Vol. 21, No. 2 A Sherburne County Publication • 13880 Business Center Drive, Elk River, MN 55330

PrsrtStd U.S. Postage PAIDPermit #11 Elk River, MN 55330

This newsletter is printed on

re cy cled paper. Please recycle it again.

Summer 2014

For additional information about this publication please contact the Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department at 763-765-4450 or 1-800-438-0578

Page 4 – Environmental Educator – Summer 2014

2014 Sherburne County reCyCling & DiSpoSal guiDe

You can view the Sherburne County Recycling Guide online at: www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/sw/

Recycling Facility nameB & e Recycling Station Metals, Electronics, Appliances, Fluorescent Bulbs, Cardboard, Batteries16501 Hwy 10 Elk River 763-441-7211 M-F 8:30-5, Sat 8:30-1

Bng Services 31521 125 1/2 St NW Princeton 612-401-1004 M-F 8-4 or by ap-pointment Metals, Electronics, Appliances, Fluorescent Bulbs, Batteries

central appliance Recyclers Appliances, Electronics, Fluorescent Bulbs, Ballasts, Mercury, Fixtures3107 Hwy 10 St. Cloud 800-430-3221 M-F 9-5, Sat 9-Noon

lake State Recycling 19188 Industrial Blvd, Ste B Elk River 763-241-4000 M-F 8-5 Metals, Electronics, Automotive Scraps, Appliances

metro appliance Recyclers Appliances, Electronics, Fluorescent Bulbs, Ballasts 16403 60th St NE Otsego 763-241-8787 M-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-Noon

Pythons Recycling center Aluminum, Glass, Plastic, Paper, Cardboard 550 4 1/2 St NE St. Cloud 320-253-2054 M-F 8:30-5 Solid WaSte Facility nameelk River landfill Garbage, Furniture, Construction & Demoliton Debris, Tires, Railroad Ties, Appliances, Electronics 22460 Hwy 169 Elk River 763-441-2464 M-F 7-4:30

elk River Resource Processing Plant Garbage, Furniture, Mattresses, Box Springs, Tires, Propane Cylinders 10700 165th Ave NW Elk River 763-445-5846 M-F 7-4, Sat 7-3

Vonco ii landfill Construction and Demolition Debris, Tree Stumps, Root Balls15301 140th Ave SE Becker 763-262-8662 M-F 7-5 comPoSt SiteSBecker compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls)Call for Directions Becker 763-261-4449 Sunrise to Sunset

Big lake compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls) 18041 198th Ave Big Lake 763-263-2107 Sunrise to Sunset

elk River compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls) 19000 Proctor Ave Elk River 763-635-1000 Sunrise to Sunset

Zimmerman compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls) Call for Directions Zimmerman 763-856-4666 Sunrise to Sunset *Access cards required HouSeHold HaZaRdouS WaSteStri-county Hazardous Waste Facility Paints, Stains, Solvents, Cleaning Products, Fuels, Spa Chemicals, Yard Chemicals, Mercury, Mothballs, Adhesives, Aerosols 3601 5th Street S. Waite Park 800-450-6140 M 9-5, T-F 9-4, 3rd Sat 8-12

uSed oil collection SiteSchad’s auto Repair Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 13050 1st Street Becker 320-252-9711 24/7 Used

clear lake oil Recycling Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze Lot east of Fire Station Clear Lake 320-252-9711 24/7

east Side oil company Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 621 Lincoln Ave SE St. Cloud 320-252-9711 24/7 Used

elk River oil Recycling Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze - Key Card Required19000 Proctor Ave Elk River 320-252-9711 Sunrise to Sunset

Santiago township oil Recycling Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze Behind Santiago Townhall Santiago 320-252-9711 24/7

central Fleet Service Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 12575 313th Ave Princeton 320-252-9711 24/7 Used

