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An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County. |
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Make the most of the Minnesotan winter
Minnesota winters are known to be cold, dark and long. However, there is a lot to love about the season as well. Find appreciation for where you live even after shoveling your way out of a snowbank.
Read more.
This year, celebrate the people you love by giving memories they’ll treasure. Gifting experiences instead of packaged presents not only reduces waste, but also gives you meaningful time with the people you value.
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How to dispose of holiday wrapping
Packages, boxes, bags, cards - the holidays can be filled with single-use items. Make sure you know how to properly dispose of them.
Think reuse first: What can you use again instead of throwing away? Save bows, gift bags and tissue paper that can be reused. Think of creative ways to package gifts that don’t require new materials.
Holiday cards: Cards and envelopes made of only paper should be recycled. Cards with foil, glitter, ribbons or velvet are not recyclable and should be placed in the trash.
Wrapping paper: Put wrapping paper in the trash. Do not put it in your recycling bin because it does not sort easily at the recycling facility and may contain materials that cannot be recycled. Do not compost because wrapping paper can contain inks/dyes, plastic, foil and tape -- all of which harm the composting process.
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Ask EH: How do I get rid of batteries and cell phones?
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Smart salting tips
Winter is here, bringing with it lots of snow and ice! Follow these tips to avoid overusing salt, which can harm the environment and groundwater:
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Shovel first. Clear snow off walkways before it can turn to ice.
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Check the temperature. Use sand for traction instead of salt when it’s below 15 degrees outside. Salt doesn’t melt ice at that temperature.
- A little goes a long way. A 12-ounce cup of salt covers about 250 square feet, which is about the size of a 20-foot driveway or enough to cover 10 sidewalk squares.
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Sweep it up. 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.
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Good to know
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The mobile HHW collection program has paused for the winter. Bring all household hazardous waste to the year-round Bay West location.
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Yard waste and household hazardous waste collection sites have shifted to winter hours. See new days and hours.
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Coming this February: Kickstart your plastic-free journey. The Plastic-Free Challenge, offered in February by Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties, will be a great opportunity to kickstart your journey and start the new year with less waste. Sign up to be notified when registration opens.
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Fix-It Clinic
Saturday, Dec. 2
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Last items accepted at 2:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
401 Concord St., Saint Paul
Learn more
Ramsey County Master Gardeners present: Pruning trees & shrubs
Ramsey County Library
Thursday, Dec. 14
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Online event
Learn more
Household hazardous waste collection year-round site
Yard waste collection sites
Monday - Friday: Closed
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Locations
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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.
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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