Environmental Center and Yard Waste Site Coming to Forest Lake

Construction of a second environmental center is planned near Highway 61 and Headwaters Parkway in Forest Lake. Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 2023 with an anticipated opening date in late 2024. The new center will provide more equitable disposal options for residents in the northern portion of the County, who will no longer need to travel as far to responsibly dispose of household chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, used oil, batteries, and other items that don’t belong in the trash. Self-serve recycling of cardboard, scrap metal, mixed recycling, and food scraps will also be offered at the new site. The Washington County Northern Yard Waste site, currently located in Hugo, will be relocated right next to the new environmental center in Forest Lake.  

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We Want to Hear from You!

Washington County Public Health & Environment is asking residents to participate in a short survey to inform local planning for groundwater and solid waste programs that help manage garbage, recycling, food waste, yard waste, and hazardous waste from residents. Your input will help us develop programs and services that make Washington County a great place to live, work, and play.

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Food Scraps Pickup Program Update

Ramsey and Washington counties are rolling out a new way to recycle food scraps from home! The food scraps pickup program was successfully tested with a limited number of households and will begin to roll out to the rest of the two counties’ residents in phases starting this fall. 

Visit FoodScrapsPickup.com or call 651-661-9393 to learn more about the program and sign up to receive email notifications about when the food scraps pickup program becomes available to new areas. 

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