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July 2019
An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.
Emergency Automotive Technologies, Inc. Recycles Over 36,000 Pounds Per Year
 Emergency Automotive Technologies, Inc. in Oakdale customizes and services emergency vehicles around the state. EATI applied for a BizRecycling grant because they were interested in reducing the waste they generate. “We decided that it would be a good idea to address our waste generation and maybe even save some money while doing so,” said Mike Schwartz, president of EATI.
EATI began recycling their bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. To collect cardboard more effectively and increase earnings, Schwartz decided to use some of the BizRecycling grant funding to purchase a baler. “We got bins for collecting all of our recyclables and the baler to compact the large amount of cardboard that we go through,” said Schwartz. As a result, EATI has recycled over 36,000 pounds of material per year, saving them about $1,800 annually.
BizRecycling works with businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties to improve their recycling and organics collection. Learn more at BizRecycling.com or call 651-266-1199.
Organics Recycling Starter Kits Back in Stock!
 We have more organics recycling starter kits! Pick one up at a Ramsey County yard waste site while supplies last. The starter kit includes a kitchen compost bucket, instructions, compostable bags, reminder magnets and a loyalty card to earn a free T-shirt.
What is organics recycling? Basically, you separate compostable items from your trash. This includes food scraps, napkins, pizza boxes and other items that came from a plant or animal. You place these items in free compostable bags and drop them off at one of our free collection sites. We then haul it to an industrial compost facility, where it is turned into compost.
By participating in organics recycling, you help return essential nutrients to the soil and improve soil health, as well as reduce methane emissions that contribute to global climate change. Find out what items are accepted and get started today!
Recycling & Energy Center Tour Room Feedback Opportunity
 Did you know that all trash produced by residents, businesses and institutes in Ramsey and Washington counties is delivered to the Recycling & Energy Center in Newport? It is processed there into a fuel used to generate electricity. Last year, fuel produced at the R&E Center generated enough electricity to power 40,000 homes for a year.
We’re working on developing a tour program at the R&E Center, so that people will be able to see what happens at the center and learn about how it fits into our larger waste management system. If you’re interested in this topic or tour possibilities, please fill out this survey and let us know what you think would make a great tour experience. We appreciate your thoughts!
Ramsey County Master Gardeners to Host an Open House
 The Ramsey County Master Gardener Program, University of Minnesota Extension, will host an open house on Saturday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place at their historic home, “The Barn,” at 2020 White Bear Ave., Maplewood.
Master Gardeners will be on hand to lead tours of the many educational- and demonstration-gardens on site, including pollinator-friendly plantings, container gardening, raised bed gardens and vegetable gardens. They’ll also host an information table, where you can learn about composting at home and alternative methods to recycle your organic waste. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can get answers to your garden questions at the on-site Plant Diagnostic Clinic.
Come and learn about the Master Gardener Program in Ramsey County and have some fun with the whole family!
If you have questions about this event, please call 651-704-2053 or email auss0004@umn.edu.
Waste Less Food at Summer Gatherings
 How often have you had guests over for a barbecue and had so much food leftover that you could not eat it all? How much was thrown out and how much money was wasted?
Follow these steps to reduce food waste and save money:
Step 1: Plan the meal based on the number of guests, their food preferences and appetites, using the free Guestimator tool from SavetheFood.com.
Step 2: Choose dishes that could be used as leftovers for another meal.
Step 3: Make a list of ingredients needed based on what you already have at home.
Step 4: Head to the grocery store and buy only the ingredients on your shopping list.
For more food saving tips, visit SavetheFood.com.
Also, be sure to keep cold foods cold, hot foods hot, and wash your hands!
What to Do with Lithium Ion Batteries
 Lithium ion batteries, like those found in cell phones and other electronics, can be dangerous if disposed of improperly. Do not put these batteries in your trash or recycling cart. You can safely dispose of them at a Ramsey County household hazardous waste site for free. Find out what to do with other batteries at RamseyRecycles.com/atoz.
Year-Round Compost Bin Sale!
 Did you miss out on the Recycling Association of Minnesota’s compost bin sale last spring? Don’t fret, compost bins are now being offered year-round with a pick-up location in Maplewood. The compost bins are $64, plus tax. Ramsey County residents can get an additional $20 off! Order online at RecycleMinnesota.org and enter promo code “Ramsey” to receive the discounted price. Or call 651-641-4589 and mention that you are a Ramsey County resident. Then call Ramsey County Environmental Health at 651-266-1199 to arrange a pick-up time.
Did you know?
We Inspect for Pool Safety
The warmer summer months are here and that means swim season has begun. Ramsey County residents and visitors should know that when you jump in the pool, Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health inspectors are working to ensure it is safe. This includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wading pools, diving pools, spas and water flumes.
Inspectors check for a variety of factors to ensure the pool is safe including:
- Secure and safe drain covers.
- Water quality and chlorine levels.
- Pool access by unsupervised children is prevented.
- Signage and life-saving equipment.
- Filters, chlorinators, pumps and piping are functioning properly.
Outdoor pools must be inspected before opening for the season, and indoor pools receive a surprise inspection multiple times throughout the year. Whether indoors or outdoors, pool operators are expected to follow the pool code regulations. If life, health or safety violations are observed during the inspection, the pool may be immediately closed until the issues are fixed.
Pool operators are required to test the pool chemicals to make sure the water is safe and healthy and that the drain cover is secured each day, so please let the pool operator know if something seems amiss. You may also report any concerns about public pools to Ramsey County by calling 651-266-1199. Have a fun and safe swim season!
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