February Green Ramsey

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 02/01/2021 08:00 AM CST

An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.

February 2021

Xcel Energy gives Roseville a boost towards its energy goals

The City of Roseville, a Minnesota GreenStep City, is working to protect valuable natural resources and build a sustainable future for its residents. Within the past 12 years, the city installed solar panels and geothermal technology to produce clean electricity and purchased electric and hybrid vehicles for its city fleet. Roseville has also improved its stormwater control practices to minimize stormwater runoff and started using new techniques that use less salt to keep roadways clear in winter.

Roseville took another big step toward reaching its sustainability goals when it was accepted into Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy (PIE) program in July.

BizRecycling helps Pavilion on Berry recycle better

Pavilion on Berry is an apartment community offering comfortable, off-campus housing for University of Minnesota students and surrounding colleges. In 2019, Pavilion on Berry management staff had significant issues with finding non-recyclable materials in the recycling.

“Trash would build up on the ground and our recycling was filled with items that didn’t belong,” said Danielle Schoen, assistant property manager.

For help improving their recycling, The Pavilion on Berry staff turned to BizRecycling.

Ready to recycle: What to do with disposable cups, straws and utensils

With many types of disposable cups, straws and utensils available, trying to figure out how to dispose of them can be confusing. Ramsey County has sorted it out for you.

February is the best time to prune your trees – never prune in April, May
or June.

Have you considered pruning your trees this year? Pruning is beneficial for many reasons:

Trimming off dying or diseased branches protects your trees from further harm.
You can prune to promote new tree growth or suppress unwanted growth.
Pruning can keep branches from becoming too large and hazardous.

According to Ramsey County Master Gardener Volunteers, February is the best time to prune your trees.

Save money and the environment when remodeling

Are you wanting to remodel your home but have a limited budget? Or do you have an older home and want materials from that time period? Consider purchasing used materials when available and donating unwanted materials.

By buying used building materials, you can get classic, quality materials at a fraction of the original cost, while keeping the items out of the trash. By donating used building materials, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you’re extending their lives. You may also receive a tax break. Watch this short video to learn more. Then visit our Reuse & Donation Opportunities webpage to find local resources.

Learn more about Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) is the organization through which Ramsey and Washington counties work jointly to reduce and manage waste. R&E operates programs such as BizRecycling, which helps businesses reduce waste and recycle better. It also owns and operates the R&E Center, where all trash from residents and businesses in the two counties is delivered, so that it can be processed to recover value. Learn more about R&E on its new website: RecyclingandEnergy.org.

Fix-It Clinics

Canceled until further notice.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Year-Round Site - February

5 Empire Dr.
Saint Paul (Bay West facility)
Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gardening and Landscaping

Learn more about eco-friendly gardening and landscaping from a Ramsey County Master Gardener, sharing the latest University-based research.

Parks and Recreation

Explore what Ramsey County has to offer for parks, trails and recreational activities year round.

Partners’ Grants

Calling all business organizations in the East Metro! Got a great idea to get other businesses to go green? Use our green to get going.

Radon

Walk-in sales have been suspended until further notice. Purchased test kits will be mailed to customers' homes.

Recycling Bins for Events

Our lending program for temporary recycling containers has been
suspended until further notice.

Recycling and Disposal Guide for Residents

From appliances to zinc batteries, find out what to do with items you no longer want. Visit RamseyRecycles.com/AtoZ.

Soil and Water Conservation

Ramsey County's Soil & Water Conservation division conserves and enhances
natural resources in Ramsey County. Learn what projects and programs are taking place in your neighborhood.