Local Tour Opportunities

Local tour opportunities exist for kids to adults on waste reduction, recycling, and composting.

Some tours are only available during the school year. Contact your county for more information.

ANOKA

Anoka County Environmental Classroo

The Anoka County Environmental Classroom is a 31-foot long mobile trailer outfitted to offer a walk through, visual tour of the components of Anoka County's integrated waste management system. When the classroom is scheduled for an event, the county brings the trailer to the location and sets it up in advance.

Age Restrictions: Grade 5- Adult
Open to: Groups in Anoka County Only. The trailer can only be delivered to locations in Anoka County.
For More Information: Call (763) 323-5730 or email recycle@co.anoka.mn.us

CARVER

Carver County Environmental Center: Chaska

Visitors will witness first-hand the operations of the Carver County Environmental Center. They will view equipment used for handling materials and learn about the types of materials accepted at the facility. They will also hear a brief presentation on the importance of recycling, the uses and reuses of the different materials and a discussion on surface water management. There is a rain garden at this facility.

Age Restrictions: None
Open to: Groups from all counties
For More Information: Call (952) 361-1800.

DAKOTA

Dakota County provides school field trips on a variety of topics during the spring.

For More Information: Dakota County website

Eco-Site: Recycling and Hazardous Waste: Eagan

Observe recycling and household hazardous waste management in action at the Dakota County Eco-Site. Students will participate in hands-on toxicity reduction and recycling activities. Learn about Household Hazardous Waste-what it is, how to dispose of it, and how it can affect our environment. Discover how your choices impact the environment and what you can do to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Age Restrictions: Grades K-8
Open to: Groups from all counties
For More Information: www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/

HENNEPIN

Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station: Brooklyn Park

This tour highlights the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling and preventing pollution. Students will learn about the materials accepted at the Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station and witness what happens to the materials first-hand.
Age Restrictions: Grades 3 - adult
Open to: Groups from all counties
For More Information: Call (612) 348-4930

RAMSEY/WASHINGTON

Resource Recovery Project: Newport

At the facility, garbage that might otherwise be landfilled is made into RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), which is then transported to Xcel Energy plants to create electricity. Students see first hand the size of our waste problem and Ramsey and Washington Counties' solution for keeping waste out of landfills. Students have the opportunity to learn about recycling, composting, and how garbage should be handled to protect the environment.
Age Restrictions: Ages 7+
Open to: Groups from all counties. Groups from Ramsey or Washington Counties will be reimbursed for transportation costs on a first-come first-serve basis and must be pre-arranged.
For More Information: Contact Ramsey County at (651) 266-1195.
Ramsey County: AskEH@co.ramsey.mn.us
Washington County: PHE@co.washington.mn.us

WASHINGTON

Household Hazardous Waste Facility: Oakdale

Visitors learn how to identify household hazardous waste and how to properly dispose of it. At the facility, visitors will see how hazardous wastes are accepted and packed for shipment and the safety equipment workers use.
Age Restrictions: Kindergarten - Adult
Open to: Groups from Washington County only
For More Information: Contact Washington County at 651-430-6655 or PHE@co.washington.mn.us