Compostable bags, reusable cans soon to be required for curbside yard waste pickup in Moorhead

(Moorhead, MN) -- Effective September 1st, Moorhead residents must use compostable/paper bags or reusable cans for curbside yard waste collection; yard waste in plastic bags will no longer be collected after that date.

"The primary reasons for the change include alleviating the litter and costs of disposing clear plastic bags, minimizing maintenance and down time of the yard waste processing equipment, and eliminating contamination of the finished compost," said city leadership in a statement released to WDAY Radio. "The ultimate goal is to make the City’s composting service more efficient and sustainable."

Acceptable options for yard waste after September 1st include:

• Reusable cans with lids (up to 32 gallons in size). Yard waste stickers are not required but can be picked up at the Resource Recovery Center (3322 15 Ave N), third floor of City Hall, Public Works Offices (1300 15 Ave N), or the Public Works Shop (700 15 Ave N).  
• Paper lawn bags
• Compostable lawn bags that are BPI-Certified and ASTM D6400 standard compliant (with the BPI stamp on the bag)
• Dropping off yard waste at the City compost site, or dumpsters at Woodlawn Point (418 Elm St), the Public Works Shop (700 15 Ave N), the Resource Recovery Center (3322 15 Ave N), or Southside Regional Park (corner of Parkview Drive and 23 St S).

BPI-Certified compostable or paper lawn bags can be purchased at Moorhead’s Ace Hardware, Menards, or online at various retailers.

If any residents have questions, you're asked to contact Public Works at (218) 299-5347 or (218) 299-5465.