Organics
Why Organics Recycling?
Organics recycling is a form of commercial composting in which organic material is separated from garbage destined for landfills. Unlike traditional backyard composting, all foods, including meats, dairy products, and used paper products, such as pizza boxes and tissue paper, which are not usually recyclable, are collected and turned into compost.
Organic recycling helps reduce the number of methane-producing bacteria in landfills. It also benefits the economy by creating jobs and revenue and by producing finished compost. Using finished compost can minimize soil erosion and the reliance upon chemical fertilizers while increasing soil nutrients, crop production, and water retention.
Organics make up about one-third of Minnesota’s garbage. Capturing organics for recycling will help Ramsey achieve the goals set by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and the State’s goal of recycling 75 percent of our waste by 2030.
Drop-off Organics Recycling Program
Sign up for the organics program, then stop by the Planning Division to pick up your Organics Recycling Starter Kit!
Are you looking for an opportunity to expand what you recycle while reducing what goes into your garbage can? The City of Ramsey offers a free organics drop-off program to those who want to participate!
How to Start
To start recycling organics today, sign up online or swing by the Planning Division at the Ramsey Municipal Center. Organics recycling kits are available for pick-up during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Included in your kit are:
- One 5-gallon pail with lid
- One roll of 13-gallon compostable bags
- One roll of 2.5-gallon compostable bags
- A BioBag 3-gallon bin
- An informational sheet detailing what is compostable
To collect organic waste from your kitchen, place food scraps and other compostable materials in the small bin, which should be lined with a smaller compostable bag. When the bag is full, transfer it to the large pail, which should be lined with one of the larger compostable bags. This will make transportation to the drop-off location easier.
The drop-off location is at the City’s old Public Works Campus, 14100 Jasper Street NW.
You can deposit food waste, soiled paper items (such as napkins and pizza boxes), and other BPI-certified compostable materials in the organics drop-off container. Please ensure that all food items are placed in BPI compostable bags. Any cardboard can be placed directly into the organics container.
Curbside Organics Recycling Program
Start recycling your food scraps and other organic waste through ACE Solid Waste, Inc.’s curbside organics recycling program. The service includes a 65-gallon cart with an orange lid and weekly pickup on your regularly scheduled trash day.
Based on the City's contract with ACE for the next four years, the pricing is as follows:
- 2026 - $3.75 per month
- 2027 - $3.86 per month
- 2028 - $3.98 per month
- 2029 - $4.10 per month
Place your organics in either brown paper bags or Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified compostable bags before placing them in the cart.
Contact ACE today at 763-427-3110 or service@acesolidwaste.com to get started.
Acceptable materials for an organics bin
Good for both the drop-off and curbside programs.
YES!
- Baked goods
- Dairy products
- Eggs and egg shells
- Houseplant trimmings
- Paper towels, napkins, facial tissues
- Tea, coffee grounds and filters
- Meat, poultry, and fish, including bones
- Fruits, vegetables, peels, pits and rinds
- Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified paper plates, cups, and utensils
- Non-recyclable papers such as pizza delivery boxes, paper egg cartons, toilet paper and paper towel cores
NO!
- Metal
- Plastic
- Glass
- StyrofoamTM
- Pet droppings
- Twist ties
- Stickers on produce
- Dryer lint
- K-cups
- Grease or oil
- Aluminum foil
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Diapers
- Straws
- Yard waste
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