Environmental Center

Masks are currently required for all vaccinated and unvaccinated staff and visitors over the age of two.

Washington County is following CDC guidance that masks be worn indoors in communities experiencing a substantial level of COVID-19 transmission. Disposable masks will be available at the front desk.



Free Product Room COVID-19 Procedures

  • Product limit: 10 products total; No more than four products per category.
  • Latex paint limit: three 5-gallon and five 1-gallon containers still apply.
  • No pets.

Drop-off Procedures

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  • Stay in your vehicle. 
  • Place items for drop-off in a designated area of your vehicle. This may include the trunk, rear of SUV, or cargo bed. 
  • Keep items you do not want us to take separate from items you are dropping off.
  • Provide your zip code to the attendant through a cracked window. No driver’s license is required.
  • Items left behind are not accepted at the Environmental Center. If have questions, please call 651-275-7475.

New Location for Food Scraps Drop-off


The food scraps drop-off at the Environmental Center has moved to a new and improved location. Customers dropping off food scraps no longer need to use the Environmental Center drive lane. Simply enter through the food scraps gates and follow directional signage carefully.

Protecting the Environment 

Washington County’s Environmental Center provides residents with a free and convenient disposal of household hazardous waste, electronics and recyclables. Proof of residency, such as a driver's license, is required.



Tours Are Available!


Ever wondered about where all the household hazardous waste you drop off goes to? Now is your chance to find out! Come get a behind the scenes tour of the Washington County Environmental Center! Tours are open to groups of at least 5 people and no more than 25. Call 651-430-6655 for more information or to schedule a tour.

Household Hazardous Materials Accepted



Automotive and Recreation From Homes


  • Aerosol cleaners / degreasers / lubricants / starting fluid - empty aerosol cans may be placed in the garbage
  • Antifreeze
  • Brake fluid
  • Charcoal lighter fluid
  • Gasoline
  • Kerosene
  • Power steering fluid
  • Propane tanks
  • Transmission oil
  • Used motor oil and filters
  • Vehicle batteries (no hybrid batteries) 
Household Electronics Accepted
  • Cell phones
  • Computers
  • Computer monitors
  • DVD and VCR Players
  • Fax machines
  • Printers Peripherals (keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc.)
  • TVs
  • Microwaves

Home Improvement and Construction


  • Concrete cleaner
  • Driveway sealer
  • Glue with solvents
  • Latex paint, liquid - dried latex paint may be placed in the garbage, leave lids off cans
  • Oil-based paint
  • Paint remover / stripper / thinner
  • Roofing tar
  • Stain / varnish
  • Wood preservatives

Other Household Items


  • All batteries 
  • Drain cleaner
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fluorescent lights
  • Mothballs
  • Nail polish / remover
  • Oven cleaner
  • Partially filled aerosol cans - empty aerosol cans may be placed in the garbage
  • Polish with solvents
  • Some household cleaners (check label for words such as caution, warning, danger, and poison)
  • Spot removers
  • Mercury thermometers and thermostats
  • Used cooking oil

Yard & Garden 


  • Bug spray
  • Fertilizer with weed killer
  • Insect / roach / ant killer
  • Pool chemicals
  • Rodent bait
  • Weed killer

Batteries 

The Environmental Center accepts all batteries for recycling. View information on battery disposal at the Environmental Center.



Recyclables


View information about accepted recyclables.

Food Scraps (Organics)


Learn how to get started with food scraps drop-off. 

Household Sharps


The Environmental Center accepts sharps generated from households. Sharps are syringes, needles, and lancets. Please follow these steps before disposing of sharps:
  • Place sharps in a rigid container such as a plastic laundry detergent bottle, coffee can with the lid taped shut, or sharps container.
  • Put sharps in point first.
  • Label the container “Do not recycle: household sharps.”
  • Bring the container to the Environmental Center.
  • Keep sharps containers separate from all other waste.
  • When you arrive at the drop-off site, inform the staff that you have sharps for disposal.
  • Loose sharps are not accepted.