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May 2019
An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.
Amsterdam Bar and Hall Diverts 28,000 Pounds of Organic Waste Annually
 Amsterdam Bar and Hall is a neighborhood bar and music venue located in downtown Saint Paul. They have been intentional for a long time about reducing their environmental impact. However, they decided they could do even more but didn’t know where to start. Chef Brandon Dvorak noted, “We got rid of our straws a couple years ago and have been using compostable to-go containers, so it was nice to continue improving the other paper products we use.”
BizRecycling experts worked with Amsterdam Bar and Hall to create a more efficient system for their waste. They received a BizRecycling grant to purchase color-coded trash, recycling, and organics bins and compostable products and liners. With improved organics collections, they are diverting 28,000 pounds of food and paper products each year. Dvorak noted,“It is crazy to see, since we’ve switched most of the materials we use to compostable, how much compost we really have.”
BizRecycling works with businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties to improve their recycling or organics collection. Learn more at BizRecycling.com or call 651-266-1199.
Using Pesticides Safely
 Pesticides are often the first option that come to mind when weeds and insects invade your yard or garden and cause damage. However, each situation requires a strategic approach that addresses the problem while protecting the health of your family, pets and the environment — not to mention the plants you are trying to save. Using the most effective, least toxic option is ideal. For free advice, contact a master gardener at 612-301-7590 or stop by their information booth at our yard waste sites.
If pesticide application is the best option, make sure to closely follow the instructions on the label. It will tell you how to use the product and how to properly protect yourself from exposure. Make sure to use only the amount needed in the impacted area. When finished, properly store the pesticide so it doesn’t freeze or spill. When the pesticide expires, or you no longer have a need for it, bring to one of our household hazardous waste collection sites for safe disposal.
Plant Sales in May
 The 2019 Ramsey County Plant Sale, hosted by the county's master gardeners, will be on Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at:
The Barn/Ramsey County Extension
2020 White Bear Avenue
Maplewood, MN 55109
The sale features hundreds of native plants, perennials for sun and shade, tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, hostas and more – all grown by expert gardeners. You will also find winning plants from the Minnesota seed trials. Proceeds will be used to support community programs that engage youth in horticulture projects and provide University of Minnesota scholarships.
The Volunteers in Corrections Plant Sale will be Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May and feature a variety of hanging baskets, deck pots, vegetables and herbs. This sale is located at:
Ramsey County Correctional Facility
297 Century Avenue S.
Saint Paul, MN 55119 (enter off Lower Afton Road).
Proceeds will be used to provide education and programming for families and people directly and or indirectly affected by incarceration in Ramsey County.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Makes a Move!
 The mobile household hazardous waste collection in Saint Paul’s West Side neighborhood is changing locations and adding collection days this Spring! Formerly held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the new site will be at the Ken Yackel-West Side Arena. It will operate for four days instead of one: May 31, June 1, June 7 and June 8. If you live in the area, take advantage of this convenient opportunity to get rid of unwanted paint, automotive fluids, propane tanks, pesticides, household cleaners and more! Visit RamseyRecycles.com/hhw for location, hours and items accepted.
Cartons Can Be Recycled, Too!
 Did you know? Cartons have been recycled in the U.S. for more than two decades. Having some of the highest quality fiber, recycled cartons are worth more than regular paper, and they’re in high demand by recyclers in North America. Cartons can be recycled into a wide variety of items like tissue and paper products, plastic products and building materials. So if you haven’t been recycling your cartons, start now. Just empty and rinse your carton, put the cap back on and place it in the recycling cart. Easy-peasy!
Recycle at Your Next Event
 Hosting a family, work or community gathering? Make it a green event! You can use your own recycling containers or borrow containers for free from Ramsey County. Our portable containers are collapsible, and they come with signage and bags. Just follow our easy-to-use instructions. Organics recycling containers are available, too.
Call 651-266-1199 to reserve your containers today.
What Happens to the Organics You Recycle
Ever wonder what happens to the organics recycling that you drop off at one of our collection sites? It is hauled each week to a commercial composting facility in Rosemount, Minn. Upon arrival, it is dumped onto a concrete pad and loaded into a large mixer that blends the waste. Leaves are added to the mixture to achieve a proper ratio of carbon-rich materials (“browns”) and nitrogen-rich materials (“greens”) to make compost. The mixture is then spread out into long rows, called windrows, over a forced air supply that adds oxygen to the composting process. As the material decomposes, it heats up to 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit. After 45-60 days, the windrows are placed into curing piles for approximately six months. These piles are turned with heavy equipment until the internal temperatures cool. The finished compost is then screened and tested before being used as a soil amendment for landscapes and gardens.
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