An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.

November 2023

Seeking out second-hand goods for your home

Shopping used is not only a great way to help the planet, but you can also save money, support local businesses and fill your home with one-of-a-kind items.

Read more.

Community members provide feedback on county’s Climate Action Framework

On Oct. 18th, 48 community members gathered with 20 county leaders and staff members at Neighborhood House’s Paul Wellstone Center to discuss the county’s draft Climate Action Framework.

Read more. 

Food scraps pickup program now available to all residents in Maplewood and North St. Paul Ramsey and Washington counties are working together to bring residents a new way to recycle food scraps from home – the food scraps pickup program! Food scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells and coffee grounds, make up 20% of trash. Recycling food scraps helps turn them into soil rather than waste.   Residents of Maplewood, North St. Paul, Cottage Grove and Newport can get started today and order bags for free at FoodScrapsPickup.com or by calling 651-661-9393.   The food scraps pickup program is rolling out to residents of Ramsey and Washington counties over multiple years. Not yet eligible to participate? Sign up to receive email notifications when the program becomes available in new areas.

Five ways to weatherize your home Weatherizing helps a home maintain temperature, conserve energy and save money on energy bills. Read more.

Reduce holiday food waste Hosting for the holidays? Help reduce food waste by considering the following tips:  Use Save The Food’s Guest-imator tool to plan out how much food you need to feed your guests.  Collect food scraps in a BPI certified compostable bag and bring them to a Ramsey County food scraps collection site for free food scraps recycling.  If you make a mistake with a dish, try to revive it before tossing it out.  Don’t let your guests leave empty-handed! Have them bring reusable containers and send them on their way with leftovers.  In addition to reducing your own food waste, consider the connection between wasted food and food insecurity. Get help finding or affording food.

Ask EH: Can I recycle plastic bags? A: Plastic bags and other plastic film are not accepted in curbside recycling. Keep them out of your recycling bin, and instead take them to a drop-off location or put them in the trash.  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: Leftover mashed potato apple cider donuts Instead of simply reheating leftover mashed potatoes, turn them into a tasty fall treat with this recipe from Save the Food.

Good to know

• Mechanical or hydraulic dumping trailers and dump trucks are not allowed at Ramsey County yard waste sites - this includes both residential and commercial equipment. Read the policy. 
• Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day. Thank you for helping keep recyclable goods out of the trash! Learn more about household recycling. 

Ramsey County Master Gardeners present: Nature heals

Ramsey County Library
Thursday, Nov. 2
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Online event
Learn more

Fix-It Clinic

Saturday, Nov. 18
12 - 3 p.m.
Last items accepted at 2:30 p.m.
Metro State Library and Learning 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) 

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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