Season’s Greetings from the Skagit County Solid Waste Division
 Upcoming Holiday Closures
The holidays are a time to rest and recharge! Before we celebrate, take a look at our upcoming facility closures and adjusted hours to make sure you’re prepared.
Skagit County Transfer & Recycling Station
14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon
360-416-1570
8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Closures: Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
Clear Lake Compactor
23202 Howey Road, Clear Lake
360-856-5083
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Upcoming Closures: Christmas Day, New Year's Day
Sauk Transfer Site
50796 State Route 20, Concrete
360-853-8810
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Upcoming Closures: Christmas Day, New Year's Day
New Solid Waste Rates Start January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, disposal rates at Skagit County transfer stations will increase. The Solid Waste division, funded entirely by user fees, regularly reviews rates to cover operational costs, including long-haul transport. Annual adjustments of 2–3% are planned through 2030, with minimum charges at Sauk and Ovenell transfer stations rising $1 per year, reaching $30 by 2028.
2026 Rate Highlights:
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General waste: $141 per ton at Skagit County Transfer & Recycling and Sauk Transfer Stations
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Minimum charge: $28 for the first 380 pounds
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Clear Lake Compactor Site: 32-gallon garbage can remains $9
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Appliances: $13 per item; $34 for items containing freon
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Recycling & household hazardous waste: Free for households
For full details, visit: Skagit County Solid Waste
Become a Skagit County Master Composter/Recycler!
 2026 Training Dates Announced
Are you passionate about composting, recycling, and creating a more sustainable future? Here’s your chance to turn that passion into action! The 2026 Master Composter Recycler Volunteer Training is now open for applications.
Training Details:
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Dates: Thursdays, February 5 – March 26, 2026
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Time: 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
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Location: Skagit County Commissioners Building, Mount Vernon
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Format: Eight Thursday afternoon classroom sessions + two Saturday field trips
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Perks: Training notebook, two free books on waste reduction, official name badge
What You’ll Learn:
Explore the world of composting (backyard & vermicomposting), recycling, waste reduction, sustainable living, green cleaning, and more. Gain practical tools to share with your community as an official waste reduction educator.
Volunteer & Give Back:
Once certified, you’ll “pay it forward” by completing 24 hours of volunteer service—tabling at local events, maintaining compost demo sites, hosting worm workshops, and spreading knowledge to neighbors and community groups.
Important Info:
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Eligibility: Skagit County residents only
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Application Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Not a Skagit resident? Contact your local county offices or WSU Extension for similar programs.
Join a vibrant community of sustainability champions and help Skagit County compost, recycle, and reduce waste—one step at a time! Join the program apply here!
Ask a Recycler
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Dear Skagit County Solid Waste,
The holidays are a wonderful time, but they also come with a lot of extra stuff. I’m looking for ways to reduce waste and rethink overconsumption this season. Where can I recycle old holiday lights safely? What should I do with leftover wrapping paper, gift packaging, or shipping materials? And are there good ways to pass along extra toys or gifts that we won’t use? I’d love advice on practical steps to celebrate more sustainably and help my family reduce our holiday footprint.
Merry and bright,
- Skagit Holiday Recycler
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Dear Skagit Holiday Recycler,
Thank you for thinking about ways to make your holiday season more sustainable! You’re right—small changes can make a big difference in reducing waste and rethinking overconsumption. Here's our seasonal guide to help you recycle effectively this holiday season:
 Holiday Lights
Some recycling programs may ask you to remove larger glass bulbs and any plastic attachments, as these are not recyclable. Many businesses and organizations also offer holiday light recycling programs—check locally for options. When buying new lights, ask your retailer if they offer a recycling program.
Skagit River Steel & Recycling
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What: Drop-off your old holiday lights for recycling
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Where: 1265 S Anacortes St, Burlington, WA 98233
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When: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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Contact: (360) 757-6096
Ridwell
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What: Place holiday lights in your Ridwell subscription bin
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Notes: Must have an active subscription to Ridwell recycling services to participate. Their seasonal service accepts holiday lights along with other recyclables.
Holiday LEDs
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What: Mail in your old holiday lights for recycling
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Website: HolidayLEDs.com
 Wrapping Paper & Packaging
Most wrapping paper, plain paper, cardboard, and paper gift bags without glitter or foil can be recycled in your home recycling container. Small amounts of tape are fine, but remove large pieces. Avoid shiny, metallic, or glittery papers, as they usually can’t be processed and should be thrown away. Consider saving reusable wrapping paper, boxes, ribbons, and bows for future holidays or craft projects.
Styrofoam peanuts and blocks are not easily recycled and should not go in your curbside recycling bin. If you have them, dispose of them responsibly in the trash—or, if they’re in good condition, some shipping stores may accept them for reuse in packing and shipping. Be sure to call ahead before dropping them off.
