Spring Cleaning in Anoka County? Hazardous Waste and Compost Sites on Summer Hours

Whether you are ditching the hazardous waste when cleaning out the garage or dumping the leaves from an afternoon yard cleanup, Anoka county has you covered.

Got Hazardous Waste? If it is time for a trip to the Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW) head to Blaine! The HHW is located at 3230 101st Ave NE in Blaine just west of the 35W and 95th Ave interchange and is open YEARROUND and is FREE to Anoka County Residents! CLICK HERE for Map and Directions.

Summer Hours (April through October)

Wednesday 2PM-8PM

Friday 9PM-3PM

Saturday 9PM-3PM

HHW accepts more than paint too. Drop off any household product that is labeled "Corrosive", "Flammable"," Poison", "Toxic" or "Warning". This includes old drain cleaner and mothballs from the hall closet and the insecticides and weed killer in the garage. Mercury thermometers, pool chemicals and used motor oil are also accepted. For a complete list of what is accepted at Anoka County the HHW Facility CLICK HERE.

Got Yard Waste?Acceptable materials include: leaves, grass clippings, weeds and soft-bodied green plant materials. No garbage allowed and must be debagged at the site.Cost $4.00 per load up to 4 cubic yards for Anoka County residents.

Bunker Hills Compost Site

Located at 13285 Hanson Blvd. Coon Rapids

Open April through November weather permitting.

Monday-Friday 10AM to 7PM (or Sunset if earlier)

Saturday 9AM to 5PM

Sunday 12PM to 5PM

Rice Lake Chain of Lakes Compost Site

Located at 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes

Tuesday 10AM to 7PM (or Sunset if earlier)

Thursday 10AM to 7PM (or Sunset if earlier)

Saturday 9AM to 5PM

Sunday 12PM to 5PM

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Compost Alternatives for Fallen Leaves for Homeowners in Anoka County Minnesota

As the chlorophyll drains from leaves on the trees throughout Anoka County, revealing a vivid color palette of reds, oranges and yellows, I am reminded that fall is once again upon us. It amazes me that as youngsters are contemplating donning masks for Halloween, the leaves are draining the spring and summer green that masked their true colors. The beautiful fall colors combined with autumn winds will have residents of from Ham Lake to Columbus and Linwood to Lino Lakes grumbling about that wonderful fall chore of raking and disposing of yard waste.

If you’re on acreage and very lucky, the winds may kick up into a powerful force and blow your leaves into a neighboring field. A few years back our nearly three Ham Lake acres were blown clean of leaves after a night of howling winds. It was amazing! But facing north on our property, we realize that a windstorm the exception rather than rule.

So what to do with all of the leaves? In most Twin Cities areas, it is not legal to dispose of yard waste in your trash bin. Anoka County and Ham Lake are no exception. Composting is the answer. Whether you choose to have your own composting site on your property for next summer’s garden or you donate your leaves to the countywide site, composting is the best solution to recycling yard waste.

Compost and Tree Waste Sites in Anoka County

Acceptable materials include: leaves, grass clippings, weeds and soft-bodied green plant materials. No garbage allowed and must be debagged at the site.

Cost $4.00 per load up to 4 cubic yards for Anoka County residents.

Bunker Hills Compost Site
Located at 13285 Hanson Blvd. Coon Rapids
Open April through November weather permitting.
Monday-Friday 10AM to Sunset
Saturday 9AM to 5PM
Sunday 12PM to 5PM

Rice Lake Chain of Lakes Compost Site
Located at 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes
Tuesday 10AM to SunsetThursday 10:00 a.m. to Sunset
Saturday 9AM to 5PM
Sunday 12PM to 5PM
Home Compost Bins for Sale
Anoka County wants to assist you in having a green garden next year with your own compost bin. Limited quantities of Home Composter compost bins are available for sale for the low price of $31.18 (regular retail price is $69.00). For convenience, stop by and pick up at Holtz Garden Center in Ham Lake or Rock Gardens in Lino Lakes while supplies last. Click here additional information.

Make Your Own Compost Bin
Not an Anoka County resident or need a bigger compost bin? Make your own with these easy directions! Several easy to build designs are outlined is step-by-step easy to follow instructions. Make the size and style that best suits your property and needs.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 Teri Eckholm

MN Landscaping: Composting & Tree Planting Tips

It is that time of year again…Most Minnesota home owners are itching to get out into their yards and get started on that big landscaping project. And, it is finally warm enough to jump right into it! Landscaping can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.

As a Realtor in the northeast metro, I know how important it is for home owners to keep their property looking nice inside and out! Homes that have a wonderful curb appeal entice a potential buyer into the home.

If you plan to make a move this year or if the landscaping project is just to add to your own personal enjoyment of your home, think through your landscaping plan. Whether your project is a huge endeavor with a total redesign of your landscape or just trimming the bushes and grass, there are a few things you should consider before you get started.

Yard Waste

In Minnesota, it is against the law to place yard waste in your garbage. This includes leaves, lawn cuttings, weeds, shrubs and tree trimmings, and plant prunings. Using a mulching mower provides a natural fertilizer and strengthens the lawn. Residents of Anoka County can contract to have yard waste picked up or bring leaves and clippings to one of two county compost sites.

Composting is a great option for many homeowners. Compost bins are available from Anoka County or you can build your own. Compost turns into humus which enhances the soil when used as mulch so flowers, shrubs and trees can grow stronger. No need to buy and haul expensive mulches home anymore!

Yard waste that can be composted:

• Leaves
• Grass Clippings
• Dead flowers
• Pine needles
• Acorns
• Shrub trimmings (minus the branches)
• Straw
• Garden Waste

Household waste that can be composted:

• Vegetable scraps
• Fruit scraps
• Tea bags
• Coffee grounds
• Rinsed Eggshells
• Saw dust

Planting Trees

Trees add to a homes value. Leafy deciduous trees can provide shade to save energy as well as add beauty to the landscape. But planting a tree in the right location is essential. If you have above ground power lines anywhere in your yard or on the perimeter of your property, you need to consider the type of tree and how large it will grow before planting the tree.

According to Xcel Energy, trees are a common cause of electric service interruptions in Minnesota as well as throughout the nation. Use the "zone" approach, illustrated below, when planning the location of your new tree to avoid many of these problems.
Anyone who has ever driven by a home or property where the trees have been butchered by a utility company in the winter knows how bad it can look. Branches hanging over the power lines can cause power outages if they fall on the lines during a spring or summer storm. Utility companies have to be proactive in the winter and trim away any potentially hazardous branches, leaving some very ugly trees behind. Xcel Energy offers a free guide on how to correctly plant trees near power lines to help homeowners protect their landscape investment.
Before planting any trees or digging, Call Gopher State One Call 1-800-252-1166 to have all underground utilities located. This is a free service in Minnesota to prevent damage to underground utilities. It usually takes 24-48 hours so plan ahead for that weekend project.
If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com