Environmental eUpdate
Christmas Tree laying on the ground.

Holiday Tree Drop-off Locations

When the holiday season is over, recycle trees by dropping them off at one of the available locations in Washington County. Tree stands, plastic bags, tinsel, wire, lights, and all other decorations must be removed.

Find a drop-off location

Special Note: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture advises managing holiday/Christmas trees in a timely manner. 
  • Do not leave your tree in your yard all winter as a precaution against elongate hemlock scale (EHS).
  • Holiday/Christmas trees have not been found to be infested with EHS.
  • However, this best practice will help reduce spread if the pest is found on holiday/Christmas trees.
String lights.

Recycle Old Holiday Lights at the Environmental Center

String lights & cords might add flare to your tree or home, but they are far from festive in your recycling cart. Lights and cords get tangled at recycling processing facilities and should never be placed in your curbside recycling cart. Instead, bring them to the Environmental Center for proper disposal. 

Location & hours

3 boxes on front door step of home.

Recycle Packaging Better

This year, more than ever, people are choosing to order holiday gifts online, resulting in a historic volume of mail and package deliveries. Take time to break down your packaging and recycle items properly. 

Cardboard box: Flatten. Put into your recycling cart. 

Paper filler: Flatten. Put into your recycling cart. 

Bubble wrap & air pillows: Accepted for recycling at the Environmental Center and other plastic bag and film drop-off sites.

Packing peanuts: Clean and dry foam packing peanuts can be dropped off at most UPS stores. Call ahead to confirm before visiting. 

Family feasting on a holiday meal.

Lessen the Waste of Leftovers

This year, holiday gatherings might look a little smaller than usual. Think about planning holiday meals for fewer people by visiting savethefood.com for ideas on how to estimate how much food you need and reduce the amount of waste generated.

This is also a great time to start collecting food scraps with a free starter kit. Learn more and sign up online. 

Drop box for medications at the Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi.

New Medication Drop Box Available at Wildwood Library

Washington County Public Health & Environment, in partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Library, has opened a new medication drop box inside of Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi. Residents are encouraged to use one of six drop boxes in Washington County for secure storage and safe disposal by a licensed incinerator.

Learn more

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

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