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Event Reminder! North Environmental Center Open House

You're invited to an open house for the North Environmental Center in Forest Lake. Stop by to check out the facility and enjoy family-friendly activities, building tours, refreshments, giveaways, and more!   

Saturday, May 17 | 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
North Environmental Center, Forest Lake

Learn more

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Free Finished Compost in May

During the month of May, Washington County residents can pick up free finished compost at two locations. The finished compost is made by mixing food scraps with yard waste at a commercial composting facility. Compost is rich in nutrients and has many benefits, including promoting healthier plant growth, improving soil health and preventing soil erosion. 

South Environmental Center

  • Bagged compost is available for pickup in the self-serve area on Saturdays in May.  
  • Limit: One bag per household.  
  • Location & hours  

North Yard Waste Site

  • Loose compost is available for pickup during open hours. Please bring your own shovel.  
  • Limit: 1/2 cubic yard or small truck bed.  
  • Location & hours
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Register by May 31 for Sustainable Stillwater MN's Art Contest

Washington County Public Health & Environment is sponsoring a reuse category for Sustainable Stillwater MN’s Art Connects Community artwork contest. To be eligible for the reuse category, artists must incorporate materials from a Washington County Environmental Center into their artwork. Examples of materials found at an Environmental Center include paint, aerosols, stains, scrap metal, and recyclables. The reuse prize category is open to all ages and artistic abilities.

How to Get Materials


Visit a Free Product Room during open hours. Free Product Rooms are located inside both Environmental Centers. Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. 

To arrange for scrap metal pickup, please email us or call 651-275-7475. 

Reuse Prize Categories

Must incorporate at least 50% reused materials from an Environmental Center.

2D Media: 1st prize: $350 | 2nd prize: $150

3D Media: 1st prize: $350 | 2nd prize: $150

Learn more
Green and white icon of brain with gears for Mental Health Awareness Month.

May is Mental Health Month

Washington County is observing Mental Health Awareness Month (May) with various events, activities, and mental health resources. 

Upcoming events


Equine Therapy Open House (May 18): Visit Acres for Life to meet therapy horses, learn about equine-assisted services, and connect with mental health professionals in a calm, natural setting.

Breathe and Be Hiking (May 19-31): Take a self-guided hike at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, a paved, two-mile, accessible trail. Follow signs along the trail to practice awareness and self-reflection.

Roller Skating with Twin Cities Skaters (May 21): Bring your friends and families to Richard Walton Park for a free roller skating event, featuring a performance by Wheels of Expression.

Community Wellness Event (May 29): Come celebrate community, mental well-being, and physical health! Join us at Pondview Townhomes  for face painting, family activities, resources, food and more.

Full list of events

Icon of calendar.

Environmental Events

Drop-In Fixing Hours
May 15 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon
South Environmental Center, Woodbury

Shredding Event
May 15 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
North Environmental Center, Forest Lake

North Environmental Center Open House
May 17 | 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 
North Environmental Center, Forest Lake

Drop-In Fixing Hours
May 19 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
North Environmental Center, Forest Lake

Stillwater Collection Day
May 31 | 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Lily Lake Ice Arena, Stillwater

Community Clothing Swap
June 7 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
Hardwood Creek Library, Forest Lake

Drop-In Fixing Hours
June 10 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
South Environmental Center, Woodbury

Fix-It Clinic
June 14 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
Park Grove Library, Cottage Grove

Drop-In Fixing Hours
June 25 | 10:00 a.m. - Noon
North Environmental Center, Forest Lake


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

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14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082

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