A selection of compost, organics recycling, and mulch education articles

Flowers in a garden box for an education article about gardening and recyclingrticle
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Sustainable Spring Gardening

Let’s look ahead to prepare for your next gardening project.

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Education Library

Magic Mulch

Mulch can really take your landscaping design to the next level by adding unique visual interest and beauty to your […]

Compost 101

Answers to some of our most commonly received questions about all things “compost” can be found here. Mulch or Compost? […]

Organics 101

All the organics recycling information you need. Find a drop-off site, ensure quality, and more. SET up for Success With […]

Top-notch Topdressing

A quick, easy, convenient, and profitable method for modern lawn care. Topdressing turf grass areas is a very old concept […]

Jumping Worms: What to Do?

Jumping worms are not native to Minnesota, and there is a lot to know about what they are, where they […]

Invasive Noxious Species (Oh My!)

There are many types of invasive noxious species that impact our environment. Facts about how to help prevent their spread […]

Herbicides and Pesticides

It’s important to understand how herbicides and pesticides impact the disposal process and the resulting organic products. What are herbicides […]

Compost: Let’s Break it Down

Compost is something that we frequently hear about, but still often there are many uncertainties or confusion about what exactly […]

Microplastics: The Big Picture

An introduction to the facts and impacts that microplastics have on our processes. What are microplastics? Microplastics are small, plastic […]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is organics recycling available in my area?

Just as collecting recyclable items such as paper, plastic and aluminum varies based on your garbage hauler and location, collection of organics may vary as well. For example, paper, glass and aluminum can all be collected together in some locations and in others they may need to be separated. This is similar for your organic waste. In some areas yard waste such as leaves and grass can be collected with your food waste and in others food waste will need to be separated from yard waste. Contact your local garbage haulers to find out more information on this service. If organics recycling is not available in your area, residents may also transport their own organics to the Empire Township facility. Commercial customers should contact us online for pricing.

How is SET composting different than a backyard compost pile?

Backyard composting is limited to include yard waste, and select food waste such as vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, flower trimmings, etc. You should not include meat, bones, pet waste, or dairy in your back yard compost pile. Commercial scale composting can process everything a backyard compost pile can take plus, meat, dairy, bones and non-recyclable paper. It may also be more convenient for those who may have not have the space or time to compost.

Do you have a question that is looking for an answer? Send it to SET! Our team of experts can provide additional recycling, compost, and mulch education articles, insights, and answers.

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