Northland Arboretum offers on-site organic composting near our bike park. By composting organic materials on-site, Northland helps keep dead plants, food peels, and more out of public landfills—reducing emissions and protecting local wildlife.  

In addition to providing a compost site for public use, Northland also offers compost for sale to support local farmers and gardeners.  

What is Compostable?

Not all organic material can be composted. To maintain the quality of our organic compost, we ask that visitors check their waste before visiting our compost site.  

The following materials are considered suitable for on-site composting: 

• Peels of uncooked fruits and vegetables 

• Teabags, tea leaves, and coffee grounds 

• Egg shells 

• Dead leaves and grass clippings 

Hours and Fees

Tuesday – Sunday

9:00 – 3:30

CLOSED Mondays

Drop Off:

Please check in at the visitor center

Drop off: free for members—$5.00 for non-members

Rules and Guidelines

Prohibited items in our compost site undermines the Arboretum’s conservation mission and makes it difficult for us to offer compost for sale. Please follow all arboretum rules and guidelines when delivering organic compost. Those dropping off organic compost must first check in at our visitor center.  

• Grass clippings and leaves only
• No brush or lake weeds
• No branches or stumps
• Please take your bags with you

Compost for Sale

Not Available for Summer 2025

Northland Arboretum is proud to offer compost for sale to local craftsmen, gardeners, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Organic compost can be picked up from our site any time during operating hours.  

Compost can be purchased for $10 per cubic yard (3x3x3 ft.) and must be loaded manually by the purchaser. We consider two tractor scoops to be equal to one yard. A full, level truck bed is considered two yards.