Compostable bags, paper bags, or no bags!
Some people find a compostable bag or paper bag makes it easier to take the collected food scraps from the kitchen to the organics cart. Others prefer to save money and skip the bag. If you go bag-free, simply rinse out your indoor compost container when it gets stinky and pour the water directly onto your yard or trees.
Which bags to use:
It is important that residents only use BPI compostable bags or brown paper bags in the organics carts. BPI certified compostable bags are different from regular garbage bags or plastic bags from stores. They convert into carbon dioxide and water within a few weeks after disposal. Bags that claim to be “biodegradable” and “recyclable” will not break down properly in the composting process so make sure any bag you purchase has the BPI certified compostable logo printed on it.
BPI certified compostable bags are provided to residents twice a year at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. These bags are a perfect fit for kitchen counter bins (2.5 gallons), making food scrap collection a breeze and helping to keep organics carts free of non-compostable materials.
Residents can purchase larger 13-gallon BPI certified compostable bags at the City Center for $3 per roll (12 bags per roll). If you choose to buy your own, please make sure they are labeled BPI certified compostable to ensure they are accepted in the program.
See the schedule below for upcoming compostable bag pick up event dates. Make sure to fill out the printable form available below and bring it with you to the next pick up event.
2025 Compostable Bag Pickup Event Dates
McLeod County Fairgrounds
- May 5, 6, and 7: 4pm – 6:30pm
- May 10: 9am – 1pm
- November 10, 11, and 12: 4pm – 6:30pm
- November 15:9am – 1pm
Kitchen counter bins will be available to residents who did not receive one in 2024.
Which bags to avoid
Plastic bags ruin compost!
They break into small pieces that cannot be removed from soil. Do not put plastic bags in our City organics carts.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding compostable bags, please call (320) 234-4227.