Food Scrap Collection
Order your free annual supply of food scrap bags.
In 2026, there will be a change to the number of free food scrap bags that a household can receive each year. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, an annual supply of food scrap bags will include up to two free orders of bags per household in a calendar year. Each order includes 60 bags. Additional food scrap bags will be available for purchase. More details will be made available in January 2026.
The bag policy change will go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2026, and will not impact orders placed in 2025. Food scrap bags provided by the Food Scraps Pickup Program are designed to be more durable and larger than typical compostable bags. Program bags must be used to participate in the program. For most households, we recommend using 1-2 food scrap bags per week to make the most of your free annual supply
Do not use other compostable bags—the bags provided by Ramsey and Washington counties are designed specifically for this program.
Collect your food scraps in the food scrap bags. Once a week or when the food scrap bag is full, tie a knot at the top to close the bag.
Tie the top of the bag like you would tie a balloon. This type of knot is best for keeping the bag sealed.
Place your food scrap bag inside your trash cart or dumpster for collection.
- Do not put the food scrap bags inside a regular trash bag.
- Do not place them in your recycling.
- Do not place them on top of or next to your trash cart or dumpster—they should go inside.
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Done! The food scraps will be composted.
After collection, the food scrap bags are separated from the trash and brought to an industrial compost facility.