Environmental Tips

To dispose of electronics, please contact Waste Management.

Electronic products have a circuit board or a cathode ray tube (CRT). Household electronics include:

• Televisions
• Computers
• DVD players
• VCRs
• Fax machines
• Computer peripherals such as keyboards, speakers, and printers

Electronic products contain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury that can become hazardous to human health and the environment if they are not properly managed. It is illegal to put any electronic product containing a CRT in the garbage. 

Recycling electronics keeps them out of the garbage, conserves natural resources, and prevents harm to public health and the environment.

Recycling Cell Phones, Ink Cartridges & Rechargeable Batteries

Don't throw your old cell phones, ink cartridges or rechargeable batteries in the trash. Recycle them. Many charities accept them, but Best Buy collects them every day in every store.

Reduce Your Heating Bill

The following energy saving investments that will greatly reduce your heating bill:

• Seal hidden attic air bypasses.
• Upgrade insulation in attics, walls and crawl spaces.
• When replacing your furnace purchase a 90% or higher efficiency unit.

Reduce Energy Use

Start saving today by following these low-cost, no-cost ways to reduce your energy use.:

• Turn down your thermostat or install a programmable setback thermostat.
• Close door and heat register to unused rooms.
• Lock windows.
• Weatherstrip windows and doors.
• Keep your fireplace damper closed.
• Turn your water heater setting down to 120 degree F.
• Install low-flow shower heads.
• Limit your showers to 7 minutes.
• Install compact fluorescent bulbs in often-used lamps.
• Change/clean your air exchanger(s)' filter and make sure your outside air intake is clear of debris.

This information was reproduced from:

The Center for Energy and Environment
212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 560
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-335-5884

Did You Know?

• Water is the most common substance found on earth.
• The only water we will ever have is what we have right now.
• Each day the sun evaporates 1,000,000,000,000 (a trillion) tons of water.

Tips for Conserving Water

We all know how important water is, not only for us, but the whole planet counts on water. 

Check for Leaks

The first thing to do to save money and water, is to check all of your sinks, bath faucets and toilets for leaks.

If they leak, then its time to replace them. Either the washers on the inside or the internal components inside the facet unit. It is a very simple fix that could save you hundreds of dollars in a years time.

Fix a Drippy Faucet

If your faucet drips once in every 2 minutes you waste approximately 100 gallons in a months time and 1,200 gallons in a years time, and it will cost you an extra $150 to $200 dollars in your water bill. Just think of the water you would save for our earth and your kids future.

Replace Old Toilets

Replace old toilets which require approximately 5 gallons of water to flush rather than a new low gallon toilet that flushes approximately 1 gallon per flush. This could save you approximately $70 to $80 per year. If you cannot afford to or choose not to replace your existing toilet, you can put a few bricks gently in the toilets tank. This will keep the float inside the tank from going all the way to the top, which will take less water to fill the tank.

Septic System Operations

Is your septic system operating properly?

Learn how to keep your septic system operating properly, when to pump, hot to protect it from freezing and more. 

Recycling is easy with single-sort. Simply place all your recyclable materials together loosely in your designated recycling cart. Service is provided every other week on your scheduled service day.

Place all items together in your single sort recycle cart:

• Boxboard (4 Cs: cereal, cake, cookie and cracker boxes)
• Clean Cardboard (no pizza boxes or beverage cartons) flattened and bundled 3' x 3' x 1' tall
• Glass Bottles and Jars
• Junk Mail
• Magazines and Catalogs
• Newspapers and Newspaper Inserts
• Office and School Papers
• Plastic Bottles (with a neck)
• Rinsed Food and Beverage Cans

Items that are commonly thrown away:

• Detergent bottles
• Shampoo/lotion bottles
• Toilet paper cores
• Tissue boxes
• Cardboard boxes
• Scrap metal
• Cereal and cake boxes

Do you want to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive, and conserve natural resources in the process? Here are some ways for you to do it now!

• Register your name and address with the Mail Preference Service of the Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512-0643. This is a free service and lasts 5 years.
• Call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT to stop mailings of credit card offers. This also reduces identity theft possibilities.
• Recycle mail, catalogs and magazines you receive through your curbside recycling pickup programs.
• While you're at it, zap the telemarketers by registering with the state at 800-921-4110. Your name will be removed from their calling lists.

If you are confused about plastic recycling, you are not alone! 

Almost all plastic products are imprinted with a resin code - a small number enclosed by the "chasing arrows" symbol. This code is misleading because it does not indicate whether or not something is recyclable; it indicates the type of chemical compound, or plastic resin, used to manufacture that product.

Recyclable Items

These items are recyclable:

Plastic Bottles & Jugs (Caps On)

• Water, juice and soda bottles
• Milk and juice jugs
• Ketchup and salad dressing bottles
• Dishwashing liquid bottles and detergent jugs
• Shampoo, soap and lotion bottles

Cups & Containers

• Yogurt, pudding and fruit cups
• Clear disposable cups (no straws)
• Margarine, cottage cheese and similar containers
• Produce, deli and take out containers

Green Lights Recycling, Inc.

Contact Green Lights Recycling at:

10040 Davenport Street NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Phone: 763-785-0456

They have information on recycling:

• Fluorescent Lamps
• Batteries
• Appliances
• Electronics
• Ballasts
• And More

Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota works to enhance the quality of life of those affected by seizures. Proceeds from donated used clothing helps educate, connect and empower people affected by epilepsy.

What Is Needed

• Clothing of all sizes and types
• Shoes
• Purses
• Belts
• Bed Linens
• Kitchenware
• Small Toys
• Games
• Tools

Call 651-287-2300 for furniture policy or for pickup.

Restricted Use of Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer

Did you know that as of January 2004, phosphorus lawn fertilizer is not to be used on established lawns in the seven county Twin Cities metro area unless a current soil test shows a need for phosphorus or you are establishing a new lawn by seeding or laying sod.

Get the Lead Out!

Non-lead fishing tackle is an affective alternative, and it protects loons, eagles and other wildlife. 

Lead is a toxic metal that, in sufficient quantities, has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of animals. Found in most fishing jigs and sinkers, this metal is poisoning wildlife such as loons and eagles.

More anglers are using fishing tackle made from non-poisonous materials, such as tin, bismuth, steel, and tungsten. And these alternatives are becoming easier to find.

Recycle Cooking Oils

Uncontaminated Cooking Oils can be disposed of for no charge to residents at:

Anamax
505 Hardman Avenue
South St. Paul, MN 55075

Phone for directions: 651-455-0059