Fairgrounds Citywide Drop-off Event is Oct. 8

Como Community Council Corner by MICHAEL KUCHTA

Got junk you need to get rid of? How about not-so-junky stuff you simply don’t need anymore? Then take it all to St. Paul’s Citywide Drop-off Event at the State Fairgrounds. District 10 is the lead organizer for the annual event, but any St. Paul resident can participate.

The clean-up event runs Sat., Oct. 8, 8am-1pm. It is an easy way to get rid of things you can’t put in the trash. You can dispose of some things for free (examples include bikes, cell phones, dishes, fluorescent bulbs, linens, and tools), but typically there’s a charge. Cars pay $10 for a load of general junk or construction debris; vans, pickups, and trailers pay $15-$20. For specialized items, there are specific fees. For example, tires are $3-$10; electronics are usually $8 each; appliances are generally $10 each; and old furniture is between $5-$20, depending on what it is.

There also will be an expanded reuse area, so goods in good shape can go to a nonprofit instead of to the landfill. Plus, you can bring confidential papers for free shredding.

Pay attention to District 10’s website for full details as the date approaches www.district10comopark.org.

Want to volunteer? Residents who volunteer to staff the clean-up event get to bring in one load of materials for free. If you want to volunteer, contact District 10 by email at district10@district10comopark.org or by phone at 651-644-3889.

Learn the ins and outs of your credit score

District 10 will host a free financial workshop sharing how to improve your credit score. The workshop is being organized and presented by TopLine Federal Credit Union and LSS Financial Counseling.

The workshop will cover topics such as:

• The rules and myths of credit scoring

• How to spot errors on credit reports

• Exercising rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The workshop takes place on Thurs., Sept. 22, from 6-7:30pm, at the Como Park Streetcar Station, on the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.

You’re taking organics recycling seriously

District 10’s organics recycling drop-off site in Como Park has been an immediate success. After being open only a month, we’ve already had to double the size of the drop-off container. And residents depleted our initial supply of starter kits.

But you can still take part. We’ve now got additional starter kits available at our office (including a plastic kitchen bucket, while supplies last). If you don’t need the bucket, we’ve also got compostable bags, refrigerator magnets, and other supplies to help you succeed in reducing your waste footprint.

You can pick up supplies at the Como Park Streetcar Station any Sunday in September between noon and 4pm.

Learn more about organics recycling: Read the insert in this month’s Monitor, or go to RamseyRecycles.com (just click on Organic Waste).

You’re invited to sit in

The District 10 board and standing committees meet monthly— and community members are always welcome to attend, participate, and speak or raise concerns. The schedule:

• Land Use: Monday before the first Wednesday, 7pm

• Neighborhood Relations and Safety: first Tuesday, 7pm

• Board: third Tuesday, 7pm

• Environment: Last Wednesday, 7pm

All meetings are at the Como Park Streetcar Station, at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.

Get your recycling gear here

The Como Park Streetcar Station is open from noon-4pm every Sunday between now and the end of September. We’ll have a District 10 board member on hand to distribute recycling bins, organics composting bags, or just take your comments and suggestions. The Streetcar Station is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.