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Food Waste

Food Waste
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Did You Know?

Composting is one of the easiest ways you can reduce the amount of food thrown away. There's a bonus, too. Composting turns certain food scraps into a valuable soil nutrient for lawns and gardens. That's recycling atits best! 

Food waste accounts for 11 percent of the garbage thrown away in the Twin Cities metro area. That's over two pounds per person per week! Much of this waste can be put to better use.

Reduction Tips

PeasReduce food waste further by planning ahead to prevent food from spoiling. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Buy perishable foods such as fruits, vegetables and meats in smaller quantities that still meet the needs of your family.
  • Store food properly as directed on the label.
  • If you know you will not be eating the food soon, freeze to keep the food from spoiling. 

Reuse Tips

Backyard Composting

Composting is a good way for you to reduce the amount of food thrown away, as many types of food scraps, along with leaves and yard waste trimmings, can be combined in your backyard compost bin to create a valuable soil additive for your lawn and garden. That is recycling at its best! There is a bonus, too, as the finished compost can help improve your soil or be used as a mulch around plants.

Food Waste That Can Be Composted Includesstrawberries

  • Vegetable and fruit scraps, rinds, and peels
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea leaves and tea bags
  • Egg shells
  • Nut shells
  • Plant trimmings 
  • Grass and leaves 

 

Do Not Compost fats or animal products including

  • Butter, cheese, or dairy products
  • Meats or bones
  • Gravies or sauces
  • Pet waste 

These items should be thrown away with your trash. Large quantities of cooking oil and grease is accepted from residents at the Carver County Environmental Center, Dakota County Recycling Zone, and Ramsey County (see county links at right).

Recipe for Good Clean Dirt

Like a simple recipe, your compost pile needs the right mix of ingredients in order to produce the best results. 

  • As a general rule, add three parts of dry ingredients - leaves or dry grass - to one part wet food waste.
  • Keep the pile most. The optimal moisture level for compost is best described as similar to a wrung-out sponge.
  • Speed up decomposition. Turn the pile wit a pitch fork or shovel at least monthly.