Area Compost Site Opening for 2024 Season Wed., April 17th (Weather Permitting)

Weather permitting, the Lakes Area Compost Site will open for the 2024 season on Wednesday, April 17th. 

• Wednesdays: 2pm-7pm (or dusk in the fall)
• Saturdays: 9am-4pm
• Sundays: 1pm-4pm

Officials operating the Compost Site remind the public that the Compost Site is CLOSED during inclement/rainy weather to protect the access roads within the Site, and for the safety of our Compost Site Attendant and guests.  During prolonged wet weather, vehicles have been stuck at the compost site.  

• How the site works
• How compost is created
• what items are accepted, and more!

• Residents within the City limits of Chisago City, Lindstrom, Wyoming, and Stacy may compost leaves, grass clippings, and brush (up to 3" diameter) three days a week at no charge. Proof of residency may be required.
• No Commercial Lawn Services, Tree Services, Landscaping Services, or Commercial Businesses will be permitted to haul to or from the site.

• Non-City residents, such as from Chisago Lake Township, Franconia Township, Center City, and Shafer, may also use the facility at no charge for the 2024 season. Proof of residency or non-residency may be required.
• No Commercial Lawn Services, Tree Services, Landscaping Services, or Commercial Businesses will be permitted to haul to or from the site.

• Plastic bags must be removed.  Green bio-degradable bags, paper bags, and compostable flower pots are okay to compost and do not need to be removed.
• No brush over 3 inches in diameter.  Place brush in designated areas only- not with the grass/leaves.
• No dimensional lumber.
• Compost is for private use only- commercial use is not allowed.
• Wood chips and black dirt are FREE (when available).  Note: it is not screened/cleaned.
• Do not place grass/leaves on existing piles.  Place only where designated.
• No tires, appliances or household trash.
• NO DUMPING (of trash or organics) outside the fence.

• Whole hay bales are not allowed. 
• Loose hay from multiple hay bails is not allowed.

• Bring your own tools- shovel, gloves, etc.
• Assistance in unloading or loading is generally not available.  Sometimes the Boy Scouts are there on the weekends, but only intermittently.
• If it has recently rained excessively, it could be very muddy.  Please be mindful of your vehicle’s capabilities.
• The compost site is only open (weather permitting) during the days/hours posted on this website- no exceptions.
• If you need to dispose of items that are not allowed at the compost site, please contact your waste disposal company.
• Helping out is always appreciated!  If you see easily accessible debris in the compost pile that does not belong (plastic bags, bungee cords/ties, etc.), please remove it and place it at the dumpster located next to the portable bathroom.

• Chisago City residents:  go 1 mile north on County Road 24 (Lofton Ave.) from the Highway 8 stoplight.  Continue north at the 4-Way Stop (intersection of CRD 19 and CRD 24) for .3 tenths of a mile.  The site is on the right.  
• Lindstrom residents:  go north on County Road 14 (Lincoln Road) from the Highway 8 stoplight, then west (left) on County Road 19 (Stacy Trail).  At the 4-Way Stop (intersection of CRD 19 and CRD 24), go north (right) on CRD 24 for .3 tenths of a mile.  The site is on the right. 
• Stacy residents:  go east on County Road 19 to the 4-Way Stop (intersection of CRD 19 and CRD 24), then north (left) on CRD 24 for .3 tenths of a mile.  The site is on the right.  
• Wyoming residents:  go north on Hwy 61, then east on County Road 19 (Stacy Trail), then north (left) on CRD 24 for .3 tenths of a mile.  The site is on the right.   

The Area Compost Site is located at the Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Plant site off County Road 24.  31501 Lofton Ave., Chisago City, MN 55013.  Click HERE or on the map below for directions using Google Maps.