About the bins
The compost bins sold by Hennepin County are made of cedar and wire mesh. Bins are sold as a kit with all materials, hardware, and assembly and composting instructions included; some assembly required.
Kits are about 3' x 3' x 1'. Assembled bins are 3’ x 3’ x 3’.
Bins cost $50 each. Some assembly is required. Lids are available for an additional $10.
Bins are built by Sentencing to Service (STS) Homes crews, which is an on-the-job carpenter training program for incarcerated men and women.
Cities have varying backyard composting ordinances; check with your city recycling coordinator about your local ordinance.
Purchasing a bin
1. Pre-order a compost bin online
2. Pick up your pre-ordered compost bin at one of these events:
Saturday, May 13
Bins for the Minneapolis event are SOLD OUT. Check back for additional events later this summer/fall.
Backyard compost workshop on May 13 at the Midtown Farmers Market:
Backyard compost workshop
9-10 a.m.
Sign up for the optional workshop when ordering the compost bin.
If you'd like to attend the workshop, but are not ordering a bin, RSVP to Kira at kira.berglund@hennepin.us for details.
Thursday, June 1
5-7 p.m.
Harvest Moon Co-op
2380 Wayzata Blvd
Long Lake, MN 55356
Hennepin County Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park
Compost bins are for sale at the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park, located at 8100 Jefferson Hwy, Brooklyn Park (map).
Bins are for sale during regular facility hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed Mondays and Sundays
Pay at the facility; no pre-order needed.
Refund policy
Our policy is not to offer refunds for compost bins. However, if you have a question concerning your payment or wish to inquire about a potential refund, please call 612-348-3777.
Assembling your bin and starting to compost
Instructions:
- Compost bin assembly instructions (PDF)
- How to compost in your backyard (PDF)
- How to assemble your compost bin video
Spread the word
Get a newsletter article, social media posts, flyer and images to promote the compost bin sales.