Green Ramsey - December 2024

Ramsey County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 12/02/2024 08:23 AM CST

An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.

December 2024

Day in the life of Mariah Quick: Health educator at Ramsey County

Mariah Quick has worked as a health educator in the Environmental Health Division of Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health for four years. Quick shared what a typical day in her life is like.

Green holiday gift guide

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.

Safely dispose of household batteries

Batteries can be hazardous if disposed of improperly. Anything that makes sounds, lights up or turns on without being plugged in contains a battery. In addition to electronics and toys, batteries can be found in light up ornaments, musical greeting cards and flameless tea-light candles. Be a battery hero and bring all types of used batteries to Ramsey County's household hazardous waste collection site for free.

Ask EH: How do I dispose of holiday wrapping?

A: 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.

Cards that light up or play music do not belong in the trash because they contain batteries. Bring them to Ramsey County’s household hazardous waste collection site for free.

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. Brown craft paper can be put in household recycling.

Find recycling and disposal options for other items—including cardboard boxes, real and artificial trees and string lights—on our A to Z Green Guide.

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

Save the Food recipe of the month: Sour milk pancakes

Use that milk in the back of your fridge that is almost sour (but not completely spoiled) to make some warm and fluffy pancakes.

Good to know

Smart salting tips. Use salt responsibly to keep sidewalks safe and reduce pollution with these tips.
Drop-off collection service limited over the holidays. Check the yard waste and household hazardous waste webpages for holiday hours.
$2 million in small business environmental improvement loans available. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering loans for small businesses. Learn more.

Fix-It Clinic

Ramsey County and Dakota County
Saturday, Dec. 7
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Last items accepted at 12:30 p.m.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Learn more

Ramsey County Master Gardeners present: Growing microgreens

Thursday, Dec. 12
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Ramsey County Library - Maplewood
Learn more

A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide

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. 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.

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. Order a testing kit.

Gardening and landscaping

Learn more about eco-friendly gardening and landscaping from a Ramsey County Master Gardener. Learn more about eco-friendly gardening and landscaping.

Soil and Water Conservation

The Soil and Water Conservation Division maintains and enhances natural resources in Ramsey County. Learn what programs are taking place in your neighborhood.

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651-266-1199
AskEH@co.ramsey.mn.us
www.RamseyRecycles.com

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