Test Your Home for Radon

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It can enter your home through the foundation and floor-wall joints. Winter is the best time to test for radon.

Two in five homes tested in Minnesota have radon levels that could pose a major health risk. A radon test is the only way to find out how much radon is in your home. Free radon test kits are available to Washington County residents.

Learn more about radon
Pick up a test kit

2020 Shredding Events

Take advantage of an upcoming one-day shredding event at the Environmental Center: April 15, June 10, July 29, September 23, and November 4. All events will be held at the Environmental Center in Woodbury from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Confidential documents will be shredded on-site by Shred Right and recycled. CDs, floppy disks, and other media will be accepted for off-site destruction.

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Now Accepting All Batteries!

Batteries can start fires in the trash if not recycled properly. With so many different kinds of batteries, it can be confusing to know which batteries can be recycled. Washington County is making it simple by accepting all batteries for recycling.

Safely store and transport batteries by placing a small piece of clear packing tape over the positive and negative ends of each battery. Using clear tape allows Environmental Center staff to identify the battery for proper sorting and recycling.

Before you make the trip, don't forget to check your home and garage for other hazardous items such as paint, fluorescent light bulbs, used oil, and aerosol cans.

Hours & location

kids holding recycling bin with plastic bottles

Recycling Gives Materials a New Life

Wonder what happens to your recycling? Read on!

Aluminum cans: Recycled back into cans.

Paper: Recycled into cardboard or boxboard.

Plastic soda bottles: Recycled into plastic bottles, carpeting, and fabric.

Plastic milk/detergent bottles: Recycled into plastic lumber and lawn furniture.

Glass bottles/jars: Recycled back into bottles and jars.

Improve the quality of your recyclables! Be sure to empty and rinse containers before you place them in your recycling cart. You can leave the caps on. Also flatten boxes and keep them dry.

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Public Health Achievement Awards

Do you know someone who devotes their time, energy, and talents to improving the health or environment in Washington County? Washington County Public Health & Environment is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Public Health Achievement Awards! Awards will be given in 3 categories: Youth, Individual, and Group.

Submit a nomination

Please forward this e-mail to interested individuals and encourage them to sign up! Subscribe at www.co.washington.mn.us/list.aspx and click on “notify me” and subscribe to Envrionmental eUpdate.

More information: www.co.washington.mn.us | 651-430-6655