Apply Now: Solid Waste Volunteer Program Deadline Approaching on March 21st!
The deadline for applications to the Solid Waste Volunteer Program is fast approaching—Friday, March 21st! If you're passionate about composting, recycling, and contributing to a sustainable future, now is the perfect time to apply. By becoming a Certified Skagit County Master Composter Recycler, you'll gain valuable skills and knowledge in waste reduction and sustainability, while actively engaging with your community. The program offers over 20 hours of hands-on training covering topics such as backyard composting, vermicomposting, and green cleaning. Participants will also enjoy ten in-person classroom sessions and two Saturday field trips, along with resources like a training notebook, books, and an official name badge. Upon certification, you'll complete 24 hours of volunteer service, helping spread the word on waste reduction at local events and workshops. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity—apply today before the deadline!
Training Dates:
Mondays, March 31st through June 2nd*
From 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, each Monday*
Padilla Bay Estuarine Research Reserve, Mount Vernon
*Participants must attend all sessions to become Master Composter Recyclers
*No class on 5/26, Memorial Day holiday
Important: The Master Composter Recycler Training is available exclusively to Skagit County residents. If you are not a resident of Skagit County but are interested in the training, we suggest contacting your local county offices or WSU Extension offices to inquire about similar programs in your area.
Applications have gone live! To apply for the 2025 training, click here.
Final day to apply to the program is Friday, March 21st, 2025
 Class of 2024 tours Lautenbach Recycling
Ask a Recycler
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Dear Skagit County Solid Waste,
I hope you're having a colorful day! I’m in a bit of a paint predicament and could use your expert advice. I recently finished a DIY project (hello, new accent wall!), but now I’m left with a bunch of leftover paint, empty cans, and some mystery paint thinner that’s been lurking in the back of my closet for far too long.
I know that just tossing these items in the trash isn’t the best move for the environment, but I’m not sure what the right move is. I’d love to recycle or properly dispose of these paint products, but where exactly can I do that? Is there a secret recycling superhero team I can call, or a magical drop-off spot I haven’t discovered yet?
Any tips, tricks, or local resources you can share would be amazing!
Many thanks,
- Hue Guru
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 Dear Hue Guru,
I totally get it — leftover paint can quickly turn into an unwanted collection that seems to multiply when you’re not looking! But fear not, because I’ve got just the solution for you. You’re in luck! There’s a fantastic program called PaintCare, and they’ve got drop-off locations all over Washington where you can properly dispose of or recycle your leftover paint and paint products.
All you need to do is head over to their website and find a nearby drop-off spot. It’s super easy, eco-friendly, and the best part is, it keeps all that paint out of the landfill and into a proper recycling process.
Also, here’s a cool tip: the Skagit County Household Hazardous Waste Facility is a free drop-off spot for all the products accepted under the PaintCare program! So, next time you’re heading to dispose of your trash or drop off household recycling, you can conveniently bring your paint along too. The HHW facility is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it’s also open on the first Saturday of each month during those same hours.
So, no more mystery cans or cluttered closets—just drop off your paint, and you’re good to go! You've got this, and the planet will thank you!
Happy painting (and recycling)!
- The Skagit County Solid Waste Division
Biochar Basics
This month, let’s dive into something new—biochar! Biochar is a type of charcoal created by heating organic material in a low-oxygen environment, and when added to compost, it can improve soil health, boost carbon sequestration, and enhance nutrient retention. It’s a win for both your compost and the planet! Did you know that one of Skagit's own industrial composting facilities has integrated biochar into some of their compost? Check it out here: Skagit Soils & Biochar. In fact, a third-year master’s student at the University of Washington describes biochar as the "coral reef of the soil." Woah, that sounds like a big deal! To learn more about how biochar can benefit your composting efforts, and climate health, check out these resources: USDA Climate Hubs on Biochar, IBI Biochar & Compost Guide, and Compost Magazine’s Biochar Article.
Happy composting! 🌱
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The Washington state House passed the Right to Repair bill (HB 1483) by a 94-1 vote. It requires manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for consumers and repair shops to fix electronic devices and appliances. The bill now moves to the state Senate for approval.
Bellingham residents in multi-family units may soon be allowed to combine recycling and waste bins with neighbors. The proposed change aims to increase recycling participation and improve waste management efficiency. The new rule would make it easier for apartment dwellers to access convenient recycling options, encouraging more sustainable practices throughout the city.
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!
Wednesday, March 19th
Wednesday, March 26th
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The Church of God
638 Sunset Park Drive
Sedro-Woolley, WA
FREE Clothes for ALL every Wednesday 5pm-6pm at The Church of God Sedro-Woolley, WA 638 Sunset Park Drive, Suite 135 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. For any questions you may Message or call 360-503-9465. Lots of Hoodies, Coats, Tops -short and long sleeve, and Jeans for ALL- Men, Women, Boys and Girls!
