Area Compost Site

31501 Lofton Ave., Chisago City, MN 55013
Area Compost Site Sign
Compost Site Update 3/13/2024: 

With the unseasonably warm weather, we've had a lot of inquiries regarding the Lakes Area Compost Site. We will not be opening any time in March because our equipment is still fitted for snow removal. Until we know with certainty that we are out of the woods for snow, we cannot change the equipment over to "spring/summer mode" in order to finish getting the compost site ready for the season.

It is possible we will open a little earlier than normal (normal is mid-April), but that will not be determined until late March. Stay tuned for updates. Compost Site updates will be posted via:

Compost Site Hours (Weather Permitting):
2024 Season: Exact opening and closing dates to be determined.
General Annual Dates: mid- April through mid-November, weather permitting
  • Wednesdays from 2:00pm – 7pm (or until dusk in the Fall), weather permitting
  • Saturdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm, weather permitting
  • Sundays from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, weather permitting

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.  

Click HERE, or on the video below, to view our Area Compost Site Informational Video on our Facebook page!

Area Compost Site Informational Video

Residents

  • 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-Residents

  • Non-City residents, such as from Chisago Lake Township, Franconia Township, Center City, and Shafer, may also use the facility. Proof of residency or non-residency may be required.
  • Non-City residents may be charged a small fee. CASH PAYMENT ONLY.
  • No Commercial Lawn Services, Tree Services, Landscaping Services, or Commercial Businesses will be permitted to haul to or from the site.

Compost Site Regulations

  • 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.

A Note On Hay Bales

If you have hay bales to dispose of, you must remove the tie material and wrapping and dispose of those materials in the garbage.  The loose hay can then be placed in the compost site as directed by the Compost Site Attendant. 
  • Whole hay bales are not allowed. 
  • Loose hay from multiple hay bails is not allowed.

General Information

  • 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.

Compost Site- Tractor Turning Compost Unloading Compostable Material from Trailer

Creating Black Dirt

Over a 4 year time period, organic matter is stacked into large windrows (long piles) and turned over on a regular basis to allow bacteria and microbes to convert plant matter into black dirt.  Frequent aerating brings oxygen to the microbes and keeps the temperature of the pile at a safe level.

Processing the Brush Pile

The brush pile at the compost site ends up in a very large wood chipper.  Some of the wood chips are sent to Evergreen Energy (a subdivision of Xcel Energy) to be burned for greener energy production.  The remaining wood chips are at the compost site to be used by the public.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

  • 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.

Area Compost Site Map