Special Topic - Compostable Bags
Types of compostable bags
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Compostable
plastic bag |
Compostable
paper bag
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Compostable bag requirement for curbside yard waste pickup
Use of compostable bags not required at
county compost sites
Residents who bag their yard waste for curbside pickup are required to use compostable bags – either plastic or paper – under a new state law that went into effect January 1, 2010.
The legislation was put into place to reduce the amount of plastic that gets mixed in with yard waste, resulting in higher quality finished compost.
Compostable bags include paper Kraft bags or compostable plastic. Compostable plastic bags are usually clear or tinted a translucent shade of green, white, or pink; however the color is not the sure way of determining the compostability of a plastic bag. Compostable plastic bags should be clearly labeled "compostable" and include the U.S. Composting Council’s logo (shown below). Bags marked "biodegradable" or "degradable" do not meet the requirements of the state law.
Compostable plastic bags are readily available at most home improvement, grocery, and hardware stores.
Print our Compostable Bag flyer to take to the store with you.
If your yard waste is collected in a cart, you do not need to bag the waste before placing it in the cart. However, if you do, you will need to use a compostable bag, either plastic or paper.
For more information on the law and compostable bags, visit Rethink Recycling.
Residents who bring yard waste to the Bunker Hills or Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Compost Sites are not required to use compostable bags as all yard waste brought to the sites must be debagged or unloaded and bags or containers taken home.
Visit the Anoka County Compost Sites page to learn more.
Anoka County Integrated Waste Management
Government Center
2100 3rd Avenue, STE 340
Anoka, MN 55303-5032
Phone: 763-323-5730 | Fax: 763-323-5731 | E-mail:
use the Contact Us page