Saturday, April 5th
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
City Of Mount Vernon Shop Complex 1
1010 Shop Lane, Mount Vernon
City residents ONLY
FREE
Single family residences, owner occupied duplex, tri-plex and four-plex customers that are located within the Mount Vernon City limits can dispose one average load each (three separate
loads) of garbage, recycling and yard waste at the City of Mount Vernon Shop Complex.
Please visit website for more details.
Questions? Please call: 360-336-6218
City of Anacortes Spring Clean Up
Saturday, April 19th
9:00 am - 12:00 noon
City of Anacortes Operations Facility
D Avenue and 37th Street, Anacortes
City residents ONLY
FREE
Questions? Please Call: (360) 293-1921
 
Saturday, April 12th
1: 30 - 2:30 pm
Museum of Northwest Art
121 1st Street, La Conner
Free admission
Join WSU Skagit Extension and MoNA for a fun & family-friendly afternoon celebrating sustainability! This event will have multiple elements, including a panel discussion on Food Waste from 1-1:45pm in the upstairs galleries, followed by an open opportunity to explore how local organizations are working to increase awareness and reduce waste. The art studio will be open all day for you to enjoy an all-ages clay art project, share your ideas with others, and pick up a free packet of seeds!
The panel discussion will feature local culinary experts to give you a tour of the Skagit food landscape while providing ideas and sharing solutions that are already in play! Panelists will include: Blake Van Roekel,(Genuine Skagit Valley), Jennie Goforth (WSU Food Safety and Preservation), Rachael Sobczak (Water Tank Bakery), and Courtney Bourasaw and Olivia Vicioso (Skagit Table).
Saturday, April 19th
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mount Vernon City Library, Library Commons
315 Snoqualmie St, Mt Vernon
Bring your broken or torn items for our skilled volunteers to fix, mend, and sharpen at one of our fix-it days! Our mission is to give new life to broken items and divert repairable waste from the landfill. Our team will be there from 10am - 3pm, so grab those broken or torn items and come on down! Open to all! Donations are always appreciated to help keep this program going.
Saturday, April 26th
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
900 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington
FREE Admission!
Held 1x per year in the spring it's Thriftopia! Are you leaning into frugality while recycling or repurposing? This event is for you! The Parks and Rec Building will be brimming with new-ish and gently used items from local vendors to create the ultimate community flea market block party. Burlington Parks and Recreation is partnering with Burlington Public Library and the Burlington Senior Center for the ultimate trifecta of shopping: Thriftopia Flea Market Block Party, Friends of the Library Used Book Sale and Kids Giant Garage Sale.
 INDOOR Booth (8x8 w/table) 18+ | $20
OUTDOOR Booth (2 parking spots) 18+ | $20
Kids Giant Garage Sale Booth (indoor) Youth 17 & under | $20
Wanting a booth? Registration OPENS March 1, 2025!
https://secure.rec1.com/WA/burlington-wa/catalog
Saturday, April 26th
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Downtown Anacortes on Commercial Ave from 4th to 8th St.
Celebrate creativity, community, and the natural world at the Procession of the Species & Environmental Street Fair on Saturday from 4-7 PM! Led by the Procession of the Species and Friends of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, with support from the Downtown Anacortes Alliance, this lively event transforms downtown into a hub of art, music, and environmental action.
Over 20 organizations will host interactive activities, inviting attendees to engage with hands-on experiences for families. Explore sustainability initiatives, get creative with art projects, and learn how to make a difference for the planet.
Enjoy exciting performances, including the End Fast Fashion Show, showcasing sustainable style. The event’s highlight—the Procession of the Species—brings over a hundred people dressed as plants and animals parading joyfully through the streets from 4th to 8th Street on Commercial. Don’t miss this vibrant, family-friendly celebration!
Saturday, April 26th
8:00 pm (Following Procession of the Species parade)
Downtown Anacortes on Commercial Ave from 4th to 8th St.
Join us for the Luminary Light Parade, a magical celebration of art, community, and sustainability, led by PaperBirds Studio with support from the Downtown Anacortes Alliance. As twilight falls, hand-crafted lanterns and glowing sculptures will light up the streets of downtown Anacortes from 4th to 8th St. in a dazzling procession. Everyone is welcome to participate—bring your own lantern or create one at a community workshop beforehand. This enchanting parade is a highlight of Anacortes Earth Day, bringing people together to illuminate the night in a shared expression of creativity and environmental awareness. Don’t miss this radiant, family-friendly experience!
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