Medicine Lake Single Family Residential Yard Waste Program

The new Minnesota State law (State Statute 115A.931-YARD WASTE PROHIBITION) requires that you now use compostable bags for your yard waste. The law was written to keep black plastic out of composting facilities, which creates an organic waste stream free of plastic. Compostable bags include; Kraft paper bags or compostable plastic bags that are usally clear or a tinted shade of green, white, or pink. However the color is not a sure way of determining the compostability of a plastic bag. Compostable plastic bags must state that they meet ASTM D6400 standards for composting and that they are “compostable”. Not all bags marked “biodegradable” or “degradable” meet the state law. Most home improvement, grocery and hardware stores carry compostable bags. If you don’t see them at your local store, ask an employee.

Residents in Medicine Lake which have paid for the Extended Service, receive up to eight bags of grass or leaves taken each week by our yard waste truck during the season which is April 3, 2012 through the November 20, 2012. Yard waste must be in compostable bags meeting the above specifications.