Johnson’s Hardware Hank Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 12860 Fremont Ave Zimmerman 320-252-9711 24/7 Used automotiVe SalVage yaRdSHanS Foreign auto Parts Cars & Car Parts 22823 Elk Lake Rd NW Elk River 763-441-0707 M-F 9-5

Jerry’s auto Salvage Cars & Car Parts 20798 Highway 10 Big Lake 763-263-2600 M-F 8-5

Rite away auto, inc Cars & Car Parts 17901 198th Ave NW Big Lake 763-263-7373 M-F 8-5

Schmiege’s Salvage yard Cars & Car Parts, Machinery, Tanks up to 1000 gal25140 Highway 169 Zimmerman 763-219-2237 Call for Hours miScellaneouS itemSPlymouth Foam Clean Styrofoam (EPS) Only - Not accepted if the material contains food wastes, liquids, paints or paper 13900 Industry Ave Becker 763-261-4900 M-F 7-3

Product Recovery, inc. Utility Poles11680 Hwy 10 SE Becker 763-261-2458 Call for Hours

Sylva company Tree Recycling - Fees may be applicable for stumps and rootballs. Call for pricing details. (Wood Chips and Logs Free) 900 Airport Road Princeton 763-389-2748 M-F 8-4

For disposal or recycling of items not located on this list please call John Exner with the Sherburne County Zoning Of-fice at 763-765-4466

Great Northern TrailSherburne County will hold an Open House to reveal plans for a pedestrian trail between Princ-

eton and Zimmerman. The planned Great Northern Trail will be 16 miles long connecting Princ-eton, Zimmerman, and Elk River along the former Great Northern Railroad corridor. There are some sections of the trail corridor between Princeton and Zimmerman that could be on the former railroad bed, or along County Road 45, or along local streets. The purpose of the Open House is to display alternative routes and take public comments on a preferred route. Staff will be available from the County Planning & Zoning Department and Public Works Department to answer ques-tions about the planned trail. Once the County chooses a preferred trail route and acquires land, the County will pursue grants to assist with constructing the trail. There is no determined date as to when the trail will be constructed. For questions, call Jon Sevald, County Planner at (763) 765-4463 or go to www.co.sherburne.mn.us to view a map of alternative trail routes and to complete a public comment form.

open House:Tuesday June 3, 2014 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Zimmerman City HallWednesday June 11, 2014 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Baldwin Town Hall

Sherburne county Residents may drop-off:

Prescription Drugs (Pill or Capsule)Over-the-Counter Drugs (Pill of Capsule)

Please keep medication in its original container, keep drug name on container,

remove patients name with a marker.

the following items are not accepted:Sharps or Pointed Items (Needles, Syring-

es, Epi-Pens, Lancets) Medication from Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Schools, etcNon-Drug Items, such as Glucose Test Meters, Blood Pressure Equipment, etc.

Liquid Medications (cough syrup)

Sherburne County MediCation diSpoSal prograMProperly disposing of unwanted medicines is important

to prevent abuse or poisoning and protect the environment. Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem, especially among teens and accidental poisonings from medicines are on the rise. Medicines flushed down the drain or disposed of in the trash can contaminate bodies of water, harm wildlife

and end up in drinking water supplies. Sherburne County residents can dispose of unwanted

medicines for free at the drop box located inside the Sher-burne County Sheriff ’s Office from 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (closed on Holidays).

guidelinesNo identification is required

Bring medicines in original container (cross out your name with a marker)The drop box is self-serve. Pull the

handle to open and drop the unwanted medicine into the box.

QuestionsFor more information please

contact John Exner, Sher-burne County Zoning, at

763-765-4466 or john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us.

Sherburne County Yard Waste Compost Sites

Sherburne County residents have four convenient options when it comes time to manage yard wastes. There are four public compost sites located in Sherburne Coun-ty. County residents may use any one of these facilities free of charge.

