Rice County Environmental Services

06/04/2026

Did you know that Goldfish are an invasive species in Minnesota!?

Check out this video from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for more information!

Goldfish, often illegally introduced by well-meaning pet owners, ar...

06/02/2026

Have you considered becoming a Minnesota GreenCorps member?

We'll look forward to again serving as a host site in 2026-27 for the program, coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It aims to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals.

06/01/2026

While we've taken steps to mitigate the likelihood permit applicants receive
scam emails, some property owners are STILL BEING APPROACHED by scammers.

This scam is affecting permit applicants nationwide and involves the solicitation of fraudulent fees. Protect yourself: learn more at www.ricecountymn.gov/ -fd8f7b68610b73dbdb0e6850c3fc7190eec0c862460a3e3cbdfe0edfef875cd9

05/21/2026

Rice County offices, including the Solid Waste Facility, will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/07/2026

04/22/2026

This Earth Day, consider committing to using reuseable bags instead of plastic.

• Plastic bag waste is a significant threat to the environment, wildlife and human health.
• On average, Americans use 365 plastic bags per person per year.
• Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to degrade in landfills, breaking down into microplastics which absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment.
• Animals often mistake plastic bags for food, leading to ingestion that can be fatal.
• If current trends continue, it's projected that there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050.
EarthDay.org

04/19/2026

Happy Earth Week! Start your week with this short quiz about the impact of plastics on our planet. Find it here: https://www.earthday.org/plastics-impacts-quiz/

04/14/2026

The hail has barely melted and scammers are already lighting up the phones, pressuring area residents that they're the ones to inspect for damage from this afternoon's storm.

Don't fall for a home repair scam. If you think you have damage to your home, vehicle or property, get in touch with a reputable firm to make the repairs and/or contact your insurance agent.

Tips from Attorney General Keith Ellison's office on spotting scams: www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/Publications/howtospotascam.asp
Faribault Police Department Northfield Police Department, MN Lonsdale Police Department

03/25/2026

BAG THE BAG!
Recycling is supposed to be loose in your bin.

Plastic bags shouldn't be mixed with curbside recycling -- they interfere with the sorting process, get tangled in the machinery and damage equipment.

Just toss your recyclables into the bin. IT'S THAT EASY!