Earth Day Action Quest

Back for the second year, the Earth Day Action Quest offers sustainability-focused activities for residents over the month of April. Complete the challenges to pick up some thrifty habits, learn more about your role in the local waste system, and get entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card. 
 
Earth Day Action Quest  

Reduce Your Wasted Food

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is launching a challenge for individuals and families to track their wasted food at home. The challenge spans five weeks beginning April 19 and teaches participants how to track wasted food, prevent waste, and save money in the process. Sign up to receive follow-up information and join the Washington County team!
 
Sign up for the challenge

Drug "Take Back" Event

Bring old and unused medications to the Household Prescription Drug “Take Back” collection on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will be held in the Wildwood Library parking lot in Mahtomedi. Medications accepted include prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medication.
 
Can’t make it to this event? Drop boxes are also available year-round in Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Hugo City Hall, Mahtomedi, Stillwater, and Woodbury.
 
Learn more

Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

Composting fruit and vegetable scraps with yard waste at home helps you protect the environment and recover value from your waste. Finished compost is an important resource that can improve your soil, reduce erosion, and decrease the need for fertilizers.
 
Washington County residents can purchase discounted compost bins ($44) and rain barrels ($79) online, while supplies last. 
 
Order online

Get the Lead Out!

Tackle made from lead can poison loons, eagles, and other wildlife if ingested. If you’re not sure if your tackle is made of lead, try rubbing the tackle on a piece of paper. If it leaves a streak, then it’s likely lead. It is recommended to wash your hands after handling tackle potentially made from lead. Exchange your lead fishing tackle for a packet of non-lead tackle at the Washington County Environmental Center.
 
Location & hours

2021 One-Day Collection Events

One-day collection events for household hazardous waste and electronics bring the services offered at the year-round Environmental Center closer to residents.
 
Spring One-Day Collection Events

• Hugo - April 17
• Mahtomedi - May 1
• Stillwater - May 15
• Forest Lake - June 5 and June 12

2021 Shredding Events

Mark your calendar! Washington County will host five one-day shredding events at the Environmental Center this year. Documents will be shredded on-site by Shred Right and recycled. CDs, floppy disks, and other media will be accepted for off-site destruction. The first shredding event is scheduled for April 21. These events are free and open to residents and businesses.
 
2021 Shredding Events