2020 Going Green Guide

The 2020 Going Green Guide was sent to all households in Washington County this week, with information and resources on household hazardous waste, yard waste, recycling, and waste reduction.

The mailing of the guide was delayed due to significant COVID-19 impacts, including the cancellation of all spring collection events. We apologize for the delay.

See the updated Going Green Guide online

June 10 Shredding Event

Join us for the first shredding event of the year on Wednesday, June 10. Documents will be shredded on-site by Shred Right and recycled. CDs, floppy disks, and other media will be accepted for off-site destruction.

These events are free and open to residents and businesses. Limit of 6 boxes weighing no more than 30 lbs each.

Changes due to COVID-19:

Limits will be strictly enforced.
Participants must remain in vehicle. Boxes should be placed in an area accessible for unloading.
Witnessed destruction will not be available.
Please wear a face covering during drop-off.

Learn more

People shopping for free products in the outside Free Product Room.

Free Product Room Moves Outdoors

The Free Product Room at the Environmental Center has moved outdoors! Free products such as paint, stain, automotive products, and household cleaners will be available during operating hours, weather permitting.
Rain cancellations will be posted on the website.

Social distancing measures are in place for the safety of staff and other customers. We also strongly encourage the use of a cloth face covering during your visit.

Learn more

Recycle Better - Plastic Bags

Do not put plastic bags, wrap, or film in your curbside recycling cart. Plastic bags and wrap can get stuck around equipment and cause major delays and maintenance issues at recycling facilities.

Recycle plastic bags and wrap at the Environmental Center or a participating drop-off location. Please note that some drop-off locations may have temporarily suspended their program due to COVID-19.

Find a drop-off location

Some haulers may accept these items for recycling. Call your hauler for more information.

Food Saving Tips

Recycling food scraps is a great option, but reducing the amount of food we waste is even better! Over 30% of food in the United States is wasted. In most homes, more food goes in the trash than any other material, and this can cost a four-person family up to $1,500 per year. Food waste also means all the resources that went into producing that food are wasted.

Learn more (also available in Spanish and Somali)

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