Please note, a non-expiring access card is required prior to your first use of the fa-cilities. Access cards can be obtained at the Becker, Big Lake, Elk River or Zimmer-man City Halls. Photo ID or Sherburne County property tax statement is required in order to obtain your free card. Please note that commercial users (landscapers, tree removal companies, lawn mowers) and non-Sherburne County residents are re-quired to purchase an annual access card to utilize the sites. The annual fee is $200 for commercial users and $50 for non-county residents. (Vehicle weight restrictions do apply.)

Accepted items include grass clippings, leaves, sod, brush, branches and logs. Items that are not accepted include tree stumps, rocks, concrete, trash and bags (empty and reuse your bags). Each site is monitored via CCTV, disposal of prohibited items may result in a fine.

The compost sites are located in Becker, Big Lake, Elk River and Zimmerman. Directions and additional composting information is available at www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/sw/compost.php.

If you have any questions about composting, please contact John Exner, Sherburne County Zoning, at 763-765-4466 or john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us.

What is Stormwater Runoff?The importance of an abundant and clean water supply can not be argued.

Minnesota is blessed with an abundance of high quality water resources but ensuring that the State’s waters are clean requires awareness and efforts from everyone. Two of the leading factors of impaired water quality are stormwater runoff and illicit discharges. This article will briefly describe those two factors and the steps Sherburne County Planning and Zoning is taking to protect our waters from being polluted.

Stormwater runoff is one way pollutants can enter the State’s waters. When-ever rain or melting snow runs through yards and down streets it carries de-bris which can transport pollutants into the state’s waters. The main pollut-ants caused by stormwater runoff are: sediments (dirt, that fills in lakes and streams and caries other pollutants into our waters), nutrients (small quantities of fertilizers create an overabundance of algae), microorganisms (fecal bacteria caused by untreated animal and human waste) and toxics (pesticides, salt, and heavy metals). This type of pollution enters the state’s waters many ways and many times it is not visible.

Illicit discharges that enter into ditches, streams and lakes are another way pollutants can enter the State’s waters. Some examples of illicit discharge in-clude: chemical spills, failing septic systems, illegal dumping of solid waste, and improper storage or disposal of solid waste. Efforts to eliminate pollut-ants from stormwater runoff and illicit discharge are headed by the Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department. Those efforts range from free pub-lic hazardous waste collection events to regulating ordinances.

The Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department requires septic systems be evaluated by a certified septic inspector when properties are trans-ferred or if a land use permit is requested and the septic system is over 10 years old. This effort is undertaken to ensure septic system are functioning properly and not causing pollutants to enter the ground water. The Sherburne County Solid Waste Department enforces ordinances prohibiting illegal dumping and improper storage of solid waste on private properties. The Solid Waste De-partment also facilitates several free hazardous waste cleanup events annually. These events are held to provide County residents an opportunity to property dispose of paints, lawn chemicals, fuel, fertilizers, solvents and miscellaneous chemicals free of charge.

Controlling stormwater runoff and illicit discharges from conveying pollut-ants into the State’s waters is challenging, because sources of pollution can come almost anywhere. Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department will continue their efforts to control pollutants from entering the State’s waters. But it also requires awareness from the County’s residents and businesses to be aware how they manage their properties and potential pollutants that may be sitting around.

For more information about this article please contact the Sherburne Coun-ty Planning and Zoning Department at 1-800-438-0578 or online at zoning@co.sherburne.mn.us.

The Minnesota Depart-ment of Health recom-mends that all homes in Minnesota be tested for radon. It’s the only way to know if your home has an elevated level of radon, which can cause lung can-cer. Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that occurs naturally in Min-nesota soils and can enter homes primarily through cracks and openings in basement or foundation floors and walls.

MDH estimates that one in three existing Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose a large health risk over many years of expo-sure. Radon is the second leading cause of lung can-cer in the United States and more than 21,000 deaths are attributed to radon each year.

