Read this before tossing out your Christmas tree and holiday waste
Millions of people across the globe celebrated Christmas on Thursday. And once presents are opened and decorations come down, families are left with overflowing trash bags.
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Millions of people across the globe celebrated Christmas on Thursday. And once presents are opened and decorations come down, families are left with overflowing trash bags.
Millions of people across the globe celebrated Christmas on Thursday. And once presents are opened and decorations come down, families are left with overflowing trash bags.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution.
This season of giving can really do a number on our recycling systems. But we can all be part of the solution. WCCO spoke with Abigail Sztein with the American Forest and Paper Association about how we can recycle responsibly
A company in Scott County plans to break ground this fall on a project that turns food waste into fuel. Cummings explains how it can take thousands of tons of trash and turn it into a clean energy treasure.
Smurfit Westrock announced Wednesday that 189 employees at its St. Paul coated recycled board mill will be permanently laid off beginning June 30.
Technology moves fast enough that many find themselves swapping in new pieces of equipment on a regular basis. That leaves many wondering what they are expected to do with their old stuff.
A metro business is working to help save the planet and give employment opportunities to those who are formerly incarcerated.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produce 25% more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
It's known as the most wonderful time of the year, turns out it's also the most wasteful. We produce 25% more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield helps us navigate the tricky art of holiday recycling.
The U.S. generates the most plastic waste of any nation. Starbucks, one of the biggest users of single-use plastic cups in the country, encourages customers to toss them in its recycling bins. But CBS News discovered most of those cups never get recycled.
The legacy toy company is increasing the certified renewable or recycled materials that go into its bricks in an effort to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
The ReUse program at the U helps give donated materials a second life and you can take advantage of the deep discounts.
If you have a drawer packed with old cellphones, cameras and laptops, you're not alone. Global electronic waste has hit record highs and it's growing five times faster than recycling rates. So how should you dispose of e-waste?
If you have a drawer packed with old cellphones, cameras and laptops, you’re not alone. Global electronic waste has hit record highs and it's growing five times faster than recycling rates. So how should you dispose of e-waste? Kirsten Mitchell breaks it down in tonight's Good Question.
If you found a brand new electronic device under the Christmas tree this year, your next question is what to do with the old one. (NOTE: This video is from Dec. 30, 2015)
All donation proceeds will go towards The Open Door, a local non-profit working to end hunger. In its first year of the Holiday Lights For Hunger campaign, they hope to generate $10,000.
Starbucks will now allow its baristas to serve beverages in cups provided by customers at drive-thrus in the U.S. and Canada.
The presents have been opened—now what do you do with the wrapping paper and boxes they came in? Before you head to the dumpster, CBS's Donya Bacchus has recycling tips.
A new Twin Cities facility is tackling an environmental problem and creating hundreds of green jobs. Things like pallet wrap, boat wrap and food packaging are notoriously difficult to reuse and recycle. WCCO's Erin Hassanzadeh learned how that's changing, thanks to help from Minnesota-based companies.
We use 12-15 billion pounds of flexible packaging every year in the U.S., but only 5% of it gets recycled. Myplas is trying to change that
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, one startup company in Chile is looking to recycle old tires to help make them more sustainable.
Apple Valley and Dakota Valley Recycling have teamed up once again to ensure that unwanted shoes are recycled or reused, avoiding landing up in a landfill.
For several years the city of Apple Valley has partnered with Dakota Valley Recycling to collect unwanted shoes to either be recycled or reused and keep them out of landfills.
Before you toss your sunken Jack-o-Lanterns in the trash, Beret Leone shares some ways to give your gourds new life after the holiday.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
One person is dead and another is recovering after a fire at a two-story home in Lake City, Minnesota, on Sunday.
Blake sophomore Ella Anderson delivered the game-winning goal during overtime in the section final against the Academy of Holy Angels. The squad is now taking aim at an eighth state title.
Border czar Tom Homan's announcement Sunday of a steep drawdown of federal forces in Minnesota has been met with some skepticism. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement observer said Monday that, while she's seen fewer immigration agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul, they are still out in the suburbs and areas outside the metro.
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
Blake sophomore Ella Anderson delivered the game-winning goal during overtime in the section final against the Academy of Holy Angels. The squad is now taking aim at an eighth state title.
Border czar Tom Homan's announcement Sunday of a steep drawdown of federal forces in Minnesota has been met with some skepticism. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement observer said Monday that, while she's seen fewer immigration agents in Minneapolis and St. Paul, they are still out in the suburbs and areas outside the metro.
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
Minnesota lawmakers are back to work for the start of the 2026 session on Tuesday. The day will focus on former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in an act of political violence last summer. A tribute in her honor will remain in the House chamber for the rest of the year.
Brynn Rux picked up the passion at just 2 years old. Her training and goals were on track as a national competitor until back pain slowed her down.
One person is dead and another is recovering after a fire at a two-story home in Lake City, Minnesota, on Sunday.
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
The Holdingford Feed Mill in central Minnesota is a complete loss following a fire late Sunday evening, according to county officials.
Carver County Local News — a nonprofit, digital news source — was created to fill a local news gap in the southwest Twin Cities metro.
