An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.

September 2023

Enjoy safe backyard fires this fall

Help protect your health and your neighbors’ health by enjoying safe backyard fires this season.

Read more.

On climate justice: Preparing for climate migration

A climate migrant is someone who has moved, either within or from outside the country where they live, because of current or anticipated environmental impacts.

Read more.

Recycle old tires for free The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District has a free tire recycling program to pick up unwanted tires from district residents, which includes Ramsey County residents. Several different types of mosquitoes use water that collects in waste tires as their habitat, which can increase the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease. Tires will be collected throughout September. Learn more.

Ask EH: How do I get rid of household hazardous waste? Q: I’m cleaning out my garage before winter. How do I get rid of old automotive products, pesticides, paint and other chemicals? A: If a container has the words caution, warning, danger or poison on the label and still has product inside, it is considered hazardous and does not belong in the trash. Bring these items to one of Ramsey County's free household hazardous waste collection sites for safe disposal. 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 and disposal hotline at 651-633-EASY (3279) or send us a message.

Recipe round-up: Carrot cake coconut macaroon Turn carrot pulp into sweet macaroons with this recipe from Save the Food.

Good to know

• Starting Sept. 1, 2023, mechanical or hydraulic dumping trailers and dump trucks will not be allowed at Ramsey County yard waste sites - this includes both residential and commercial equipment. Read the policy. 
• Drop off household hazardous waste at the September mobile collection site. Bring paints, sealers and more to Saint Paul, across from the fairgrounds, starting Sept. 8 on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Seed packets needed. The White Bear Lake Seed Library needs help replenishing their seed drawers. Please donate open-pollinated (not hybrid) vegetable and native plant seeds. Email the White Bear Lake Seed Library with any questions.  

Drop-in discovery stations

Ramsey County Parks & Recreation
Sept. 9 and 23
10 a.m. - noon
Tamarack Nature Center 
Learn more 

Seed talk: How to save seeds

Ramsey County Library
Tuesday, Sept. 12 
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Ramsey County Library – White Bear Lake 
Learn more

Fix-It Clinic

Saturday, Sept. 30
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Last items accepted at 1 p.m.
Newell Park Recreation Center 
Learn more 

Yard waste collection sites 

Monday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Locations

Household hazardous waste collection year-round site

Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
5 Empire Drive, Saint Paul
(Bay West facility) 

Household hazardous waste collection Sept. mobile site
Saint Paul

Starts Sept. 8
Fridays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Across from state fairgrounds
1660 Como Ave., Saint Paul

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.

Deconstruction Grants

Many building materials can be reused instead of being sent to a landfill. Residential properties can get up to $5,000 to support deconstruction projects. Learn more. 

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 

Reserve free recycling and food scraps containers to help reduce waste at your next event. Containers are loaned to Ramsey County residents and organizations for any temporary event. Find a pickup 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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