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:
BPI Compostable
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.
Kitchen Counter Bin
Larger BPI certified compostable bags are available for purchase in town at Ace and Target, also at many online retailers.
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 5th, 6th, and 7th 4pm – 6:30pm and May 10th 9am – 1pm
November 10th, 11th, and 12th 4pm – 6:30pm and November 15th 9am – 1pm
Kitchen Counter Bins will be available to residents who did not receive on in 2024.
Which bags to avoid:
Plastic bags in contaminated organics.
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.
