Become a Recycling Ambassador

Registration for the fall Recycling Ambassador Program training is now open. Recycling Ambassadors undergo a six-week training to learn more about environmental health. Using knowledge gained, Recycling Ambassadors volunteer 20 hours or more 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.
• General recycling.

The trainings will take place virtually using Zoom from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday from Sept. 13 -- Oct. 18. 

Learn more and sign up. 

Food: Too good to waste

Did you know that about one-third of all food in the U.S. never gets eaten, and most of that waste is made by households? This issue may seem big to tackle, but there are many ways to make the most of your groceries and prevent waste in the kitchen.

Learn more about why reducing food waste matters to the planet and your wallet, and how to keep your food fresh for as long as possible.

Ask EH: Recycling plastics

Q: Which plastics are recyclable in Ramsey County? Some plastic containers say they’re recyclable but there are different numbers on different containers. How do I know if I can recycle them or not?

A: Plastic bottles, containers and jugs that are less than three gallons in size can be placed in your curbside recycling bin if they are numbered one, two or five. The number listed on a plastic container explains what type of plastic it is and how it should be processed. You may be able to recycle plastics that are numbered three, four, six and seven depending on your hauler.

As a reminder, the following items DO NOT belong in your curbside recycling bin:

• Plastic bags.
• Black plastic.
• Styrofoam.
• Plastic containers that contain hazardous waste.
• Large plastic items, including laundry baskets, storage bins and five-gallon buckets. They jam the sorting machines at recycling facilities. Put them in the trash instead.

Do you have a question about recycling and disposal and can't find the answer in our A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide? Call our Recycling & Disposal hotline at 651-633-3279 or send us a message.

Reuse tip of the month: Sock singles

We’ve all experienced it: you put a load of laundry in the wash only to discover the sock thieves have left you with a single sock. Instead of throwing it away (or tossing it back in the hamper in the hopes that its match will magically reappear), consider reusing sock singles for a variety of purposes, including:

• Help keep board game pieces together by storing them in a sock and tucking it safely away in the game.
• Fill your sock with rice, knot it and heat up in the microwave for about 1:30 seconds. Set the warm sock on any sore muscles. Reheat as needed.
• If you’re handy with a thread and needle, you can cut up old socks and make beanbags with them. Bring them with to your next backyard bags/cornhole tournament!
• If you have pets, turn your socks into toys. You can add a ball, plastic bottle, or other item to the sock to make it even more fun.
• Sew some of your sock singles together and fill with batting. Once our well-known Minnesota winter returns, you can place them in front of drafty doors to help keep your home warm.

How do you reuse next month’s item, glass jars? Let us know by sending us a message.

Need to know / Nice to know

Need to know: Your summer project list is finally finished- but wait! Don’t throw that can of paint away! Bring oil-based and latex paint to the Ramsey County household hazardous waste collection sites for free. Dried latex paint is non-hazardous and should be placed in the trash with the lid off. Learn more

Nice to know: Not sure where to bring that:

• DVD player that always skips your favorite scene.
• Air mattress that deflates within ten minutes of use.
• Lottery ticket that never won you that luxury car.

Our online A to Z Disposal Guide has information for properly disposing of over 400 different household items. If you still need help after checking the guide, send us a message or call 651-633-3279.