There is no "away" photo
Each month we will post a photo of something we saw that landed on our tipping floor, with the hope of provoking thought about how the item could have been disposed of differently.
A few weeks ago, these tree clippings were found on the tipping floor. Plant matter should never end up in the landfill, as it cannot properly decompose there. We encourage composting smaller trimmings in your curbside green waste cart or home compost bin. For larger branches, consider taking them to Skagit Soils.
Recycling Tip Of The Month
Take Care of Old Electronics
You can recycle your old electronics for free through the E-Cycle WA Program. This Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program also accepts tablets, E-readers and portable DVD players.
Peripherals and the other electronics noted below can be dropped off at these participating retailers and recycled at no charge.
- Keyboards — Best Buy and Staples stores
- Printers — Best Buy and Staples stores
- Toner cartridges — Best Buy and Staples stores
- Cell phones — Best Buy and Staples stores
Visit the E Cycle website for more information about the program, and to find a drop off location nearest you.
Food Safety & Power Outages
Many people in Skagit Valley were impacted by power outages from the "bomb cyclone" that came through on Tuesday, November 19th. It is important to act quickly and have a plan in terms of food and supplies during an emergency. Below are recommendations from FoodSafety.gov
Click here for information on Refrigerated Food & Frozen Food During Power Outage
There are downloadable PDFs available on the website.
As the USDA notes in Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency, your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible. Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.
A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety.
If you find yourself with a lot of spoiled food from a power outage, you don't have to send it to the landfill. Here are your options for disposal in Skagit County:
- Take unpackaged food waste directly to Skagit Soils for composting. All food should be removed from plastic bags, boxes and trays with plastic wrap removed. Produce ties and rubber bands removed.
- Place unpackaged food waste, along with produce that has all ties and plastic removed, into your curbside green waste cart for composting.
- Unthawed frozen fruits and vegetables that won't be eaten can be composted at home or using the options listed above.
Explore your food waste composting options and best practices on the Use Food Well website.
Thanksgiving Leftovers
Wondering how to make your Thanksgiving leftovers more interesting?
Our Solid Waste Technical Intern, Zoe Slabodnik, suggests making a Thanksgiving quesadilla.
Simply grab a tortilla, add in turkey and stuffing, cheese and or mashed potatoes if you'd like, and then top with another tortilla. Heat both sides up on the stove and serve with gravy and or cranberry jelly as the dipping sauces! Enjoy!
Transform Vegetable Scraps into Flavorful Homemade Stock
Recipe from Tasty:
- Remove the tops/bottoms/skins/stems from any vegetables you are preparing (avoid vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or cauliflower as they will add a bitter taste to your stock) and place them in a sealed bag - they can stay frozen up to 6 months.
- Note: You can add many other vegetable scraps (think sweet!) - i.e. corn cobs, winter squash, zucchini, and other squash, beet greens, fennel, chard, lettuce, parsnips, green beans, pea pods, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, asparagus, and herbs like dill, thyme, parsley, cilantro, and basil.
- Click here for the link to the full recipe & instructions
On November 7, Ardagh Glass Packaging, the major glass bottle manufacturer in the Seattle area, informed the Washington state government that it permanently closed its Seattle facility. This decision follows an earlier production pause in July 2024. Ardagh cited ongoing pressure from low-priced imports as a primary reason for their closure. This recently announced closure has created unprecedented challenges for glass recycling in Seattle and neighboring jurisdictions.
Upcoming Events
Each season the Solid Waste Division's Education & Outreach team offers chances to learn methods for making less garbage. We'll also highlight other local events focused on reducing waste, repair and repurposing materials. Get your recycling, composting, and waste reduction questions answered, and take home materials to help you succeed. Catch us this month at a local event or free workshop near you!
Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group: Salmon Sightings at Mud Creek
Join Skagit Fisheries at Mud Creek from Noon-3pm on Saturday, November 23rd to spot some kokanee salmon! Come see some adorable pocket-sized sockeye, make a craft in the camp’s dining hall, and learn about salmon!
Saturday, November 23rd
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Camp Lutherwood
1185 Roy Rd, Bellingham, WA 98229
Register to attend here
Skagit Land Trust Work Party: March Point Heronry Invasive Removal
Please join Skagit Land Trust as we continue to improve forest health at our March Point Conservation Area! This is a great opportunity to visit a property that is typically not open to the public due to the site's sensitive heron rookery, which is one of the largest rookeries on the west coast. During the work party, we'll remove blackberry and other invasive species from the forest understory.
Saturday, November 23rd
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Register to attend here
https://www.skagitlandtrust.org/pages/volunteer.aspx
If you sign up after 5PM the day before the event, please email Oceanna at americorps.engagment@skagitlandtrsut.org to confirm and get parking information. Click the blue sign-up button to continue.
Native American Heritage Month
Join Leslie Eastwood, a Samish Indian Nation Elder, as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Samish people are historically well known for being accomplished with their hands, and in their culture, wealth of possessions was only valued to the extent the items were gifted. Thus, the name Samish derives from an ancient proto-Salish term meaning "Giving People". Anacortes is home to several Samish people who are keenly proficient with their hands. Some of their favorite handiworks will be shown through a photo slide show. Come see how Samish artisans ensure the Giving People continue sharing gifts inspired by their ancestors.
Monday, November 25th
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Anacortes Senior Activity Center
1701 22nd Street
Anacortes, WA 98221
Toy Swap at the Anacortes Public Library
Bring gently used toys to swap with other families. Please leave kids at home, and enjoy shopping alone!
Monday, December 2nd & Sunday, December 9th
Anacortes Public Library, Community Room
1220 10th Street
Anacortes, WA 98221
Craft Swap at the Anacortes Public Library
Get ready for all your cozy winter crafting! Bring arts & crafts supplies to exchange and come ready to take home goodies that inspire you. Have questions about what is okay to bring? Ask Library staff! Donating is not required to take materials.
Wednesday, December 4th
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Anacortes Public Library, Community Room
1220 10th Street
Anacortes, WA 98221
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