Over the past few weeks, Minnesotans of all ages have been exercising their First Amendment right to protest. One of those protesters is 85-year-old Olaf Brekke.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
The Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo drew people from nearly 20 counties. Farm labor was a topic of discussion at the Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo — in particular how the federal immigration surge has impacted immigrant workers on Minnesota farms.
Minnesota lawmakers are back to work for the start of the 2026 session on Tuesday. The day will focus on former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in an act of political violence last summer. A tribute in her honor will remain in the House chamber for the rest of the year.
Minnesota lawmakers are back to work for the start of the 2026 session on Tuesday. The day will focus on former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in an act of political violence last summer. Caroline Cummings shares the touching tribute in her honor all session long.
Minnesota DFLers are pushing back against the immigration crackdown, and calling on Republicans to join them.
Ahead of the legislative session, Minnesota DFL lawmakers are pushing back against President Trump's immigration crackdown — and calling on Republicans to join them.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
All family members of Nancy Guthrie have been cleared as suspects in her disappearance, authorities in Arizona said.
Police said the deadly shooting during a high school boys' hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, appears to have stemmed from a family dispute.
Minnesota's top investigative agency said Monday the federal government has formally refused to hand over evidence and information in the killing of Alex Pretti.
Eh Tha Blay, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting third-degree property damage in December.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says she will be sending a letter this week to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to demand they turn over evidence in the Jan. 24 killing of Alex Pretti by immigration officers in south Minneapolis.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
North Minneapolis resident Kate Varns is a bonafide Ironman, meaning she's finished the toughest of toughest triathlons. But after surviving a stroke several years ago, that accomplishment paled in comparison to what laid ahead.
Dr. Michael Osterholm and Dr. Emil Lou, faculty members with the University of Minnesota, have been recognized by TIME as two of the 100 most influential people in health in 2026.
Minnesota is in the midst of what state health officials call the nation's "largest known outbreak" of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal skin infection that can cause severe ringworm.
A new web page dedicated to fact-checking claims about Medicaid fraud in Minnesota has been launched by the state's Department of Human Services, officials said Wednesday.
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
Social media users incorrectly identified a young boy who was part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday as Liam Conejo Ramos.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Blake sophomore Ella Anderson delivered the game-winning goal during overtime in the section final against the Academy of Holy Angels. The squad is now taking aim at an eighth state title.
Brynn Rux picked up the passion at just 2 years old. Her training and goals were on track as a national competitor until back pain slowed her down.
Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López ended a bullpen session early over what manager Derek Shelton said was "a little bit of elbow soreness.".
Anthony Edwards won the Most Valuable Player award while leading his "Stars" team past their fellow Americans on the "Stripes" team 47-21 to win the final of the NBA All-Star Game.
North Minneapolis resident Kate Varns is a bonafide Ironman, meaning she's finished the toughest of toughest triathlons. But after surviving a stroke several years ago, that accomplishment paled in comparison to what laid ahead.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will send a letter this week, demanding DHS and DOJ turn over evidence in the shooting death of Alex Pretti.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says she will be sending a letter this week to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to demand they turn over evidence in the Jan. 24 killing of Alex Pretti by immigration officers in south Minneapolis.
Last month, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested following a protest at a Minnesota church. In Talking Points, she shares why she felt it was important to protest, her arrest and White House's digitally altered photo of her arrest.
Last month, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested following a protest at a Minnesota church. In Talking Points, she shares why she felt it was important to protest, her arrest and White House's digitally altered photo of her arrest.
Last month, activist and former Twin Cities NAACP president Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested following a protest at a Minnesota church where the leader of a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office serves as a pastor. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy sits down with Armstrong to discuss the protest, her arrest, and her reaction to what she calls a “diabolical” attempt to degrade her image.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
As our weather warms, love is also in the air. Valentine's Day is this Saturday, and while we know many of the traditions, Jeff Wagner wanted to get to the heart of the holiday.
The monthslong Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Minnesota has sparked ongoing protests, some measured tens of thousands of demonstrators, others just a few dozen.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Northern Minnesota could see measurable snow beginning Wednesday night, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the Twin Cities could hit 50 degrees on Tuesday before a storm moves in. Areas to the north may see a few inches of snow on Wednesday.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says a storm will arrive late tomorrow, bringing rain for the southern half of the state.
More abnormally warm highs on Tuesday ahead of multiple rounds of precipitation, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Mike Augustyniak.
A Richfield hockey dad has built a rink in his yard. As Mike Max reports, many young athletes have taken advantage of his creation.
Northern Minnesota could see measurable snow beginning Wednesday night, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. After someone starts to feel better, how long can they still get others sick? WCCO's Jeff Wagner breaks down the timeline with help from a Hennepin Healthcare physician.
The Holdingford Mill in central Minnesota was heavily damaged after huge flames tore through it on Sunday night. The loss is already being felt across the farming community where the mill played a critical role in supplying custom feed. Photojournalist Nick Lunemann and Marielle Mohs show how the town is responding to the loss.
Police in Fargo, North Dakota, are investigating what they call a “heinous murder” and say key evidence could be in Minnesota. Isadora Wengel, 25, went missing from Fargo in early January. Police arrested her boyfriend last week. He’s now charged with murder, accused of killing and dismembering Wengel.