Know before you throw

Welcome to the City of St. Louis Park’s “Know before you throw” guide – an image-based guide to help you know if an item should be recycled, composted or tossed. If you have questions about what goes where, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/garbage-recycling or contact staff at recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2562.

GARBAGE:

Paper plates do not belong in the recycling! Despite being made of paper, these disposable plates are often coated in plastic resin or PFAs (which are carcinogenic chemicals) which make them hard to recycle. If you are participating in the city’s organics program and are sure that the plates are BPI-certified compostable, they can be placed in your organics cart.

ORGANICS:

Solid waste staff often get questions on what the best option is for disposal of toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls. If you are participating in the city’s organics program, either curbside or as part of the drop-off program, these rolls should go in your curbside organics. If you are not participating in the program, you can learn more or sign up at www.stlouisparkmn.gov/organics

RECYCLING:

Decorative tins and pie tins, as long as they are clean and dry, can be placed in the curbside recycling cart.

Know your recycling day

For your convenience, the next three months of the recycling schedule are provided below. Visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/recycling to download a yearly calendar, find your collection day or sign up for email reminders.

• If your normal service falls on or after a holiday, you will receive service one day later.

• Missed collection? Contact Waste Management at stlouispark@wm.com or 763.783.5423.

• This calendar applies only to properties with city-provided recycling. Multifamily buildings are required to offer recycling to their tenants. Check with your building management if you have questions. If your building doesn’t have recycling, email recycling@stlouisparkmn.gov for help.

Funding available for landscaping projects

It’s not too early to start thinking about spring landscaping projects that can help manage stormwater. The city’s Rainwater Rewards program offers funding and technical guidance to residential property owners who install projects that do at least one of the following:

• Protect and restore stormwater by capturing pollutants in rainwater runoff

• Increase the watershed’s ability to store water

• Preserve and restore native plant and wildlife communities

• Protect and preserve groundwater quality and quantity

Project examples include rain gardens, tree plantings, rain barrels, permeable pavement, green roofs and other innovative stormwater management practices.

Program benefits include cost share, guidance with management practices, selecting designers and contractors, and future planning. The program is available to residential properties in St. Louis Park. Applications are accepted year-round while funding remains.

To learn more, visit www.stlouisparkmn.gov/rainwater-rewards, or contact Erick Francis, water resources manager, at efrancis@stlouisparkmn.gov or 952.924.2690.

Week A

Week B Holiday