Future Facility with Labels
Project Overview
As local composting efforts capture more and more organic material, the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility is nearing capacity.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has begun construction on a new composting facility in Louisville Township near the intersection of highways 169 and 41, named Dakota Prairie Composting.
The SMSC broke ground on the new facility on June 27, 2023, and construction is expected to be complete in 2024. Dakota Prairie Composting will use the latest technology and composting processes to control odors and increase efficiency, allowing the facility to triple the amount of compostable organic materials they take in and divert from local landfills.
Project Gallery
Project FAQ
- When did construction begin?
The SMSC broke ground on the new Dakota Prairie Composting facility on June 27, 2023. Construction is underway, and the facility is expected to be operational in 2024.
- Why is the SMSC relocating its Organics Recycling Facility?
The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility is currently operating at capacity. The new Dakota Prairie site will have state-of-the-art technology that will allow the facility to process more organics in a location better suited for industrial activity. The facility will help Minnesota reach its goal of recycling 75% of the state’s waste by 2030 while protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations by taking in more organic materials and diverting them from local landfills.
- What will the new facility look like? How will it be different than what is on the current site?
After several years of research and site visits across the country, the new facility will include the latest, state-of-the-art technology and processes to control odors and increase efficiency. The new facility will collect and recycle commercial organics, as well as sell industry and commercial wholesale products like the existing facility in Shakopee.
- How much more food waste will the new facility be able to compost?
The new facility will have the capacity to compost up to three times as much food waste as the previous facility. This will help contribute to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) goal of recycling 75% of Minnesota’s waste by 2030.
- Will the project affect traffic near the site?
Improvements to the Highway 41 intersection are included in the plan and can be viewed below. These improvements will include the addition of turn lanes on Highway 41.
- What will the existing facility be used for?
After the new facility is operational, all active composting operations at the Shakopee site will be transitioned to the new facility over a period of several months. In the interim, the wood mulch operations will remain on the existing site until they can be relocated to the new site, and a portion of the site may be used for the sale of residential and commercial products like colored mulch and compost. The existing bison operations will utilize remaining facilities and the disturbed portions of the site will be restored.
- Would local residents still be able to bring yard waste to the existing facility?
The existing site in Shakopee will not accept residential yard waste drop off.
- Are there any benefits for Carver County residents? Can they drop off yard waste at the new facility?
Carver County residents will be welcome to use the facility to drop off yard waste (for a fee) and to purchase landscaping products, such as compost, soil blends, and mulch.
- Who will regulate the facility since it’s owned by the tribe?
The new facility will be regulated by the MPCA, the entity that regulates all composting facilities in Minnesota.
- What if residents have questions or complaints about the new facility?
Online comment forms are available now on smscorf.com and will be available on the Dakota Prairie Composting website when it’s complete.
- Will people be able to purchase mulch and compost at the new site?
The new site will be open to the public for all product sales.
