Free lead fishing tackle exchange

Did you know? Fishing tackle made from lead can poison loons, eagles and other wildlife if they ingest it. Help keep lead out of the environment and protect wildlife by participating in Ramsey County’s lead tackle exchange program. It’s free! Just bring lead sinkers and other lead tackle to a Ramsey County household hazardous waste collection site. Staff will exchange it for lead-free sinkers and tackle. There is a limit of one exchange per household, per visit – while supplies last.

Not sure if your tackle is made of lead? Try rubbing the tackle on a piece of paper. If it leaves a streak, then it’s likely lead.  

To find location and hours for our household hazardous waste collection sites, visit RamseyRecycles.com/HHW. Before you make the trip, gather any other household hazardous items, such as dead batteries, fluorescent lights and used oil, and bring them with you to the collection site.

Learn more about the problem with lead tackle.

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Clean water begins at your curb

It’s still winter, but warmer temperatures are on the horizon and the snow will soon begin to melt. Commit to reducing water pollution by participating in the Adopt-A-Drain program. The simple act of clearing leaves, trash and other debris from storm drains in your neighborhood stops them from washing directly into our local lakes, rivers and wetlands. Even “natural” debris such as leaves, grass clippings and pet waste becomes pollution when they hit the water – where they can cause algae to grow out of control and cause habitat issues for fish and other wildlife.

The program is run through Hamline University with the support of Metro Watershed Partners, a coalition of more than 70 organizations committed to water resource education in the Twin Cities. Since Adopt-A-Drain’s launch in 2014, participants have prevented more than 325,000 pounds of debris from washing into Minnesota’s waterways. Learn more about the program and sign up at Adopt-A-Drain.org.

Become a Recycling Ambassador

Ramsey County has created a new volunteer program called the Recycling Ambassador Program. Recycling Ambassadors undergo a six-week training to learn more about environmental health. Using knowledge gained, Recycling Ambassadors volunteer 20 hours annually to encourage others to reduce, reuse and recycle. Topics covered in the training include waste systems in Ramsey County, composting, climate change, environmental justice, household hazardous waste and general recycling. Participants receive a $100 gift card stipend upon completion of all six workshops.

Registration for the spring training is full, but you can sign up for the waitlist should a spot become available. You will also be notified when the next training will take place.

For more information and to sign up for the Recycling Ambassador training waitlist, visit ramseycounty.us/RecyclingAmbassador.

Sign up for a Gardening Class

Spring is just around the corner! Are you looking forward to digging in your garden again? The Ramsey County Master Gardeners offer classes covering everything from vegetable and herb gardening, to home composting and planting for pollinators. These classes are developed using the most current research and best practices provided by the University of Minnesota and other Extension universities. 

Visit the Ramsey County Master Gardener’s website to sign up for a virtual class. Most are free or low cost. 

2021 Recycling Guide coming soon to your mailbox

Watch for the 2021 Recycling Guide to arrive in your mailbox the end of this month. This newly redesigned guide includes information for residents on household recycling, food scraps collection, yard waste, household hazardous waste, medicine disposal and more!

Keep this guide in a handy spot to reference throughout the year. If you have any questions, visit RamseyRecycles.com or call our 24/7 hotline at 651-633-EASY (3279).

Compost bin sale – save $20

The Recycling Association of Minnesota is selling compost bins for $66, plus tax this year. Ramsey County residents can purchase bins for $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.

Visit RecycleMinnesota.org to pre-order your compost bin and choose a pick-up date.

The Recycling Association of Minnesota also sells rain barrels for $79, plus tax. The "Ramsey" promo code does not apply to rain barrels.

Take a virtual tour of the
Recycling & Energy Center

Did you know? All trash from Ramsey and Washington counties is delivered to the Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center. There, the trash is processed to recover recyclable metals and generate a fuel source that Xcel Energy uses to produce electricity. Soon, new equipment will be added to recover more recyclable materials, as well as food scraps.

Visit RecyclingandEnergy.org/Tours to take a virtual tour of this cutting-edge facility.