The bins have a 17 cubic foot capacity and measure 30 inches tall and 33 inches in diameter. They have a wide opening to add materials and a lockable lid to deter animals.

Order compost bins at recycleminnesota.org and enter promo code “Ramsey” or call 651-641-4589 and mention that you are a Ramsey County resident to get the discount. Then contact Ramsey County Environmental Health at 651-266-1199 to arrange a pick-up time. Compost bins will be available at a pick-up location in Maplewood.

Home composting is a way to trim your trash and get free garden mulch or soil supplement at the same time. Use your bin to compost food scraps, including fruit and vegetable peels, breads, pastas, grains, coffee grounds and filters, eggshells and tea bags. Yard wastes such as leaves, grass and garden waste can also be composted.

Naturally occurring microbes convert the material to a useful organic soil amendment or mulch. Gardeners use compost to improve the soil and to add nutrients needed for plant growth. Incorporating compost into light, sandy soil helps it hold moisture and nutrients, while adding it to heavy soil improves drainage.