Radon exposure, however,

is largely preventable. First, test your home to see if you have elevated radon levels. Testing is easy, inexpensive and only takes 3-5 days. In homes with levels over 4.0 pCi/L, homeowners should consider verification test-ing and possibly installing a mitigation system, which will remove radon from your home.  The final step is to encourage friends, family, and coworkers to test their own homes for radon.

Radon test kits can be purchased at the Health and Human Services De-partment at the Sherburne County Government Cen-ter or by contacting Matt Jackson with Sherburne County Health and Human Services at 763-765-4115. Short Term Radon kits are $5 and Long Term Radon kits are $10. C

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Sherburne County Sheriff’s office

13880 business Center drive

elk river, Mn 55330

Through composting in your backyard, you can recy-cle fruit scraps, vegetable peelings, grass clippings and leaves into a wonderful soil amendment called humus. Benefits, both environmental and economical, of com-posting include:

• Enjoy Healthier Plants. Compost can be spread on your lawn, as top dressing, or placed around plants, bushes and trees as a mulch to help retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

• Backyard composting allows you to produce healthy soil overall for your plants, which means your vegeta-bles will be greener, and your plants will be brighter and more vibrant.

• Reduce your garbage and your garbage bill. Re-move the organic material from your garbage and you

may be able to a have a smaller garbage can, which always costs less in Minnesota.

• Reduce the size of your weekly garbage container to pay less Minnesota sales tax.

• Conserve wa-ter and save money. Placing compost around plants, bushes and trees will help re-tain moisture so you won’t have to water as much. Compost-ing your food waste means you don’t have

to use your garbage disposal and the extra water it takes to flush it down your drain.

• Composting is a great soil amendment for sandy soil. Reducing the need to purchase chemical fertilizers and potting soil.

How to Build your own compost Bin?A compost bin can be the simplest of constructions.

Some gardeners take four wood pallets, often available free from shipping companies, and stand them on edge to form a square. The pallets are then nailed together to form an instant compost bin.

Additionally, one can make a backyard compost bin with the following materials:

• 7 lengths of 2’x6’ lumber, each cut to 3’. Your local lumberyard will make cuts for you. Get good exterior wood. Rough, unplanned wood is fine. The wood does not need to be treated with preservatives – untreated lumber will last many years.

• Four lengths of of 2’x2’ lumber (or 4’x4’), each cut to 3’ lengths.

• Galvanized common nails, 2 ¾” long. 28 nails. Coated decking screws also work.

assembly:• Sharpen one end of the 2’x2’ to act as stakes. A

hatchet works best, it doesn’t have to be pretty. This will keep your bin in place. Your lumber store may be able to perform this cut for you too.

• Nail the 3’ boards to the 2’x2’s. Leave space be-tween the board to help aerate the pile. Pre-drilling the nail holes will make nailing easier and prevent wood from splitting.

• Set bin in place and drive (sharpen) corners down into the ground with a sludge hammer.

How do i make compost?1. Add your brown and green materials (list below).

Generally three parts browns to one part green, making sure larger pieces are chopped or shredded. The ideal compost pile contains browns and greens (of varying sizes) placed in alternate layers of different-size par-ticles.

2. Mix grass clippings and green waste into the pile and bury fruit and vegetable waste under 10” of com-post material.

3. As materials breakdown, the pile will get warm and on cold days you may even see some steam.

4. Every time you add to the pile, turnover and fluff it with a pitchfork to provide aeration.

5. When material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, with no remnants of food or yard waste, your compost is ready to use.

green materials include: Fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, coffee grounds/filters,, grass clippings, paper tea bags (no staple), hair, fur.

Brown materials include: Cotton or wool rags, dryer and vacuum cleaner lint, eggshells, nut shells, fireplace ashes (cooled), sawdust, hay, straw, leaves, branches, twigs, houseplants, potting soil, wood chips, and shred-ded paper.

do not add: Metals, glass, dairy products, fats, grease, oils, meat or seafood scraps, pet wastes, diapers, plastics, roots or perennial weeds, coal or charcoal ash, treated or painted wood.

