New Organic Recycling Program Launches in New York Mills

Otter Tail County initiative brings food waste collection to five locations, including New York Mills

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a simple compost bin or food scrap container, rendered in vibrant neon hues and high-contrast black outlines to capture the modern, pop art aesthetic of the organic recycling program in New York Mills.A new organic recycling program in New York Mills aims to transform food waste into valuable compost, reflecting the community's growing commitment to sustainable living.New York Mills Today

A new organic recycling program has been launched in New York Mills, Minnesota, as part of a broader initiative by Otter Tail County. The program allows residents to drop off food scraps and other compostable materials at one of five collection sites across the county, including a location near the New York Mills Area Food Shelf. The organic waste is then transported to a composting facility to be processed into usable compost.

Why it matters

The organic recycling program provides New York Mills residents with a convenient way to divert food waste from landfills and instead repurpose it into nutrient-rich compost. This helps reduce household garbage and promotes more sustainable waste management practices in the community.

The details

The organic recycling bins in New York Mills are located near the city's food shelf on South Walker Avenue. Accepted materials include food scraps, paper products, and other compostable items. Residents must use BPI-certified compostable bags or brown paper bags to dispose of their organic waste. The county provides composting pails and initial rolls of compostable bags for those who sign up for the program through the county website.

  • The organic recycling program launched in New York Mills on March 27, 2026.
  • Otter Tail County first reached out to New York Mills about hosting a collection site earlier in 2026.

The players

Otter Tail County Solid Waste Department

The county department that oversees the organic recycling program and coordinates the collection sites across Otter Tail County.

Julie Roberts

The New York Mills City Clerk, who worked with Otter Tail County to establish the organic recycling collection site in the city.

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What they’re saying

“It is something that our community has asked for in the past. Now that Otter Tail County has started it up and it's led by them, I think it will be beneficial to those residents who are very earth-conscious.”

— Julie Roberts, New York Mills City Clerk

“They should sign up because the county is wanting to keep track of the interest level and how many people are doing it. Then you are directed to pick up a pail and compostable bags here at the city office. They provide these and their first roll of bags.”

— Julie Roberts, New York Mills City Clerk

What’s next

Residents of New York Mills and other Otter Tail County communities are encouraged to sign up for the organic recycling program through the county's website to receive a composting pail and initial roll of compostable bags.

The takeaway

The new organic recycling program in New York Mills provides a convenient way for residents to divert food waste from landfills and contribute to a more sustainable waste management system in their community. The program's success will depend on participation and engagement from local residents who are committed to environmental stewardship.