Compost & Yard Waste

Yard Waste

A teenager kneels to pickup yard waste next to a house

There are two options for disposing of yard waste:

  1. Through Your Waste Hauler - Check with your individual waste hauler to see if yard waste can be collected at the curb. View our listing of licensed waste haulers for more information.
  2. Through the Ramsey County Yard Waste Sites - You can also take your yard waste to one of Ramsey County's seven yard waste sites.

Ramsey County Yard Waste Drop-off Centers

There are several Yard Waste Drop Off Centers in Ramsey County, including one in Arden Hills:

Yard Waste Drop-off Center
3530 Hudson Avenue
Arden Hills, MN 55112

For more information about the hours and operation of the drop-off center, or to find other drop-off centers in the county please visit Ramsey County website. All sites are free and are open to Ramsey County residents only, a photo ID is required.

Composting is an easy way to reduce waste while improving your yard and garden soils. Yard trimmings and food scraps make up nearly 16% to 30% of waste produced by the average household. In Minnesota, 12% is food scraps and up to 18% is yard waste. Composting can happen indoors and outdoors. By composting leaves (browns) with kitchen scraps (greens), you create a dark, crumbly mixture that can be used to improve the soil and reduce your use of fertilizer and water. 

Starting your own compost bin can be boiled down to four simple steps:

  1. Make a compost bin or buy one
  2. Throw in yard waste and mix in kitchen scraps
  3. Add water as needed
  4. Mix it up once in a while

Arden Hills encourages backyard composting of kitchen scraps and yard waste. Just ensure your compost bin or pile is located in the rear yard, at least three feet from the rear or side property line. A state law passed in 1989 bans the disposal of yard waste in landfills or waste-to-energy facilities, so much of our yard waste goes to large commercial composting facilities. However, you can easily compost yard waste in your own backyard.

Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale

Compost bins and rain barrels can be purchased at a reduced rate. Purchase a Bin or Barrel.

Food Scraps

Ramsey County residents can recycle their food scraps for FREE at Ramsey County Yard Waste sites. Residents may pick up compostable bags at at RC Yard Waste sites at no cost.

What's Accepted?

  • All food waste, including bones, coffee grounds and filters, dairy, egg shells, fish, fruits and fruit peels,  grains, meats, poultry, vegetables, etc.
  • Paper that can’t be recycled curbside, including greasy delivery pizza boxes, paper towels, paper cups and plates (unlined/uncoated), tissues, paper egg cartons, dirty paper bags, etc.
  • Animal/pet food (no plastic bags)
  • Bird feed/seed (no plastic bags)
  • Compostable cups, plates, utensils, bags etc. Check that it has the “Compostable” logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
  • Cotton balls, cotton swabs (made of paper material)
  • Hair and fur
  • Please note: Dirt is no longer accepted at yard waste sites due to the threat of jumping worms.

Nearby Drop-off Locations

Arden Hills                Yard Waste Site

3530 Hudson Ave, Arden Hills


New Brighton

700 5th St. NW, New Brighton                                       Open year-round, 24/7