Second Year of Free Yard Waste Collection Draws 3,300 people to SMSC's Organics Recycling Facility

In its second year, the Organics Recycling Facility’s (ORF) free drop-off program drew 3,305 participants in 2014 – nearly 1,000 more people than last year. Each Saturday during the months of April, May, September and October, the ORF accepted yard waste free of charge from Scott County residents.

“We are thrilled that so many residents have taken advantage of the free drop-off events,” said Operations Manager Al Friedges. “These events help ensure that local yard waste is disposed of properly and turned into compost. This is good news for our environment and great news for our communities.”

In addition to the strong overall turnout for yard waste collection, the ORF set a record on the last day of the program by serving 535 residents – the most people it has ever served in one day.

The residential drop-off events complement the ongoing partnerships that the ORF has with the cities of Prior Lake, Shakopee, and Savage to accept leaves, brush, food scraps, and other organic waste at no cost. Other ORF partners include local waste haulers, food manufacturers, grocers, and school districts.

In addition to these free events, more area residents are taking the opportunity to purchase finished compost for their gardening, landscaping, and turf management needs, eliminating the need to use chemical fertilizers and herbicides for their vegetable gardens, lawns, trees and shrubs.

For more information, visit www.smscorf.com or call Al Friedges at 952-403-7005.