Keep a container lined with a compostable bag near the kitchen sink for plate scrapings and prep scraps. Wrap smelly food, like fish, in newspaper and freeze. Place food scraps in securely tied compostable bags. Never use plastic shopping bags. Twist-ties are OK.
Only use compostable bags with the Biodegradable Products Institute logo. Two sizes of free replacement bags are available at WLSSD-staffed drop sites or for purchase at Duluth area businesses including Marshall Hardware, Ace Hardware, Whole Foods Co-op, Walgreens, and Twin Ports Paper & Supply.
WLSSD accepts only Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified compostable products. When choosing compostable cups, plates, cutlery, and other tableware or packaging, look for the BPI logo. Brands that carry certified product lines include ECO, Fabri-Kal and many more, though not ALL product lines are certified. For more information on why we accept BPI-certified compostable products, please visit our webpage for residents.
Anything that is or was edible: raw and cooked food, meat, fish, small bones, spoiled/moldy food, fruits, vegetables, peels & pits, cheese, breads, dough, pasta, rice, old pet food, tea bags, coffee grounds & filter. BPI-certified compostable products are also accepted.
Pet waste, kitty litter, diapers, liquids, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, regular plastic bags and containers, dirt, rocks, pizza boxes, paper plates, napkins, paper towels and other food contact materials, like fast food wrappers. We’ve been getting quite a few questions about why we can’t accept paper products. For more information, please visit our webpage for residents.
408 3rd Avenue
The 96-gallon cart for food scraps is placed near the alley at the corner of 4th Street. A dispenser for compostable bags is also onsite.
27th Ave. W. & Courtland St.
Seasonal hours, open April through November
The food scrap dumpster is along the fence near the cashier’s booth. Ask the staff member onsite for free compostable bags. This drop site is available seasonally when the Yard Waste Composting Site is open.
27th Ave W. & Courtland St.
The food scrap dumpster is on your right side as you enter the parking lot for HHW. Free compostable bags are available from staff.
Rice Lake & Ridgeview Rds.
The food scrap dumpster is inside the fence near the exit gate. Please drive up to the gatehouse and let the staff know you are there to drop off food waste. Free compostable bags are also available from staff at the gatehouse.
1902 E. 8th St., Duluth
The drop site dumpster is behind a wood fence with WLSSD signage on it. Free compostable bags are available at the cashier’s area in the cafe.
2501 Woodland Avenue, Duluth
The dumpster is located in the back of the church parking lot along the woods. Free compostable bags are available at the reception desk inside the church, and in a plastic container outside the front entrance of the church.
2101 Trinity Rd., Duluth
The food scrap dumpster is near the loading dock behind the T-Building. Bags and instructions are inside the public door nearest the loading dock.
5324 E Superior St., Duluth
Lake Superior Brewing (LSB) hosts a food scrap dumpster at the far west end of their parking lot near their storage building. Use the self-serve bag dispenser onsite or visit a WLSSD facility for free compostable bags.
7408 Grand Avenue, Duluth
Drive into the gravel circular lot and look for the two carts (not a dumpster). Use the self-serve bag dispenser onsite or visit a WLSSD facility for free compostable bags.
4289 Ugstad Road, Hermantown
The food scrap dumpster is in the parking lot adjacent to the soccer field. Free compostable bags are available at the front desk inside the YMCA.
1950 Highway 210 Carlton, MN 55718
The food waste dumpster is located near the Household Hazardous Waste Facility and the Recycling Center at the Transfer Station. Free approved compostable bags are available from the attendant onsite.