Woodbury's Bielenberg Sports Center Gets Recycling Upgrades

Efforts to improve recycling options at the Bielenberg Sports Center in Woodbury are moving outside, thanks to a partnership between the city of Woodbury and Washington County and the approval by the Board of Commissioners to use county funds for improvements. New sorting bins will soon be in place outside the county's largest athletic facility to collect recycling, trash, and compostable materials.

The update is part of a nearly year-long project to offer waste diversion opportunities to Bielenberg visitors, patrons, and vendors, according to a news release.

New indoor waste management options were installed following a December 2015 waste sort analysis by MN Waste Wise. A similar waste sort took place for outdoor trash containers in June. The results of that analysis helped form recommendations for outdoor improvements that include installing 77 recycling and waste sorting stations, and 10 recycling, waste, and compost sorting stations, as well as accompanying educational signs and materials, according to officials.

The county will contribute grant funds to the project through the County Environmental Charge, which is a 35 percent charge on garbage service.

This fee has been collected since the mid-1980s and is used to support solid and household waste services and recycling initiatives. The County Board approved the use of County Environmental Charge funds for the project at its Sept. 27 meeting.

The city of Woodbury will share approximately 20 percent of the cost with the grant funding.In comparing the two waste sorts conducted at the sports complex, it was revealed that more materials were being disposed of outside of the Bielenberg Sports Center, according to official.s

With improved sorting options, a waste diversion rate of 71 percent can be achieved. Current recycling rates are at about 17 percent. In addition to the possibility of improved waste diversion, the improvements demonstrate the county’s commitment to supporting businesses, cities, schools, and other organizations that want to implement recycling practices.

“Partnering with the City of Woodbury on this project gave us a great way to expand away-from-home recycling opportunities for residents of Washington County and for non-residents who use the facility,” said Danielle Lesmeister, senior environmental specialist, in a statement.

“We know that state law requires recycling at larger sports centers, like collegiate and professional venues, so this move is a positive step for Bielenberg and the city of Woodbury.”

Image via Google Earth