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An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County. |
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Sustainability isn’t a solo journey. That is certainly the case for the Engman family. The family teamed up to support oldest daughter, Anna, in her pursuit of a Girl Scout Silver Award focused on promoting food scraps collection in Ramsey County.
Read more.
Gifts are a beautiful way to show love, support, gratitude and dedication to those we care about. But what happens when the stuff becomes just that -- more stuff? This year, we challenge the Ramsey County community to consider these eco-friendly and thoughtful gift ideas.
Read more.
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What to do with packaging during the holidays
With the expected increase in online purchasing this time of year comes an increase in packaging. Learn what to do with common packaging materials below.
Think reuse first
Can the packaging be reused in some way before being disposed of or recycled? For example, reuse packaging at the end of the season to protect and store holiday décor.
Cardboard
Break down cardboard boxes before placing in curbside recycling. No need to remove labels or tape. Have a lot of cardboard boxes? Some cities have cardboard collections this time of year. You can also list useable boxes on online marketplaces, like BoxGiver.
Plastic shipping envelopes, bubble wrap and air pillows
Along with plastic bags, these items are considered “plastic film” and can be taken to a drop-off location for recycling. Make sure plastic film is clean and dry. Remove labels and deflate air pillows. Do not put plastic film in curbside recycling. Find drop-off locations near you.
Packing peanuts
Some local postal service providers may accept packing peanuts. Contact a specific location for more information. You can also list packing peanuts for free or for sale on BoxGiver. Packing peanuts can be put in the trash. Do not put them in curbside recycling. Do not dissolve starch-based peanuts and pour them down the drain.
Styrofoam (polystyrene)
Styrofoam is a brand name for a type of polystyrene. All polystyrene products should be put in the trash. Do not put them in curbside recycling.
Other examples of polystyrene include plastic containers with a number “6” on them, plastic utensils, and most molded plastic packaging (like the kind used to package toys).
Wondering about other items?
Visit our A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide.
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Repair for reuse: holiday string lights
Holiday string lights are loved for their warm ambiance during the winter months yet loathed for their tendency to break. Instead of tossing broken string lights in the garbage, consider repairing them. With a little know-how, they are simple to fix and can save money.
Get started with this video (20 minutes) or this online guide.
Finally, if you need to dispose of string lights, check out our A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide. Remember, never put them in curbside recycling.
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Smart salt usage on driveways and sidewalks
Salt helps keeps roads, driveways and sidewalks safe during the winter. However, high levels of salt can harm the environment, including plants, soil and groundwater. Here are some tips to avoid overusing salt:
A little goes a long way.
A 12-ounce cup of salt covers about 250 square feet (23 square meters), which is about the size of a 20-foot (six-meter) driveway.
Spread it out.
There should be about three inches of space between salt granules. Hand-held spreaders (available at hardware stores) help apply a consistent amount.
Sweep up extra salt.
If salt is visible on dry pavement, it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Sweep up the salt and either reuse or throw it away.
Learn more about smart salting.
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Be a battery hero this holiday season
If it lights up, makes noise or moves without a plug, it has a battery! Batteries thrown in the trash or recycling can catch fire and be hazardous to people and property. Some batteries also contain toxic metals, such as cadmium, lead or mercury, which can pose a threat to health and the environment.
Be a battery hero this holiday season! Put batteries in their place by taking them to a household hazardous waste collection site for free and safe disposal. Learn more
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Need to know / Nice to know
Need to know: Winter hours have now started for the yard waste sites and year-round household hazardous waste collection site. See schedules under “Calendar” below.
Nice to know: Curious what the Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center is like? Take a free virtual tour.
News flash
Save the Food recipe of the month
The cold winter months means pears are in season! Use up on-the-brink pears with this bruised pear pandowdy.
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Ramsey County Master Gardeners Present:
Houseplant Success
Webinar: Thursday, Dec. 9
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Learn more
Yard waste collection sites
Winter hours (December - March)
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Locations
Household hazardous waste year-round collection site
Bay West facility
Winter hours (December - March)
Fridays and Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5 Empire Drive
Saint Paul
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A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide
Use this guide to learn how to properly recycle or dispose of many items.
BizRecycling
BizRecycling helps businesses, non-profits, schools, apartment buildings and institutions in Ramsey and Washington counties reduce waste and recycle better.
Recycling containers for events
Ramsey County's event container lending program is suspended until further notice. Many cities and Saint Paul district councils continue to lend out containers. Find a pick up location
Radon
At this time, Ramsey County is unable to fulfill new orders for radon test kits. Tests are on backorder until early January. If interested in purchasing a test, email us. We will notify you when they are back in stock.
Gardening and landscaping
Learn more about eco-friendly gardening and landscaping from a Ramsey County Master Gardener.
Parks and Recreation
Explore what Ramsey County has to offer for parks, trails and recreational activities year round.
Soil and Water Conservation
The Soil & Water Conservation Division maintains and enhances natural resources in Ramsey County. Learn what programs are taking place in your neighborhood.
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Just for fun: What are recyclable birds called? Two cans.
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