How To Recycle Organics as Maple Grove Implements New System
In early January, Maple Grove will implement its own organics recycling program for residents.
Minnesota state law requires everyone to be charged for organics recycling, even if you don’t use the service. Currently, neighbors are charged through their trash hauler. But Maple Grove leaders said their option should save neighbors more money.
Organics recyclables include food scraps, paper waste like napkins, pizza boxes and even houseplants. Many of those items are things that people typically put in the trash, but are able to biodegrade and be used again.
Stand puts organics materials in ice cream tubs by her sink. One has a compostable bag, where she puts food waste. The other bin she uses for paper waste. It all goes into her organics bin come Monday.
Maple Grove’s Janice Stang started recycling organics in July when the county’s mandatory charge went into place. She sorts her organics into two small tubs on her countertop, and said she’s noticed a difference.
“Definitely less garbage. We usually have half a kitchen bag a week,” Stang said. “I put anything in there. Like apple cores, potato peelings, cantaloupe seeds.”
Her organics go into a special organics bin — smaller than a trash can, but a similar structure. Stang said she usually fills two small organics bags a week. Then, every Monday morning, she rolls it down to the curb to be hauled away.
“I just think if you’re putting less garbage into your garbage bin, the landfills won’t fill up as fast. And that’s a benefit to everyone, because nobody really wants a landfill in their backyard,” Stang said.
Stang rolls her bin down the driveway.
Residential Recycling in Maple Grove
Right now, Stang’s organics recycling is done by, and charged through, her trash hauler.
Beginning Jan. 6, residents interested in enrolling through the city of Maple Grove can get that charge on their utility bill — and hauled by the same trash contractor.
Chris LaBounty, Maple Grove’s public works director, said this is a more affordable and streamlined system for those interested in recycling organics.
“Everyone is already paying for it. So, if you’re currently enrolled with any of the trash haulers, you’re going to be auto-enrolled in the city program,” LaBounty said.
LaBounty said those in Maple Grove who want to receive an organics bin can email the engineering department.
Through the city’s organics recycling program, LaBounty said it will cost residents about $3.25 a month through their utility bill. Currently, they’re charged through their hauler. He said this program should be more affordable in a number of ways.
“It also has a benefit in terms of saving all the residents’ trash hauling costs long-term. So as the landfills fill up, they have to create new landfills that are likely farther away, and more expensive,” LaBounty said.
Maple Grove’s organics recycling program is accessible by emailing the engineering department, or filling out the sign up form on Maple Grove’s website.
People can join and get a bin any time, either before or after the January start date. For the rest of Hennepin County, hauler’s rates are set independently and range between $3 and $7.50 a month. Earlier this year, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, New Hope and Crystal were considering a move to a single organics hauler for their cities.
For more information about the county-wide requirement, the Hennepin County website shares more information and guidelines about organics recycling.
