SMSC Launches Free Compost Program For Scott County Residents In Shakopee

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

May 21, 2021

Scott County residents are now able to enroll in a new, free program allowing them to drop off food waste for composting at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Organics Recycling Facility. The program is supported by a $25,000 grant provided by Scott County.

“Our tribe is dedicated to being a good steward of the earth, and organics recycling is an impactful way to reduce the amount of waste that goes to local landfills,” said SMSC Chairman Keith Anderson. “We appreciate Scott County’s support for this program, which will help more residents compost and benefit the environment.”

To participate, Scott County residents can sign up at SMSCORF.com/household-program or on-site at the tribe’s Organics Recycling Facility, located at 1905 Mystic Lake Drive South in Shakopee. Participants will then receive a welcome kit, including a compost bucket and instructions. They can then drop off their food waste at a special drop-off station at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility during regular business hours.

Compostable materials include food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells and egg cartons, napkins and paper towels, and cups and bags with labels showing they are BPI-certified compostable. These materials will then be turned into nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer for gardening, farming, landscaping and more.

The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility prevents an average of 70,000 tons of organic waste from entering landfills each year. It is one of the only two large-scale composting facilities processing source separated organics in the metro area. Facilities like the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility are needed to reach the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s recycling goal of 75% by December 31, 2030, and recycling a minimum of 616,000 tons of organics by 2030.

Learn more about the new compost program at SMSCORF.com/household-program.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.