Have fun with our
Earth Day Action Quest

Back for the second year, the Earth Day Action Quest offers sustainability-focused activities for residents over the month of April. You’ll find a number of fun, informative activities that celebrate and protect our community and environment. 

Learn how and where to dispose of household hazardous waste like paint or cleaners, play a recycling sorting game, find a new park in your neighborhood, take a virtual tour of the Recycling & Energy Center, and more. 

Complete the challenges to pick up some thrifty habits, learn more about your role in the local waste system, and get entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card. 

This program is brought to you by Ramsey County, Washington County and Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy.

What to do with scrap metal

Did you know? While metal is recyclable, most recycling haulers in Ramsey County do not accept scrap metal like pipes, hangers, pots and pans, etc. with household recycling. It can damage sorting equipment at the recycling facility. If your recycling hauler does not accept scrap metal, you can bring it to a scrap metal recycling company or you may place the item in the trash if it doesn't contain any electrical components. 

Not sure who your recycling hauler is? Contact your city.

All recycling haulers do accept aluminum and tin cans, so continue placing them in your recycling cart.

Wondering how to dispose of or recycle other items? Visit Ramsey County’s A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide to learn more.

Participate in the Reduce Your Wasted Food Challenge

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is launching a Reduce Your Wasted Food Challenge for individuals and households to track their own wasted food at home.

The challenge will span five weeks beginning April 19 and you will get tools to track your wasted food at home, prevent your waste, and save money. Join our team and take the Reduce Your Wasted Food Challenge with Ramsey County. If you are interested, please sign-up here to receive follow-up information and join the Ramsey County team.

Food scraps compost available to community gardens

Have you ever wondered what happens with food scraps dropped off at Ramsey County collection sites? In honor of International Compost Awareness Week, May 2-8, and to support local food and food security, Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy is partnering with Ramsey County to provide free compost made from food scraps to community gardens located in Ramsey County. Email programs@recyclingandenergy.org or call 651-266-1199 for more information. 

Finished compost made from food scraps is also available for purchase at SET and SMSC commercial compost sites, and can be used in home gardening and landscaping projects. Learn more about the uses for and benefits of compost and how to mix compost with soil for your lawn and garden. Sign up to receive updates (click on the red envelope). 

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.