Newsroom

Free Yard Waste Collection Draws a Record 4,600 People to SMSC’s Organics Recycling Facility

Shakopee, Minnesota – In its third year, the Organics Recycling Facility's (ORF) yard waste collection program drew 4,614 participants in 2015 – more than 1,300 more people than last year. Each Saturday during the months of April, May, September and October, the ORF accepted yard waste free of charge from Scott County residents.

"It has been rewarding to see the usage of this program grow every year," said Operations Manager Al Friedges. "We are so thrilled to present these events, which help ensure local yard waste is properly disposed and turned into compost – helping our communities and our environment."

The ORF served more than 500 people on the last day of the program, the highest number of people served on a single day in 2015.

The residential drop-off events complement the ongoing partnerships that the ORF has with the cities of Prior Lake, Shakopee, and Savage to accept leaves, brush, food scraps, and other organic waste at no cost. Other ORF partners include local waste haulers, food manufacturers, grocers, and school districts.

In addition to these free events, more area residents are taking the opportunity to purchase finished compost for their gardening, landscaping, and turf management needs, eliminating the need to use chemical fertilizers and herbicides for their vegetable gardens, lawns, trees, and shrubs.

For more information, visit www.smscorf.com or call Al Friedges at 952-403-7005.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. Together the SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has donated more than $325 million to organizations and causes and has contributed millions more to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services. The SMSC is the largest philanthropic benefactor for Indian Country nationally and one of the largest charitable givers in Minnesota.