We have finally reached the long-awaited springtime weather, sunshine, home and outdoor projects, yard cleanup, and of course Earth Day! The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility can help you with materials for completing home improvement and landscaping projects, a place to drop off yard waste after cleaning up your yard, and many other compost and recycling needs.

This April we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This year also marks 20 years since the SMSC’s recognition of Earth Day/Earth Week. As a good steward of the earth, the SMSC is passionate about environmental protection and sustainability initiatives throughout its enterprises. The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility practices this philosophy in our everyday operations. We take what may have been tossed in a landfill and instead create high-quality compost, compost blends, colored mulch, and more for whatever project you’re working on.

In addition to being a good steward of the earth, the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility helps its neighbors. We accept yard waste from several local municipalities, including the cities of Prior Lake, Savage, and Shakopee. Other hauling companies and local municipalities bring their organic materials to the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility, saving money, drive time, and the environment. In an effort to continue our relationship as a good neighbor, you may have noticed the announcement at the top of the website for windrow turning. We want to keep our neighbors informed and educated about when and why the process takes place each week. The notice will be updated each week with the most up-to-date information.

We also offer free programs to area residents to prevent organics from otherwise ending up in a landfill, including yard waste, Christmas trees, and pumpkins. You can do your part to be more environmentally friendly by participating in these programs when they are offered. Stay tuned for more upcoming programs!

As we enter into spring, take time this month to celebrate Earth Day, clean up your yard, and get outside and enjoy the weather. There are many ways to be more environmentally friendly to preserve the earth for future generations, and our hope is that you will join us in our sustainability journey and make every day Earth Day!