Residents of Ramsey County now have a new destination to take a significant step toward sustainability. The Ramsey County Environmental Center opened its doors on April 1, providing a comprehensive suite of services that include disposal of household hazardous waste, electronics, food scraps, and more. According to the official Ramsey County website, the center also features "a free product reuse room," offering a place where items can be given new life rather than end up in a landfill.
Located at 1700 Kent Street in Roseville, the Environmental Center is designed to be a year-round resource for locals looking to reduce their waste footprint. It operates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, while remaining closed on county holidays and Christmas Eve. In their announcement, the Ramsey County authorities indicated that construction of the facility started in the fall of 2023 and was completed in less than 18 months, with a clear focus on "sustainable building techniques."
Some of the eco-friendly highlights at the center include geothermal energy systems for heating and cooling, solar panels for renewable energy, and an infiltration basin for filtering rainwater runoff—a design element essential for protecting local water sources. Among these features, the center boasts reused pavers in its outdoor education space, salvaged from University Avenue during the Metro Transit’s Green Line light rail construction. The Ramsey County announcement also notes that the site has integrated approximately "1,770 cubic yards of compost made from food scraps" into its landscape design.
More than a waste facility, the Environmental Center offers community and educational rooms to host diverse events and initiatives. According to Ramsey County, this is exemplified by the Fix-It Clinics, communal events where "residents can bring in broken household items and clothing and work with volunteers to repair them," fostering a culture of repair, not just replacement. The county is inviting everyone to participate in a series of celebrations aligned with Earth Week. Highlights include a giveaway for the first 200 visitors disposing of household hazardous waste or electronics on April 22, an open house on April 24 from 6 to 8 p.m., and a Fix-It Clinic on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as detailed on the Ramsey County website.
