Yard waste

Minnesota law forbids yard waste from going into the landfill. Yard waste includes leaves, brush, grass clippings, branches and similar natural waste. Both the Rice County Solid Waste Facility and community compost sites will take yard waste at no cost.

compost

Compostable bags are allowed; material in plastic bags must be removed. Please direct questions to the Solid Waste Facility. Information for other compost sites can be found at

Composting
Composting is a process that uses water, air and naturally occurring microbes to convert organic matter into a valuable resource. Added to gardens or placed at the base of trees and shrubs, compost contains essential nutrients for healthy plant growth, acts as a soil conditioner, helps the soil to hold moisture better and prevents erosion.

A backyard compost pile can be easily constructed and maintained. Find information on backyard composting and options for building compost structures at