Recharging This Winter While New Volunteers Gear Up
As we happily anticipate the first signs of spring, we’re taking a short mid-winter break to recharge and make room for some exciting new energy! During this time, our newest cohort of Master Composter Recycler Volunteers will be completing their training, preparing to bring fresh ideas, knowledge, and enthusiasm to our community programs. We look forward to resuming our regular schedule soon and sharing the benefits of composting, waste reduction, and recycling with you. We’ll be back in March with a full newsletter packed with tips and tricks for reducing waste at home. In the meantime, explore what we’ve been reading and following this month, and consider joining one of our upcoming events!
 Our 2026 Master Composter Recycler Cohort Gets an Inside Look at Lautenbach Recycling this past Saturday with Government and Community Relations Specialist, Carolyn Moulton.
 Our 2026 Master Composter Recycler cohort learns firsthand from Margo Gillaspy, Solid Waste Division Manager, about how the garbage compactor works at the Skagit County Transfer & Recycling Station.
By Nate Clark for ReFED
ReFED predicts big steps in reducing food waste next year. Consumers, businesses, and policymakers are all making moves, while AI and new investments are driving smarter solutions. Together, these trends promise a more sustainable food future.
By Ander Russell for Salish Current
This year, Washington is considering key environmental policies that could shape our state’s sustainability future. Lawmakers are looking at updates to recycling laws, plastics and bottle refund programs, forest management, and other initiatives. These efforts highlight how smart policy and public awareness can drive meaningful, long-term environmental impact.
By Aspen Ford for Washington State Standard
A proposed Washington state bill that would have required companies to help fund reuse, repair, and recycling of used clothing didn’t advance this session. Lawmakers’ efforts to keep more textiles out of landfills hit a dead end, highlighting ongoing challenges in finding policy solutions to reduce textile waste.
By Jacob Wallace for Waste Dive
Washington state is updating its organics recycling law to set clearer contamination limits for organic waste and finished compost. The proposal would require recyclers to keep contamination very low (e.g., no more than 2% in feedstock) and clarify who’s responsible when loads are too dirty. Supporters like anaerobic digestion groups back the idea, while some composters worry the burden falls too heavily on them.
By WM Media for WM
Big news, you can now place plastic and paper to-go cups into your curbside recycling bin thanks to changes at WM.
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 Education Volunteer Training
Join Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Groupin volunteering with Salmon in the Classroom spring field trips. At these field trips we’ll be releasing salmon fry and completing service-learning projects along the stream. Field trips will be held throughout March and April, during the school day. Volunteers must pass a background check and be comfortable working with elementary school aged children, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. This field session will show new and returning volunteers how they can assist with salmon release field trips in March and April.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 9:30-12:00 noon
Register Online
Recycling Facility Tours
Interested in learning more about our state-of-the-art recycling facilities? Request to attend an upcoming recycling facility tour in person or virtually! WM hosts free tours throughout the year.
Upcoming Virtual Tours
Date: February 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Place: Online
Upcoming In-Person Cascade Recycling Center Tours
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Place: WM Cascade Recycling Center, Woodinville, WA
Register here for both virtual and in-person tours of Western Washington Recycling Facility.
Fix-It Day
Help avoid throwing out and replacing broken items! Bring them in and the Transition Fidalgo repair team will evaluate and fix your item, if possible. Examples: appliances, tools, lamps, clothing, and more. When in doubt, bring it in and they’ll gladly assess. Donations to Transition Fidalgo community group for the repairs, are welcome.
Date: Saturday, February 28th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Anacortes Public Library. 1220 10th St, Anacortes, WA, United States, Washington 98221
Mobile Shredding Day with La Conner United
$10 per box donation, box needs to be easily lifted. Rexville Grange will also be collecting American Flags for proper disposal. Proceeds to be donated to the La Conner Food Bank. La Conner United represents all the service clubs in La Conner.
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 10 am - 1 pm
Place: La Conner High School
Opening Day of Daffodil Festival
Celebrate the first blooms of spring at Tulip Valley Farms during the La Conner Daffodil Festival. Wander through bright, golden daffodil rows, pick your own fresh daffodil bouquets, and enjoy the only opportunity in Skagit Valley to park safely, walk through the flower rows, and experience daffodils up close rather than viewing them from the road.
Date: Friday, March 6th
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Tulip Valley Farms. 15245 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA, United States, Washington 98273
Tickets now available, including u-pick and Spring Combo that saves you money on your visit during Daffodil and Tulip Festival. Get tickets here.
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