Good news for environmental enthusiasts and waste-conscious residents – Ramsey and Washington counties are expanding their eco-friendly initiative to transform household food scraps into compost. Starting today, communities in Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Island Township, Landfall, Newport, Oakdale, St Paul Park, and Woodbury are invited to hop on the green wagon and start recycling food remnants right from their kitchens.

Ordering the necessary equipment is a breeze and won't cost you a dime – get your free bags at FoodScrapsPickup.com or ring up 651-661-9393 to easily sign up, according to the Washington  County, Minnesota.

The Food Scraps Pickup Program, a begotten result of the collaboration between the two counties, aims to significantly reduce the amount of food waste ending up in landfills. A whopping 20% of our garbage is made up of food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds, as per the Washington County, Minnesota. By opting to recycle these organic materials, residents are actively choosing to help convert potential waste into valuable soil, rather than letting it rot away in a dump.

It's all part of a long-term strategy that's gradually coming to fruition. This program isn't just a flash in the pan; Ramsey and Washington counties are determined to roll it out to all their residents over the coming years. If your area isn't covered yet, don't throw in the towel - you can stay in the loop by signing up for email alerts. This will ensure you're among the first to know when food scrap recycling becomes available in new areas.