Stearns County residents can once again pick up free radon test kits while supplies last through the Environmental Services Department. Two hundred kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one kit per household. Kits go quickly, so don’t wait!

Distribution begins Saturday, January 17, 2026. Most kits will be handed out through the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility drive-thru at 3601 5th Street South, Waite Park, which is open Monday–Saturday, 7:00 a.m.–5:15 p.m. A limited number of kits will also be available at the Environmental Services Department, located on the second floor of the Stearns County Service Center.

January is Radon Action Month, the perfect time to check your home for radon gas. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in Minnesota soil and can enter homes through cracks in walls or foundations. When inhaled, radon releases radioactive particles that can damage lungs and cause lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., responsible for more than 21,000 deaths annually. Minnesota homes have significantly higher radon levels than the national average, with over 40% testing at dangerous levels. The state’s geology and cold climate contribute to this, making testing essential.

Testing is the only way to know if your home has radon. It’s easy, and if high levels are found, steps can be taken to fix the problem.

For more information or to check kit availability, contact Environmental Services at 320-656-3613.