The chore of spring yard work has been simplified in Chaska.
Thanks to an expanded partnership with the new Dakota Prairie Composting facility just across the Minnesota River from downtown, the city is offering a full month — May 1 to 31 — for residents to dispose of unwanted yard waste.
In previous years, Chaska offered a single cleanup day on the first Saturday of May. Residents would drop off grass clippings, branches, leaves and garden waste at Athletic Park and the piles of organic material would then be hauled away by a contractor.
Starting this year, however, residents are invited to drop off yard waste at 12386 Chestnut Boulevard, Shakopee, anytime during May. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The Dakota Prairie Composting facility is closed on Sundays and on Memorial Day.
The free service is available to Chaska residents who present an ID to verify their residency. Only paper-bagged or unbagged yard waste is accepted.
According to Kevin Wright, Chaska communications manager, residents are no longer allowed to dump yard waste at Athletic Park or McKnight Park.
He added that Chaska is planning to offer a similar drop-off program for the month of October (or thereabouts) for fall yard and garden cleanup.
“This will allow people many more days and more opportunities to drop off yard waste,” Wright said. “It gives our residents more flexibility on when they want to clean up their yards.”
Extending the program for an entire month also helps people avoid the cold or rainy weather that can frequently occur on an early Saturday in May.
“If we had a year where we’re still coming out of winter, it can be difficult,” Wright said. “There might not have been enough time for people to get their yard work done.”
Because of that, Wright said residents have been asking for additional drop-off days over the past few years. The city has now delivered on those wishes.
“This really gives people some options,” he said.
For more information, visit the city’s website.
If there are further questions, call Dakota Prairie Composting at 952-233-9191 or visit their website.
