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An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County. |
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Just for fun: A candy corny riddle
I have hundreds of ears, but I can't hear a thing. What am I?
(Find the answer at the end of this newsletter)
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Have a green Halloween
 Halloween is filled with creative costumes, creepy decorations, and... lots of waste. In fact, it's estimated that one pound of trash is produced from every trick-or-treater. Enjoy an eco-friendly Halloween this year by considering the following tips:
Read more.
 Climate change is the term used to describe long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Here in Minnesota we're experiencing warmer nighttime temperatures all year round, extended periods of heat and drought as well as intense storms such as polar vortexes and rain/wind storms in all seasons.
Read more.
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You are invited: Environmental Service Center open houses
Ramsey County plans to build a new facility to provide more opportunities for residents to reduce, reuse, repair and recycle. The facility is part of Enhancing Environmental Health Services, a county initiative to redesign household hazardous waste services and add recycling and waste disposal opportunities to better meet community needs.
Join us for our community open house events to learn more, provide feedback and ask questions about how this new facility could meet the needs of your community.
All residents, organizations and businesses of Ramsey County are encouraged to attend. Please join us for one or more of the following dates.
Virtual (via Zoom)
Thursday, October 6, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Zoom meeting link
Tuesday, October 18, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Zoom meeting link
In-Person
Wednesday, October 12, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ramsey County Library – Roseville
2180 Hamline Ave. N., Roseville
Monday, October 24, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
New Life Presbyterian Church
965 Larpenteur Ave. W., Roseville
Can’t make it to one of the open houses? Learn more about the project, provide feedback or ask questions via an online form on the Environmental Service Center page.
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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
Oct. 23 - 29
Many of us spend more time in the comfort of our homes as the weather gets colder. However, it’s important to make sure your house is safe for you and your loved ones.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 23 – 29), raises awareness of the importance of preventing, identifying and mitigating sources of lead exposure. Learn about common sources of lead, as well as the importance of childhood blood lead screening at regularly scheduled well-child exams.
Ramsey County’s Healthy Homes program offers free home checks, as well as a lead-based paint remediation program for qualifying homes. Learn more at ramseycounty.us/Lead.
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Ask EH: Household chemicals
Q: I’ve been deep cleaning my house this fall and have chemicals I’d like to get rid of, including cleaning supplies and yard chemicals. How do I safely dispose of them?
A: You can bring household chemicals to a Ramsey County household hazardous waste collection site for free and safe disposal. Chemicals, including cleaning products, should not be placed in the trash or dumped down the drain.
You can also find free products like paint, automotive fluids and household cleaners at the Product Reuse Center at the year-round household hazardous waste collection site in Saint Paul. Product availability and selection will vary. Must be 18 or older to take products.
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Reuse tip of the month: Plastic bags
Last month, we shared ways to correctly dispose of plastic bags. However, before tossing out your plastic shopping bags, consider extending their lifetimes by finding other uses. You can use leftover plastic bags to:
- Line smaller trash cans.
- Pick up pet waste.
- Reuse for future shopping.
- Store paintbrushes.
- Collect candy during Halloween.
And much, much more!
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News flash
- Do not put yard waste in the trash. State law prohibits leaves, grass clippings, brush and other plant material from being mixed in your trash. Bring yard waste to a Ramsey County yard waste collection site for free disposal.
- The Ramsey County mobile household hazardous waste collection site will be at 1850 White Bear Ave., Maplewood during October. Open Fridays and Saturdays starting Saturday, Oct. 1.
- Reminder: Candy wrappers belong in the trash.
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Fix-It Clinics are returning! If you can’t wait until the program restarts in November, watch our repair video series and/or attend a partner clinic.
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Environmental Service Center community open houses (online)
Thursday, Oct. 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 18: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Online event
Learn more and get Zoom meeting link
Environmental Service Center community open house (in-person)
Wednesday, Oct. 12: 5 – 7 p.m.
Ramsey County Library – Roseville
2180 Hamline Ave. N., Roseville
Ramsey County Master Gardeners present: Fall into winter
Thursday, Oct. 13: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Online event
Learn more
Environmental Service Center community open house (in-person)
Monday, Oct. 24: 5 – 7 p.m.
New Life Presbyterian Church
965 Larpenteur Ave. W., Roseville
Yard waste collection sites
Mondays: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesdays: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Fridays: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sundays: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Locations
Household hazardous waste collection year-round site
Tuesdays - Fridays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5 Empire Drive
Saint Paul
(Bay West facility)
Household hazardous waste collection mobile site
(October)
Starts Saturday, Oct. 1
Fridays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1850 White Bear Ave.
Maplewood
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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.
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.
Radon
Radon is a naturally-occurring, radioactive gas. Two in five homes in Minnesota have high radon levels that can impact health. Ramsey County offers $2 radon tests to residents. Learn more
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
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: Answer
A cornfield.
(Joke found at the beginning of this newsletter)
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