Zero Waste

Everything we serve you at MCFM is compostable–even the cups and utensils that look like plastic.

Instead of trash cans, the market has Zero Waste Stations where customers can compost their plates, cups and food scraps, and recycle bottles or cans. Feel free to ask market staff and volunteer Zero Waste Educators if you are unsure about what is compostable and recyclable. A special thank you to all the vendors for facilitating the success of Zero Waste at MCFM by absorbing the overhead costs of serving on compostable materials.

First Zero Waste Market in MN

In 2009, Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM) became the first Zero Waste Farmers Market in Minnesota! MCFM is proud to be a Zero Waste Market, where “waste” generated at the market from food sales, samples and events is composted or recycled. By composting and recycling market waste, MCFM diverts nearly 4,000lb of waste from the landfill annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. This program allows MCFM to minimize our carbon footprint and strengthen our commitment to sustainability.

At an industrial composting facility, compostables – food scraps, paper plates, bowls, and cups, and compostable utensils – are converted into nutrient-rich soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. At MCFM, we know that healthy food starts with healthy soil!

Volunteer

Help us educate MCFM visitors about compostable plastics, manage composting stations and collect data for the Zero Waste program! Everyone from Master Recyclers to beginners are welcome and encouraged to participate in our efforts by volunteering as a Zero Waste Educator. There’s no need to be an expert, we train volunteers on the basics at the start of each shift. Shifts are 10am to 1:15pm each Saturday of our outdoor season.

Volunteer perks include:

• Ability to use MCFM’s drop-off bin for home compost (exclusive for volunteers)
• Volunteer 3+ times per year and receive $15 in tokens to spend at the market
• Volunteer 6+ times per year and choose a complimentary MCFM t-shirt, tank top, canvas tote bag or hat

Zero Waste Volunteer Description

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!

Data

See how we’re doing with our Zero Waste Counts.

Zero Waste Cooking

Many parts of fruits and vegetables are edible, even though we often only use one. The green leaves of radishes, carrots and beets for example are completely edible. Utilizing these parts of the plants reduces food waste, gets you more bang for your buck on produce, and also increases the variety of nutrient dense food sources in your diet.

Zero Waste Recipes