Compost & Yard Waste

Yard Waste

A teenager kneels to pickup yard waste next to a houseThere are two options for disposing of yard waste:

Your Own Waste Hauler

Check with your individual waste hauler to see if yard waste can be collected at the curb. View the list of licensed waste haulers for more information.

Ramsey County Yard Waste Sites

You can take your yard waste to one of Ramsey County's seven yard waste sites. There are several yard waste sites in Ramsey County, including one in Arden Hills, located at 3530 Hudson Avenue.

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

Composting

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 household waste. 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. 

Compost Bin


Starting your own compost bin is easier than you think. Follow these four simple steps:


  1. Get a compost bin (or make your own).
  2. Add yard waste and mix in kitchen scraps.
  3. Keep it moist by adding water as needed.
  4. Stir it occasionally to keep things moving along.


The City of Arden Hills encourages residents to compost kitchen scraps and yard waste at home. Just make sure your compost bin or pile is placed in the rear yard, at least three feet away from any rear or side property line. Since a 1989 state law prohibits yard waste from being disposed of in landfills or waste-to-energy facilities, much of it is sent to large commercial composting facilities. But with a backyard compost bin, you can take care of your yard waste on your own while creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden!


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 any Ramsey County Drop Off Sites. Compostable bags are also available for residents to pick up at no cost from these locations.


What's Accepted?

  • All food waste: Including bones, coffee grounds and filters, dairy, eggshells, fish, fruits and fruit peels, grains, meats, poultry, vegetables, etc.
  • Paper not recyclable curbside: Such as greasy pizza boxes, paper towels, unlined/uncoated paper cups and plates, tissues, paper egg cartons, dirty paper bags, etc.
  • Animal/pet food (no plastic bags).
  • Bird feed/seed (no plastic bags).
  • Compostable items: Cups, plates, utensils, bags, etc. Ensure they display the “Compostable” logo from the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).
  • Cotton products: Cotton balls and cotton swabs made of paper material.
  • Hair and fur.

Note: Dirt is no longer accepted at yard waste sites due to the risk of spreading jumping worms.


Nearby Locations

  • 3530 Hudson Ave, Arden Hills, MN
  • 700 5th St. NW, New Brighton, MN (open year-round, 24/7)