Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

Washington County is excited to partner with the Recycling Association of Minnesota to sell discounted compost bins and rain barrels to Washington County residents. Home Composter compost bins are $56 and Rain Catcher rain barrels are $70. Pre-ordered items must be picked-up at the Environmental Center within 90 days of purchase.    

Order online

Northern Environmental Center Update

Washington County is building a second Environmental Center to make it easier for residents to reduce waste, reuse, and recycle. The facility will be located in Forest Lake near the intersection of Headwaters Parkway and Highway 61. 

Services at the center will include: 

o    Hazardous waste and electronics drop-off
o    Self-serve recycling 
o    A free product room 
o    A co-located yard waste site 
o    Space for environmental education and activities

The county released a request for bids to acquire building materials in February and will begin construction later this year.

Coming Soon! 2023 Going Green Guide 

The 2023 Going Green Guide will arrive in your mailbox in early April. This guide includes information for residents on recycling, food scraps, yard waste, household hazardous waste, reuse, and more!   

Keep this guide in a handy spot to reference throughout the year. 

Safe Disposal Options for Medications 

Old and unused medicines in your home can pose a risk for accidental poisoning, theft, and drug abuse. Medications disposed of in a sink, toilet, or landfill can eventually pollute surface and groundwater and harm fish and wildlife. Instead of flushing or throwing them in the trash, drop the medication off for safe and free disposal. Year-round drop boxes are in Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Hugo, Mahtomedi, Stillwater, and Woodbury. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will secure the medications and take them to a waste-to-energy facility that is licensed to burn this type of waste. Since the program began in 2013, over 46 tons of medications have been collected.   

Learn more 

Tour the Recycling & Energy Center

All trash generated by individuals and businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties is delivered to the Recycling & Energy Center, where waste is processed to recover recyclables and make fuel for electricity production. Tours highlight how the facility works and how waste is managed in the East Metro as well as how to better reduce, reuse, and recycle. 

Schedule a tour