All trash generated by individuals and businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties is delivered to the R&E Center, where waste is processed to recover recyclables and make fuel for electricity production. Tours highlight how the facility works and how waste is managed in the East Metro as well as how to better reduce, reuse and recycle. Visit our ‘About the R&E Center’ page for more information.
General Information
Tours are free.
Group tours are available to groups of five or more, and to individuals or smaller groups through a Community Tour (see request forms below).
Language interpreters are available upon request.
With limited tour capacity, priority is given to groups based in Ramsey or Washington counties.
Facility Information and Tour Program
The R&E Center processes trash. Recyclables go to a different facility depending on your hauler. Recyclables are recovered in our operations, but this is not a materials recovery facility (the term for a recycling facility). Contact your hauler if you are interested in seeing where your recyclables go.
The tour typically includes a presentation, a participatory activity and observation of certain areas of the facility. Safety is the priority at our facility so only certain areas are accessible for visitors.
Confirmed visitors will receive an email with Travel, Parking and Safety Information. Please review this information before arriving. There are multiple entrances and parking lots at the facility.
Staff are also available to present at community meetings about what happens at the R&E Center. Contact us at tours@recyclingandenergy.org to schedule.
