Frequently Asked Questions

Compost is organic material made from the decomposition of living things. Food and yard waste break down in the composting process to produce nutrients for plants. Composting is nature's way of recycling. Rather than sending your food scraps, yard waste, and other organics to the landfill, you can compost them to create a nutrient rich fertilizer for your garden or lawn.

The Owatonna Compost site it located at: 

400 W 32nd Avenue
Owatonna, MN 55060

That's great! Take everything you don't have the capacity to compost in your backyard to the compost site. Make sure you check the list of accepted materials. On average up to 30% of the waste you generate at your residence can be composted. Utilize the compost site for yard waste and compost your food scraps in your backyard composting operation. Please note: Food scraps are not accepted at the compost site.

Always look for ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce your food waste by purchasing only what you need or by freezing items. Use plates, cups, silverware, and cloth napkins rather than disposable items. Recycle items by donating canned and dry goods that won't be used or by backyard composting of food scraps. 

Continue to remove any organic products from your waste stream. These items include:

• All food scraps such as: 
  • Leftovers
  • Peelings
  • Spoiled foods
• Certified compostable products such as: 
  • Bags labeled with a certified compostable logo
  • Compostable plastic food ware
• Soiled, non-recyclable papers such as: 
  • Delivery pizza boxes
  • Napkins
  • Paper towels