THE DIRT

The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility is one of only two sites in the Twin Cities metro area that compost food waste on a large scale. The other site is owned by Specialized Environmental Technologies. Both facilities take in tons of waste every year from grocery stores, restaurants, businesses, and homes….
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All too often, material that is compostable—able to be broken down and returned to the earth safely—ends up in a landfill where it can actually be harmful. Organic material that ends up buried in a landfill undergoes the process of anaerobic decomposition, eventually generating and emitting methane into the air….
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We are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and things are constantly changing and evolving, including the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility. The health and safety of our employees, guests, Community Members, neighbors, and the public is our top concern. We are taking a vigilant approach while information about COVID-19…
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Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, when much of the nation is shut down, springtime has arrived on time; and with it brings new opportunities. Millions of Americans sheltering in place have turned to their gardens to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, and family fun. Home gardeners are snatching up everything…
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Celebrated every year during the first full week of May, International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) promotes the benefits of composting! ICAW is celebrated nationwide and is one of the largest and most comprehensive education initiatives in the compost industry. Since its inception in 1995 in Canada, ICAW has continued to…
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We have finally reached the long-awaited springtime weather, sunshine, home and outdoor projects, yard cleanup, and of course Earth Day! The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility can help you with materials for completing home improvement and landscaping projects, a place to drop off yard waste after cleaning up your yard, and…
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As the ground begins to thaw and the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to start planning your summer home improvement projects and there’s no better way to increase the curb appeal of your house than to add a vibrant mulch to your landscaping. Here at the SMSC Organics Recycling…
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Many people wonder what happens to compost piles in the winter. Your backyard compost pile will likely freeze and wait until spring to resume decomposition. However, this is not true for large-scale composting. Material at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility composts right through the winter, even during the coldest and…
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The winter months can bring challenges to eco-friendly living due to the cold temperatures. Although you may not be able to harvest a full vegetable garden or air-dry your laundry in the backyard, there are a number of sustainable activities you can implement during the winter season to maintain a…
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Where do all those Christmas trees go after December 25? Already dreading the pine needles that will be falling abundantly from your once lively—and beautifully decorated—Christmas tree toward the end of December? Sounds like you need a game plan for ditching the tree before your living room, and the rest…
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