|
|
Apply to be a Recycling AmbassadorRegistration is now open for the spring 2025 Washington County Recycling Ambassador Program! Recycling Ambassadors must commit to six virtual training sessions where they will learn about about food scraps recycling, climate change, environmental justice, household hazardous waste, and general recycling. Learn more |
|
|
|
|
|
Free Books in the Free Product RoomLooking for a new book to read? The Washington County Environmental Center has you covered! Used books are available in the Free Product Room of both Environmental Centers. The bookshelf is stocked with books for all ages, but the South Environmental Center currently has lots of “Young Adult” novels, perfect for the middle and high school bookworms in your life! Monetary donations are suggested, but not required. There is no limit on how many books you can take. If you have books to donate, Washington County Libraries takes donations of current books in good condition. Contact your local branch to confirm materials accepted. Environmental Center: Locations and hours |
|
|
|
|
|
Battery Recycling 101If it lights up, makes noise, or turns on without being plugged in, it has a battery. Batteries make our lives more convenient, but they must be disposed of properly. Do not put batteries of any kind into the trash or recycling. Batteries can catch fire and pose a threat to people and property. Some batteries also contain toxic metals, such as cadmium, lead, or mercury. Batteries accepted at Washington County Environmental Centers include : Rechargeable batteries, like Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), and Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries can be found in power tools, cellphones, laptops, toys, and more. Single-use batteries, such as button batteries and alkaline batteries, are commonly found in remote controls, watches, vape pens, toys, and many other household items. While Alkaline batteries can be thrown away, it is best to bring them to an Environmental Center so they can be recycled. If you cannot safely remove a battery, bring the entire device to a Washington County Environmental Center. Learn more |
|
|
|
|
|
How to Declutter thisDo you feel overwhelmed with too much stuff? Here are some tips to help you declutter and focus on buying only what you need. You’ll do good for your wallet and the environment! Tips to declutter- Start small. Take it one room at a time.
- Sort items into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. In deciding what to keep, ask yourself if it brings you joy or serves a purpose. If not, let it go.
- Search the Disposal Directory to learn how to properly reuse, recycle, or dispose of items you no longer want.
- Find a home for everything you want to keep and put items back in their place after each use.
- Repeat these steps regularly. And make a plan to bring less new stuff into your home.
Tips to buy less- For special occasions, consider gifts of experience for others and yourself. Find joy in making fun memories instead getting more stuff.
- Fix broken items. Not handy? Learn from a fix-it volunteer at a Washington County Fix-It Clinic.
- Give thrift stores a chance. Search online and in your community. You might find just what you need second-hand.
- Don’t make hasty decisions. Wait a day or two and then decide if you really want the item.
Remember—less is more! More money saved in your bank account. More natural resources saved in our environment. |
|
|
|
|
|
Please forward this e-mail to interested individuals and encourage them to sign up! Subscribe to the Environmental eUpdate at washingtoncountymn.gov. More information: WashCoRecycles.com | 651-275-7475 |
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
