As in past years, our department had the opportunity to partner with RNeighbors and promote Rochester's annual "Help Make Rochester a Litter Bit Better" collection event. 3,164 volunteers collected 12,320 lbs. of litter, 1,100 lbs. of tires, and 900 lbs. of metal on 324 adopted sites!
 EarthFest Expo
The 10th annual EarthFest Expo was held on Saturday, May 4. The event included:
- 30+ exhibitors
- Keynote address by Dr. Heidi Roop of the UMN Climate Adaptation Partnership
- Electric vehicle car show
- Live music
- Food trucks and games
Of the hundreds who attended the event, we would like to give special thanks to the dozens who stopped by our booth to ask questions about garbage, recycling, and Olmsted's food scrap composting pilot project.
 An EarthFest Expo visitor stops by our booth to learn about food scrap composting; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
What Olmsted County Residents Need to Know Before Hiring Junk Hauling Services
Olmsted County requires any business providing collection and transportation of bulky items and solid waste as part of their general site cleanup services to have a Class D License. This regulation aims to ensure proper disposal practices and enhance overall waste management.
This initiative helps Olmsted County minimize long-term financial and environmental risks associated with non-hazardous waste. It also aligns with the county’s goal to educate the public and ensure compliance with waste management ordinances.
Why This Matters to You (the customer):
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Compliance: Ensure that any junk hauling service you hire has a valid Class D License.
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Environmental Responsibility: Support efforts to reduce environmental impact by choosing licensed haulers who follow proper disposal procedures.
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Risk Management: Licensed haulers assume the liability for the waste they collect, protecting you from potential long-term issues.
For more information on Class D License requirements or to verify a hauler's license, visit the Olmsted County website.
Together, we can keep Olmsted County clean and environmentally responsible!
 Image via Canva
Disposal Discussion: Cell Phones
It's estimated that battery fires cost the waste and recycling industry over $1 billion annually. The lithium-ion batteries that power most cell phones and other electronic devices are often the source.
Residents can help prevent fires by bringing old cell phones to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF) for FREE.
The HWF accepts a variety of rechargeable batteries including:
- lithium-ion (Li-ion)
- lithium polymer (LiPo)
- nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
- nickel cadmium (NiCad)
- lead acid
Single-use lithium batteries should also be brought into the HWF while single-use alkaline batteries can be thrown in the trash. If you have doubts/concerns regarding what type of battery you have, you can always bring it into the HWF as staff are happy to help.
NOTE: The HWF is not currently accepting lithium-based batteries that exceed 300 watt-hours (Wh). Please call 507-328-7070 with questions.
 Old cell phones; photo credit: Anthony Wittmer
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