Accepted organics
Here's what you can and cannot put in your organics recycling (composting) bins.
Items you can compost
- Pizza boxes from delivery
- Napkins and paper towels
- Wooden items (chopsticks, popsicle sticks and toothpicks)
- Certified compostable food service items*
- Plates
- Cups
- Bowls
- Takeout containers
- Utensils
*Look for the BPI logo on food service items. Only items with this logo are accepted. The BPI logo means the item was tested and can fully and safely break down without leaving unnatural byproducts.
BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) is a third-party certification company. You can verify that products are certified compostable by visiting BPI World and searching the Certified Compostable Products Catalog.
Items you cannot compost
- Yard waste
- Diapers and sanitary products
- Animal and pet waste, litter or bedding
- Cleaning or baby wipes
- Grease or oil
- Plastic foam (commonly called Styrofoam)
- Dryer lint and dryer sheets
- Recyclable items (cartons, glass, metal, paper, plastic)
- Frozen food boxes
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Gum
- Fast food wrappers
- Products labeled “biodegradable” — this is not the same as compostable
- Paper with a shiny, smooth coating (unless it's BPI certified)
- Wax paper or parchment paper (unless it’s BPI certified)
Learn about more items
This detailed “Yes and "No” list includes many more items that can and cannot be collected for organics recycling.
Contact us
Solid Waste & Recycling
Phone
Address
Eastside Maintenance Facility
2635 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Office hours
8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday
This building is closed to the public.