Green Ramsey - May 2025

An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County.

May 2025

Thought for food: How food waste impacts climate change Tossing leftovers that went bad in the trash might not seem like a big deal – or even something to think about. However, when combined with other households, businesses and food producers that put food in the trash, it adds up to one-third of all food produced going to waste in the United States.  Read more.

Help prevent the spread of jumping worms Jumping worms are a destructive type of earthworm that can harm plants by changing soil structure, damaging fine root hairs and stripping nutrients from topsoil. Read more.

Free compost available May 3 In celebration of International Compost Awareness Week, Ramsey-Washington Recycling and Energy is partnering with Ramsey County on a free compost giveaway on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new Environmental Center located at 1700 Kent St. in Roseville. This compost is made from food scraps and can improve the soil of your yard or garden by holding more water, retaining more nutrients, improving water drainage and suppressing many diseases. Can’t make it? Find more compost distribution events sponsored by the Minnesota Composting Council.

Ask EH: How do I get rid of plastic bags? A: Plastic bags and plastic wrap cannot go in household recycling. Instead, bring them to a drop-off site that accepts them. The Ramsey County Environmental Center offers free plastic bag and plastic wrap recycling drop off. 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.

Food waste prevention spotlight: Axels Charhouse

Axels Charhouse at DoubleTree by Hilton Roseville participates in the Ramsey County Food Waste Diversion Program by composting food scraps. Composting leftover or spoiled food saves food from going in the trash and helps support healthy soil. By participating in this program, Axels Charhouse commits to reducing their environmental impact. 

Save the food tip: Make salad greens last longer

Keep salad greens fresh for longer by storing them with a damp cloth in an airtight container. Put them in the high-humidity drawer of your refrigerator. 

Find more tips about food waste prevention at SavetheFood.com. 

Good to know

• Tour the R&E Center. Ever wonder where your trash goes? Take a free tour of the R&E Center to see how waste is managed in the East Metro.
• It's no myth. Recycling Exists. Beyond saving energy and protecting natural resources, recycling supports vital industries in Minnesota and across the country. Explore what happens to your recycling.
• There is no Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic in May. Attend a partner clinic instead!
• Compost bin and rain barrel pickup on May 3. If you ordered a compost bin or rain barrel you can pick them up at the Environmental Center on May 3. There are still compost bins available for sale.

Plate to Garden compost event

Saturday, May 3
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ramsey County Environmental Center
Learn more

Public health in public spaces

Wednesdays
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ramsey County Library - Maplewood
Learn more

UMN Extension volunteer gardeners present: The art of tomato growing

Thursday, May 8
6-7:30 p.m.
Ramsey County Library - Roseville
Learn more

Tamarack discover walks - Birds

Saturday, May 10, 17 and 31
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
Tamarack Nature Center
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. 

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.

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.

Recycling containers for events

Reserve free recycling and food scraps containers to reduce waste. Containers can be borrowed from several cities and district councils. Find a pickup location.

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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