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Council weighs subsidized yard-waste drop-off rather than building a compost site
Summary
Staff presented a potential partnership to allow residents to drop off yard waste at a local mulch store (modeled on Mound’s program) at an estimated $13,000 annual cost; council discussed funding sources (stormwater/environmental funds) and concerns about contractor abuse and site security and took no action.
Minnetrista City staff outlined a possible yard-waste disposal option on June 16 that would let Minnetrista residents use a private mulch store to drop off yard waste at no per-bag charge to the resident, with the city paying an estimated annual contract cost.
Staff said the arrangement would likely mirror a neighboring city’s agreement, cited an estimated annual cost of about $13,000 and suggested using the stormwater or environmental fund rather than general levy dollars. Public Works Director Gary Peters and staff warned of administrative and operational challenges, including contractor abuse (commercial yard companies using the service) and security concerns if the city operated its own compost site.
Council members expressed differing views on demand; some said resident calls about curbside yard-waste service are infrequent and that directing residents to existing private mulch facilities remains a reasonable option. Staff noted the program would be a drop-off service (not curbside pickup) and that program details—including whether the city would negotiate a flat fee and how to verify residency—would need to be negotiated with a vendor.
No formal motion was made. Staff will not implement this option without further council direction; if the council wants to pursue it staff will return with a proposed agreement and cost estimate for inclusion in the 2026 budget.
