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ABOUT MANKATO AREA ZERO WASTE

Mankato Area Zero Waste is a grassroots organization focused on reducing waste in all forms. Currently we partner with the Minnesota cities of Mankato, North Mankato, and Lake Crystal to provide drop-off sites at no extra charge for recycling organics from any area household into useable compost.

We are also very concerned about the growth of plastic use and the harmful effects on us and our environment. Besides recommending alternatives to plastic (see our list), we are helping businesses, institutions and groups collect plastic wrap and bags for recycling into composite lumber to make benches, decking and railings.  

We invite you to check out the wide range of information for organics recycling and curbing plastic use under the topics in our dashboard above–and find one more thing you can do that fits you and your concerns. 

Note: We are happy to answer any questions at mankatozerowaste@gmail.com.

Then take your bagged organics (no plastic bags, please) to a city organics dumpster during daylight hours, any day you choose:

  • Mankato: 501 S. Victory Dr. front parking lot, Mankato Public Works Center OR Sibley Park, 901 Mound Ave., near Animal Impound
  • North Mankato: 600 Webster Ave. at the North Mankato Recycling Center
  • Lake Crystal: Recreation Center, 621 W. Nathan

Your organics will be hauled to a commercial composting facility near the Twin Cities to be turned into valuable compost rather than being burned or added to a landfill. 

Our thanks to the cities of Mankato, North Mankato and Lake Crystal for this service to reduce waste in the Greater Mankato Area!

Sign up for this free program

  • Lake Crystal: City Hall, 507-726-2538
  • North Mankato: 507-625-4141
  • Mankato: 311, 507-387-8600 or register online

Video: How to Recycle Food Waste

PLASTIC FILM RECYCLING

Keep up with events, initiatives and information by following Mankato zero Waste on Facebook.