Source: www.eartheasy.com

Page 2 – Environmental Educator – Summer 2014 Summer 2014– Environmental Educator – Page 3

Backyard Composting2014 Sherburne CountyhouSehold hazardouS

WaSte ColleCtion eventSevents are Free for all Sherburne County residents (i.d. required)

June 23Rd 11am-1pm Santiago Townhall

June 23Rd 3-6pm Clear Lake Fire Hall (empty lot next to fire hall)

auguSt 25tH & 26tH 3-6pm (both days)Sherburne County Fairgrounds (Enter Across From YMCA)

auguSt 27tH 8am-11amSherburne County Fairgrounds, Elk River(Enter Across From YMCA)

SePtemBeR 10tH 3-6 pm KJ’s Refuge Bar & Grill, Orrock

agricultural pesticidesPre-registered farmers may bring their

unwanted agricultural pesticides to these collection events for free disposal. For

transportation planning purposes, pre-registration is required by calling

John Exner at 763-765-4466 to inventory the amount of agricultural

pesticides being delivered for disposal.

products accepted includeAdhesives

AppliancesAsbestos Containing

ItemsBusiness Waste

Commercial WasteDemolition Debris

Drywall Compound ElectronicsExplosivesFurniture

Household GarbageMedical Waste

Motor Oil Filters

Anti-Freeze (See Below)

Pharmaceutical WasteTires

Unknown ItemsNO DRUMS

7

4AerosolsAutomotive ChemicalsCleaners

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fuels (gasoline, diesel, kerosene)

Garden Chemicals and Fertilizers

Mercury Mothballs

Paints (both latex and oil-based paints)

Pool and Spa Chemi-cals

Roofing TarSealersSolvents

products not accepted include

Questions Contact John Exner with the Sherburne County Zoning Dept. at 763-765-4466 or john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us Residential Households do not need to pre-register.

used oil, oil Filters & anti-Freeze may be delivered to one of seven disposal locations established throughout the county.

To find a used oil collection site near you visit www.eastsideoilcompanies.com/recycling/

landscaping this summer? need a permit?

Wetlands are vitally important areas in our environment. Did you know that an acre of wetland can store up to 1.5 million gallons of flood-water? Wetlands naturally filter pollutants and sediments. Wetlands have been called the “Nurseries of Life,” they provide sanctuary for thousands of aquatic and terrestrial animals. Migratory birds use wetlands as nest-ing sites year after year. For these few reasons and many more the Min-

nesota Wetland Conservation Act was enacted in 1991 with a goal of no-net-loss of wetlands.

Wetland permits are required prior to any filling, excavating or drain-ing of a wetland. Please contact Lynn Waytashek at 763-765-4450 for assistance and information pertaining to any proposed project on your property that may impact a wetland.

If you live on a lake or river, you’ll very likely need a Shoreland Altera-tion Permit. Throughout Minnesota, shoreland is regulated to protect water quality and habitat (for humans and wildlife).

Shoreland Alteration Permits are required for replacing, adding or re-moving:

• Vegetation (trees, shrubs, etc.)• Structures (retaining walls, stairs, buildings, etc.)

• Impervious surfaces (patios, walks, driveways, etc.)• Soil (grading, filling)• Shoreline (beach, riprap, etc.)Fines and mitigation can be very expensive if you do not obtain a per-

mit in advance. Please contact Lynn Waytashek at 763-765-4450 for as-sistance and to determine if a Shoreland Alteration Permit is required for your proposed project.

Wetland permits required prior to any impact

What are my Recyclables Used to Make?

aluminum cansAluminum cans are shredded, cleaned, melted, and mixed with a pure aluminum base, then recast into new aluminum products.

aluminum Foil/traysFoil packaging can be made into wrapping foil, semi-rigid packaging such as pie plates and food trays, and flexible packaging such as gum or candy wrappers.