Reduce Packaging When Shopping Online
Here are a few tricks to reduce packaging when ordering from companies like Amazon:
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Consolidate Orders: Combine items to ship together in one box.
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Choose “Ships in Product Packaging”: For eligible items, this avoids extra boxes.
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Request Minimal Packaging: Use Customer Service chat to ask for plastic-free, paper-based, or Styrofoam-free packaging for future orders.
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Check Other Retailers: See if other online stores offer minimal packaging options or allow you to request eco-friendly packing at checkout.
Tip: Grouping items and using built-in minimal packaging options can significantly reduce waste and support more sustainable shipping practices.
Extra Toys & Gifts
Spread holiday cheer by donating gently used toys, books, and clothing to local shelters, charities, or holiday drives. Many communities host swap events where you can pass along items to bring joy to others. You can also share treasures with neighbors through local Facebook “Buy Nothing” groups and give your unused gifts a second life this season.
Gadgets
You can recycle computers, monitors, TVs and e-readers for free at E-Cycle Washington locations.
Planning ahead is a huge part of recycling properly, and thinking creatively about gift reuse can make your holidays feel more waste-wise. Small choices add up, and your mindful approach will help your family enjoy a greener, more thoughtful season.
Happy Holidays!
- Skagit County Solid Waste
♻️❓Have a recycling question? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at calliem@co.skagit.wa.us
Christmas Tree Pickup & Recycling Options
The holidays are almost here, which means it’s time to think about what to do with your Christmas tree after the decorations come down. Real trees are full of nutrients that are good for the earth, so they belong in recycling and compost programs—not the regular trash! Many cities in Skagit County offer special ways to recycle your tree, in addition to your regular curbside green-waste cart.
Here’s a look at some of the Christmas tree recycling programs happening this season. Be sure to mark your calendar for curbside pickup days near you, and keep an eye on local notices for any updates. With a little planning, you can give your tree a second life that helps the soil, and keeps our community ever-green this holiday season.
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 Anacortes
AHS Key Club Christmas Tree Pickup
The Anacortes High School Key Club, with support from Kiwanis, will offer curbside Christmas tree pickup for residents. Trees will be collected for recycling.
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Pickup date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
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Curbside time: Please have undecorated trees at the curb by 8:00 AM
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Cost: Free (cash or electronic donations appreciated; proceeds support Key Club service projects and leadership training)
To schedule a pickup, email your name, address, and phone number to KeyClubAnacortes@gmail.com. Donations by check can also be made payable to AHS Key Club at Anacortes High School or the Kiwanis Thrift Shop, or online via PayPal.me/AHSKEYCLUB
Mount Vernon
Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Pickup
The Boy Scouts of America, in partnership with the City of Mount Vernon, will offer curbside Christmas tree pickup for residents. Trees will be collected and taken to the Mount Vernon yard waste facility for disposal.
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Pickup dates: Saturday, December 27, 2025, and Saturday, January 3, 2026
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Curbside time: Please have trees at the curb by 9:00 AM
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Cost: Free (donations appreciated; proceeds support local Boy Scout events and activities)
Residents will receive additional information at their homes before the holidays. Donations can also be mailed directly to BSA Troop 4100 at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 North LaVenture Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
City Yard Waste Facility Special Collection
Residents can drop off clean, undecorated Christmas trees for free composting at the Mount Vernon Yard Waste Facility.
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Who: Mount Vernon residents only
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Where: 1010 Shop Lane
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When: Typically Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (check the city website for current winter hours)
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Cost: Free
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Guidelines: Trees must be free of lights, ornaments, tinsel, and plastic
Sedro Woolley
City Yard Waste Facility Special Collection
Residents can drop off their Christmas trees for composting at the city yard waste facility.
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Dates: The first three weeks of January
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Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Location: 1675 S 3rd Street
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Questions: 360-855-1884
Trees should be undecorated before drop-off.
For all Skagit County residents
Curbside Green Waste Pickup (Waste Management)
Residents with curbside yard waste service can have their Christmas trees collected by Waste Management.
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Cost: May include a one-time fee, depending on your service plan
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Guidelines: Remove all lights, tinsel, ornaments, and stands. Place the tree at the curb the night before your scheduled pickup day, making sure it’s not buried in snow or frozen to the ground
Drop-Off at Skagit Soils
Residents can drop off their Christmas trees for composting at Skagit Soils. Trees are charged by poundage rate with a $5 minimum.
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When: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Where: 16260 Ball Road, west of Burlington
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Questions: 360-424-0199
Trees should be clean and free of decorations before drop-off.
