Yard waste (grass/leaves, etc.) takes up a lot of space in our landfills.  If you aren't mulching your grass directly on your lawn and need to take it somewhere to be composted, many communities have programs for keeping yard waste out of our solid waste landfills (where our household garbage goes).  The North Dakota Department of Health maintains a list of locations that accept yard waste from residents and/or lawn service companies.  See the where to recycle page and scroll down to the list of locations.

Organics or food waste for composting typically includes fruit and vegetables scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other organic materials.  Do not place meat, fat, plastics or other similar products into a yard waste collection container or stockpile for composting.  Once the materials breakdown and turn into compost (a rich, earthy, dirt-like material), some communities offer compost back to their residents.  Check with your local yard waste/composting program to see what items are accepted and whether or not they have finished compost available.  

Backyard composting is also becoming popular.  One example of a backyard compost bin that some larger cities may sell are the Earth MachineTM.  Visit www.earthmachine.com for "how to compost", purchase one and more.

For brochures on Composting in Your Backyard, Recycling Grass Clippings and Using Compost and Wood Chips, visit www.ndhealth.gov/wm (see Publications, Solid Waste Program, Composting - Residential).
 

If your community currently has a yard waste or organics recycling program, and is not listed on the where to recycle page, please contact us (below).