Food waste reduction
Food Scrap Compost Pilot | Extended through December 31, 2025
1. Complete a survey and purchase a $25 Compost Pilot Kit. This can be done online, or in-person at the Olmsted County Environmental Resources Department office (2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 200 Rochester, MN 55904). Kits include 26 certified compostable bags of either 2.5 gallons or 4 gallons.
2. Collect food scraps and put in provided bags.
3. Drop off collected scraps as needed at the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility, Tuesday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., through December 31, 2025.
Acceptable items
Fruits
Vegetables
Meat and fish
Dairy products
Eggs and eggshells
Pasta, beans, and rice
Bread and cereal
Nuts and shells
Coffee grounds
Not accepted
Grease
Oil
Gum
Bones
Produce stickers
Glass or plastic
Waste
Pet or animal waste
Collection tips
Use a container: Reuse a coffee can, ice cream bucket, or popcorn tin and line with your bag and collect food scraps. Using a container with an airtight lid reduces odor.
Keep it cool: Storing your food scraps in the fridge or freezer will reduce smell and remind you to collect food scraps while cooking.
Drop off weekly: Compostable bags are made to break down, storing organics in them for more than a week can cause the bag to break and spill.
How to reduce your food waste at home
Store your fruit and veggies correctly.
Learn tips and tricks about food storage to make your produce last longer and maintain peak freshness.
Use up old produce.
Make an omelet, salad, smoothie or soup with any vegetables or fruit you have that is getting old.
Learn about “best buy” dates.
Understand these dates are typically suggestions for peak quality and are not related to food safety.
Put a bucket or bin in your fridge and pantry to “eat first.”
Doing this reminds you to use up the foods you already have before they go to waste.
Meal plan and shop smart.
Look at your “Use First” basket and meal plan around these ingredients, then make a list and stick to it in the store. Websites like SuperCook and Foodcombo let you input what ingredients you have available at home and find recipes to try.
Use up food scraps
Save vegetable scraps and trimmings to make veggie stock or find recipes that use edible but commonly discarded scraps.
Other great resources