Boxes: cereal, cracker, Pasta, cake BoxesThese boxes are generally used to make new boxes, puzzles, and things such as egg cartons.

cardboardCardboard can be recycled into new cardboard, cereal, cake, chip and cracker boxes, puzzles, games and items such as tab-let backing.

glass Bottles and JarsOld food and beverage containers are crushed into a material called cullet and made into new food and beverage contain-ers. The clear glass is used for clear containers, green glass for green containers and brown glass for brown containers.

magazines, catalogs and Phone BooksMagazines are recycled into items such as food or gift boxes (boxboard), tissue paper, game boards, and greeting cards.

mail, office and School PaperThese papers can be used to make new cereal boxes, facial and toilet paper, greeting cards, gift wrap, and writing paper.

newspapersNewspaper and its inserts are mixed in with other grades of paper and used to make new newspapers, paperboard, puzzles, wallboard, gift/food boxes, cellulose insulation, and animal bedding

Plastic containers with a neck #1 and #2PETE #1 is recycled into carpet, clothing, strapping, tennis balls and other bottles. HPDE#2 is recycled into new con-tainers, drainage pipe, film, pallets and plastic lumber for pic-nic tables and decks.

Steel Food cansThe two by-products, high grade steel pellets and tin ingots, are both remade into tinplate containers. Most steel cans are used to make new cans for food products, paint, aerosol and other materials.

source: rethinkrecycling.com

WACOSA ThriftWorksTHRIFTWORKS!, is a new thrift store operated by WACOSA, a nonprofit serving adults with dis-

abilities. All proceeds benefit WACOSA whose mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community. The store is located in the old Vilo Lanes building on Sundial Drive, just east of Crafts Direct. (Hours and address below.) We welcome you to our new, clean, and shopper friendly space. For a unique thrifting experience, stop in and see us! Don’t forget to bring in your gently used donations to our convenient drive-thru drop off and receive even more savings off our already great prices!

Donated items accepted at ThriftWorks includes the following: usable small kitchen appliances, dish-es and kitchen items, craft supplies, general housewares, home décor, tools, sporting goods, DVDs, fur-niture in good condition (accepted upon review), clothes, books, games, toys, jewelry and accessories.

Sorry, but ThriftWorks is unable to accept household electronics, large appliances, hazardous wastes, mattresses, box springs, cribs, highchairs, car seats, sleeper sofas, food, flammable products.

ThriftWorks has a convenient drive-thru drop box and they’ll be happy to help unload your donated items. Donations are tax deductible and 100% of your donation goes to support WACOSA.

Shopping and Drop-Off Hours and Location310 Sundial DriveWaite Park, MN 56379

Convenient drive-thru drop off and store hoursMonday - Friday 10am to 7pmSaturday 9am to 5pm

For more information please call ThriftWorks at 320-257-2920.

The Sherburne Soil & Water Conservation Dis-trict (SWCD) has received a grant to provide tech-nical and financial assistance to help owners bet-ter manage manure and pastures as well as reduce stormwater runoff. While the SWCD has always provided technical and planning assistance, land-owners within some portions of Sherburne County are eligible to receive additional funding! Check with the SWCD to see if you’re eligible.

examples of practices:• Rotational grazing divides a large pasture into

smaller paddocks. Animals are moved from pad-dock to paddock based on grass height. Forage amounts and utilization is improved. For example, four paddocks are 20% more efficient than one large pasture. Rotational grazing can also mini-mize manure build up and handling costs.

• Manure composting reduces the volume of ma-nure, odors and pathogens. The finished compost is a valuable soil amendment.

• Riparian buffers and filter strips filter out sedi-ment and nutrients before they can get to a river or wetland. They also provide habitat for wildlife and native pollinators.

For a complete list of eligible practices, cost share rates or to schedule an on-site consultation, please contact the Sherburne SWCD at 763-241-1170 ext. 4. Additional resources located at www.sherburneswcd.org.

TargeTed PasTure & Manure ManageMenT PrograMTechnical & Financial helP available