Require all public schools in Minnesota to establish cafeteria composting systems to reduce landfill waste, lower

greenhouse gas emissions, and promote environmental education among students.

 

The purpose of this act is to reduce the amount of organic waste for public schools that ends up in landfills, promote

environmentally responsible waste management practices, and educate students about sustainability, recycling, and the

natural composting process.

 

Minnesota's public schools produce an estimated 483,520 pounds of total waste generated per day across K-12 public

schools. Requiring public schools to implement cafeteria composting will reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas

emissions, and support the statewide climate and waste reduction goals.

 

Composting: The controlled biological decomposition of organic materials such as food scraps and paper products into a

soil amendment.

Public school: Any elementary, middle, or high school operated by a school district within the State of Minnesota.

Organic waste: Any biodegradable food or paper waste generated within school cafeterias, kitchens, or staff dining

areas.

Composting system: Includes on-site compost bins, local municipal compost collection partnerships, or contracted

third-party composting services.

ENRTF: Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

 

This bill will be funded by the ENRTF to provide recourses like compost bins and training. It will cost around $25,000

each year.

 

Each school district must:

Provide clearly labeled waste stations separating compost, recycling, and trash.

Train staff and students on how to properly separate compostable materials.

Contract with a licensed composting facility or maintain an on-site composting system in compliance with Minnesota

Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) standards. Schools may partner with local farms, community gardens, or municipal compost

programs to manage compost materials.

 

This bill will be implemented in the 2027-2028 school year