Sartell Resolves Compost Site Mishap Prompted by Impatient User

(KNSI) – Sartell had to fix the gate to its compost site after an eager user forced it open.

The city installed the automatic gate last spring. People buy a compost permit online and use it on their phones by pulling up to the gate and scanning the digital permit. Sensors then allow vehicles inside.

On Saturday, as homeowners rushed to drop off their yard waste from fall cleanup, a long line formed. According to the city, one resident’s impatience wasn’t okay and could have cost local taxpayers thousands. The man climbed onto the gate and held it open to let others come in. Staff say forcing it open can easily damage it. It costs $25,000 to replace the gate and it wasn’t working properly after the incident.

In a message to KNSI News, Sartell Police Chief Brandon Silgjord said city officials were able to adjust the armbar to get it working again. The police department knows who the man is, and officers will chat with him about the proper way to use the facility.

Sartell asks all residents to do the same and wait their turn to enter the grounds.

The compost site is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Cameras monitor everyone coming and going from the facility, and the video is stored for review if needed. Sartell has over 3,000 compost permit holders.

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