As Ramsey and Washington counties move toward residential collection of food scraps, Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) is working to ensure that the compost produced from those food scraps can benefit communities. Compost derived from food scraps can benefit gardening and other projects by adding nutrients to soil, encouraging healthy plant growth, increasing moisture retention while improving drainage, and much more.
We’re offering financial and technical help for organizations to use compost in their earthwork, landscaping and gardening projects.
Who: Any type of organization – governmental, for-profit, nonprofit, community-based.
What: Financial and technical help using compost in earthwork, landscaping and gardening projects. See below for examples of the support we can offer.
When: Proposals will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as resources are available.
Where: Projects located in Ramsey and/or Washington counties.
Why: The goal of this project is to help develop markets for finished compost derived from food scraps. Having markets for compost helps complete the circle of material use.
How: Contact us at programs@recyclingandenergy.org to get started!
Financial support:
Technical assistance:
Expectations of partner organizations:
In return for receiving funding and technical assistance for these demonstration projects, recipient organizations may be asked to do the following:
To learn more about the benefits of using compost derived from food scraps in gardening, landscaping, stormwater management, and other projects, please visit these resources:
Finished compost made from food scraps is available for purchase at SET and SMSC commercial compost sites. It can be used in a variety of projects by individuals, businesses, and communities.
The Mulch Store – SET & The Mulch Store (setmn.com)
Shakopee Mdekawanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Organics Recycling Facility
For organizations interested in fundraising and raising awareness about compost, consider hosting a Plate to Garden Event!
Want to better understand what happens with food scraps when they are dropped off at collection sites? Watch this video (also offered with described audio and subtitles in Spanish, Hmong, Somali and Karen).
Questions related to food scraps compost?
Contact programs@recyclingandenergy.org