Become an Expert Recycler

Free Product Room Project Contest

Have you tackled a project using items from the Environmental Center Free Product Room? Maybe you upcycled an old piece of furniture, refinished your hardwood floors, or painted the perfect room. Whatever the project is, we want to hear about it! Submit a photo for a chance to win a DIY gift basket!

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Food: Too Good to Waste

When we waste food, it’s not just the food that goes to waste, but also all the resources that went into producing that food. Through Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, Washington and Ramsey counties launched a new food waste reduction campaign and website with in-depth tips on food storage, meal planning, and cooking to help households reduce food waste, saving them money and reducing their impact on the environment.

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Vaping Device Collection & Disposal 

Schools in Washington County confiscate hundreds of vaping devices each year from students. Batteries in vaping devices may catch fire and pose a threat to people and property if thrown in the trash or recycling, making it extremely important that they are handled appropriately.  

In May, Washington County staff attended a meeting with School Resource Officers to discuss the hazards of vape device collection and storage in schools. To address issues that were raised, Washington County offered schools free containers designed for the safe storage of vaping devices, along with messaging for students, parents, and staff. Containers were delivered to two charter schools, one public middle school, and four public high schools in the county.

Once the container is full, schools will be responsible for delivering it to the Washington County Environmental Center, where the device and its battery will be disposed of safely or recycled. Schools can then request additional collection boxes.