Compost Your Tree at Home
You can compost your Christmas tree at home by placing it on an open pile with all decorations, lights, tinsel, and stands removed. Don’t expect it to break down quickly without chipping or cutting it into smaller pieces, but over the winter it will slowly compost. Adding other organic material, like leaves or grass clippings, helps speed up the process. By spring, the tree will be more broken down and ready to mix into another compost pile. The needles are full of nitrogen, and the trunk and branches provide carbon — together they make a great balance for healthy compost.
How to prepare your Christmas tree for composting 🌲
Follow these simple tips to make sure your tree can be composted or turned into mulch instead of going to the landfill:
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Remove all decorations. Take off lights, ornaments, tinsel, tree stands, nails, and plastic bags. Only bare trees are accepted.
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No flocking or fake treatments. Trees with spray snow, paint, or other coatings usually cannot be recycled.
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No root balls. Trees planted in soil or with roots are generally not accepted — only cut trees are collected.
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Cut long trees if needed. If your tree is very tall, cut it into smaller pieces so it’s easier to handle and fits collection rules.
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Place trees properly for curbside pickup. Put your tree at the curb the night before your pickup day. Make sure it’s not buried in snow or frozen to the ground.
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Keep trees clean. Remove any loose dirt or debris so composting facilities can process the tree easily.
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Check local rules. Different cities and pickup services may have specific requirements, so always follow instructions from your city or waste provider.
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By Dave Bennett for Washington State Department of Ecology
"Starting Jan. 1, 2026, shoppers will pay 12 cents, up from 8 cents, for each reusable plastic bag purchased from Washington retailers and restaurants."
By Izzy Ross for KNKX Public Radio
Wasted food piles up during the holidays, but you can help stop it. In Western Washington, millions of meals go straight into the trash every year after feasts. This season, simple changes like planning carefully, storing leftovers right away, or donating unused food can save money and reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions.
By Capitol One Shopping Research
From thrift stores to online resale, Americans are embracing secondhand shopping to save money and reduce their environmental footprint.
By Anne Marie Bonneau
Discover how Zero Waste Chef Anne-Marie Bonneau keeps the holidays thoughtful and waste-free! Her work is full of cheer and inspiration, with tips on decorations, shopping, and food that will help you slow down and waste less this season.
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!
In- Person Events
Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk
Celebrate the turning of the season with the Third Annual Illuminating Hope: Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk at Washington Park in Anacortes. This family-friendly event honors the endangered Southern Resident Orcas with a lantern-lit community walk.
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Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
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Time: Meet at 4:15 PM at the cabanas near the boat launch; parade begins at 4:30 PM and ends at Green Point.
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Location: Washington Park, Anacortes
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After the Walk: S’mores and bonfire celebration
Bring your lanterns and loved ones to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate hope for the Salish Sea and its orcas.
Cohoho Big Babies Release
Celebrate local wildlife with the Cohoho Big Babies Release, hosted by Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, Skagit Conservation District, and Skagit Land Trust. Watch as the last of the coho salmon from the Children’s Museum of Skagit County are released into local waters.
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Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
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Time: Activities from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM; fish release begins at 12:15 PM
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Location: Farmstead Bridge, Northern State Recreation Area
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Public: Free and open to all
Join for a fun, educational, and family-friendly experience celebrating Skagit’s salmon and local conservation efforts.
2026 Salish Sea Stewards Volunteer Training
The Salish Sea Stewards program is now accepting applications for its 2026 volunteer training. This free program provides about 40 hours of community science training on the marine environment, followed by a one-year volunteer commitment of 40 hours to help protect the Salish Sea.
Dates: Tuesdays, February 10 – April 14, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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Location: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd, Mount Vernon
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Spots: 26 available, first come, first served
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Registration Deadline: January 31, 2026
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Cost: Free
Learn from local experts through lectures and hands-on field experiences. Graduates stay connected with volunteer opportunities, events, and continuing education.
Register here or learn more: salishseastewards@gmail.com
2026 Country Living Expo
Grow your skills, build your farm, and connect with a vibrant homesteading community!
Join us for the 2026 Country Living & Modern Homesteading Expo — the Northwest’s premier hands-on learning event for farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, and rural dreamers.
When & Where
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
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Location: Stanwood High School
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Cost: $85
Why Attend?
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Learn Hands-On: Practical workshops and demos with live animals, tools, and food.
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Connect with Experts: Get advice, feedback, and network with regional pros.
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Build Community: Panels, clubs, and youth programs for 4-H & FFA participants.
Sample Topics:
From raising goats to fermenting food or building your first root cellar, this is where homesteading skills, inspiration, and community come together. Register now to get your hands dirty, sharpen your skills, and join the rural renaissance
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