The Scoop: All the Materials We Do/Do Not Take From Residential Customers

November 1, 2020

You’d be surprised at the dirt-y (get it?) laundry list of items the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility accepts from residents! If you’re always stumped (how about that one) on what we take, check out this growing (last one, we promise) list of items we accept. Of course we can’t take it all, so check out the list of items that are no-nos, too.

We’ll take it!
The following items are accepted for $15/Load.

Wood Waste

  • Brush
  • Logs
  • Stump grindings
  • Stumps and root balls less than 2-foot in diameter
  • Pallets (non-painted)
  • Diseased trees (oak wilt, fireblight, emerald ash borer, etc.)
  • Invasive species (buckthorn)

Yard Waste

  • Grass clippings
  • Leaves
  • Old wood mulch
  • Straw/hay bales
  • Plants and flowers
  • Arborvitaes
  • Bushes
  • Shrubs

Sod and Dirt
Dirt loads are checked and are not guaranteed entry. Note: Rocks and landscaping material are not accepted

 Source-Separated Organics

  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Peelings, pits, and shells
  • Meat, fish, bones
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs and eggshells
  • Bakery and dry goods
  • Pet food
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags
  • Wood chopsticks, popsicle sticks, and toothpicks
  • Paper egg cartons
  • Certified compostable plates, bowls, and containers*

*Must have BPI or Cedar Grove logo on product or product container.

Stumps ($35/Stump)
All stumps are accepted. Stumps that are 2-foot in diameter or greater will be charged the rate of $35/stump.

Nah, not that
These items are not accepted.

Food and Paper

  • Grease or oil
  • Pizza boxes from delivery
  • Cartons (milk cartons, juice boxes, soup, broth, and wine cartons)
  • Refrigerated and frozen food boxes
  • Fast food wrappers
  • Butcher paper/wrap
  • Microwave popcorn bags
  • Ice cream tubs
  • Chinese take-out food containers
  • Paper that can be recycled (e.g., shredded paper, magazines, newspapers, etc.)

Other

  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Metal
  • Glued, painted, or treated wood
  • Animal waste and litter
  • Diapers and sanitary products
  • Cleaning or baby wipes
  • Cigarettes
  • Fireplace, firepit or BBQ ashes
  • Mixtures of rock and dirt
  • Cardboard

That’s a lot of information. If you have questions, check out the below FAQ. Questions beyond that? Give us a call at 952.233.9191.

FAQs

I don’t live in Scott County, can I still use your facility?
Yes! We are open to the public, regardless of what city or county you are from.

Who is considered a resident vs. commercial?
A residential customer is someone bringing material into our facility from his or her own home.
A commercial customer is someone hired/and or paid to bring material into the facility. Scale attendants have the right to question customers regarding whether they are indeed residential.

What is the cost for a residential drop-off?
The price is $15/load or trip. We do not charge per bag or cubic yard like some facilities do.

When did the price increase from $10/load?
The price of $15/load went into effect on April 1, 2020.

What is considered a load?
A load of material is equivalent to one trip to our facility. Each time you come to the facility, you will pay $15. Whether you have three bags of leaves or a truck full, the price is the same.

I have two vehicles with me to drop off material; do I pay $15 or $30?
You will be charged $15 per vehicle.

How should I bring the material in?
We prefer the material be loose (e.g., in a tarp). Brown lawn bags are accepted too—these will be checked to ensure there is no contamination. Plastic bags are not allowed.

Is there a length limit to the logs I bring in?
No, there is no limit, as long as you are able to unload them yourself.

When do you stop taking in yard waste in the fall?
We don’t, we are open year-round. Please be sure to check our hours of operation—they change starting business day following Thanksgiving.

Why are stumps a higher rate?
Stumps are very hard on our equipment and are difficult to process.

I heard you canceled the free Shakopee, Savage, and Prior Lake Fall Yard Waste Drop-Off Program. Why?
The free Shakopee, Savage, and Prior Lake Fall Yard Waste Drop-Off Program is a joint effort with the cities of Shakopee, Savage, and Prior Lake. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the cities agreed to cancel the program to ensure the safety of all staff and participants. For questions regarding this cancellation, or details about whether the program will continue in 2021, please contact your city’s Public Works Department.