Free year of compostable bags to curbside organics program participants

Sometimes you have to get your hands a little dirty if you want to help the planet. The City of Richfield wants to make the process of curbside organics recycling easier, more efficient and cheaper for residents by offering a year’s allotment of compostable bags to program participants.  

Richfield sustainability staff created the free compostable bag program to help remove barriers for residents participating in the curbside organics program. 

“Cost, mainly involving compostable bags, has been the most common deterrent when it comes to residents deciding not to participate in the program,” said sustainability specialist Rachel Lindholm. “We created this program to offset those costs.”

The city’s sustainability staff also wanted to help make sure residents are using BPI-certified compostable bags, which will help reduce contamination as it can be difficult at times to determine if bags, and other items, that say they are compostable are truly safe to use in Richfield’s organics programs.

The funding for the program was provided through Hennepin County’s SCORE initiative.

Since the implementation of the curbside organics program in Richfield 2,350 households have signed up it, or approximately one-fourth of all eligible households. Residents who are interested in the program can sign up at any time.

“The organics program continues to grow and staff continues to share resources, materials, and information with residents who are interested in participating,” explained Richfield GreenCorps member Roxanne Nelson. “There will be more residential education over the next few months through events. Residents are always encouraged to reach out to staff if they have any questions or would like help with starting their organics collection.”

Richfield residents who participate in the curbside organics program can pick up their allotment of three-gallon compostable bags on weekdays at the Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Avenue, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Additional questions regarding the curbside organics program or compostable bags can be directed to the Richfield Sustainability Team by emailing garbageandrecycling@richfieldmn.gov or calling 612-861-9195.