Swap, Share & Refresh at our Upcoming Clothing Swap!
Refresh your wardrobe while helping reduce textile waste at the Skagit County Solid Waste Division’s free Fall Clothing Swap!
Clothing Swap: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 3:00–6:00 p.m. at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, North Entrance, Barn A/B in Mount Vernon.
Event Parking: Free parking is available in the Pavilion Parking lot inside the Skagit County Fairgrounds. Enter through the North Gate at 1410 Virginia Street, Mount Vernon. Turn immediately right, and follow the drive past the large red Pavilion to the parking area. ADA parking is available in the A/B/C parking area next to the Office.
No donation is required to participate. All Skagit County residents are welcome!
For full event details and clothing donation guidelines, visit Event Details and Clothing Donation Guidelines.
 Map of Skagit County Fairgrounds showing parking options and restroom. Source: Skagit County Fairgrounds
Ask a Master Recycler
Get your recycling questions answered
 Skagit County Master Composter Recyclers will be available one Saturday each month from April through October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Skagit County Transfer & Recycling Center (14104 Ovenell Rd, Mount Vernon). Stationed in the recycling area staff shed, they’ll answer residents’ questions while you drop off materials at the free recycling drop-off area. Stop by to pick up helpful tips, learn what belongs in your recycling bin, and make your recycling routine easier and more effective!
Upcoming Summer Dates to Ask a Master Recycler:
- Saturday, September 19
- Saturday, October 17
Reduction, Reuse & Repair Tip of the Month
Small actions that reduce waste, with ideas for reusing and repairing along the way.
Reuse in Action: Your Local Library
 Sedro-Woolley Public Library at dusk. Photo source: Swenson Say Fagét Structural Engineers.
As the days grow shorter, the winds pick up, and fall begins swirling in around us, there may be no better time to wander into your local library and find a cozy new read. A library card, a rainy afternoon, and a good book have always made a little magic—and they happen to be a wonderful example of reuse in action, too.
Every time you check out a book instead of buying a new copy, you’re participating in a community system built around sharing. The same book can travel from reader to reader, telling its story again and again without each of us needing to purchase, store, and eventually part with our own copy. It’s a simple way to consume less while still enjoying more.
And the savings can be surprisingly significant. As a regular library user, I’ve been able to see just how much my family saves by borrowing instead of buying. Last year alone, our library use saved us approximately $2500 in books and other resources! If your library tracks your savings, take a peek—you might be surprised by just how much your library card is worth.
A Library Card Can Take You a Long Way
Here in Skagit County, there are plenty of shelves to explore. Our local libraries work together through reciprocal borrowing agreements, helping connect residents with books and resources beyond their home library.
Central Skagit Library, La Conner Swinomish Library, and Upper Skagit Library are among our local libraries connected through reciprocal borrowing partnerships. Other libraries, including Anacortes Public Library and Mount Vernon Library Commons, maintain their own library cards while also participating in reciprocal borrowing opportunities. Check with your home library to learn where you may be eligible for additional borrowing privileges or a reciprocal card.
And if autumn has you looking for an excuse to explore somewhere new, consider a visit to Central Skagit Library in downtown Sedro-Woolley. Opened in 2021, the beautiful 12,000-square-foot library brought Sedro-Woolley and Central Skagit library services together under one roof. With welcoming spaces for reading, learning, gathering, and community programs, it’s just the sort of place to spend a drizzly fall afternoon browsing the shelves and waiting for the right book to find you.
Find Your Local Library
Skagit County has public libraries serving communities from Anacortes to Concrete:
Of course, today’s libraries hold much more than what you’ll find tucked between the bookshelves. Depending on your local library, your card may also give you access to e-books, audiobooks, movies, games, educational materials, digital resources, programs, and more.
So, as the rain returns and sweater weather settles into the Skagit Valley, consider borrowing before buying. Pick out a mystery for a stormy evening, discover a new favorite author, or bring home a stack of stories for the family. You’ll save money, consume a little less, and keep resources circulating from one neighbor to the next.
There’s something wonderfully timeless about sharing a good book—and that’s reuse at its coziest.
 La Conner Public Library at dusk. Photo source: LaConner.com
Simple tips to help you recycle the right way and stay informed about upcoming changes.
Crush It! Give Aluminum Cans Another Life
September 27 is National Crush a Can Day, making September a great time to celebrate one of the recycling bin’s most valuable—and most recyclable—materials: aluminum.
Aluminum is a recycling superstar because it can be recycled again and again without losing its quality. Unlike some materials that are eventually “downcycled” into lower-grade products, aluminum beverage cans can be part of a closed loop: an old can becomes a new can, which can then become another new can.
And that loop moves surprisingly fast. A recycled aluminum beverage can can make its way from your recycling bin, through the recycling and manufacturing process, and back onto a store shelf as a new can in about 60 days.
A little can = big energy savings
Recycling aluminum takes about 95% less energy than making aluminum from raw materials. Put another way, making a can from recycled aluminum requires only about 5% of the energy needed to make one from newly mined material.
That means every time aluminum stays in the recycling loop, we avoid much of the energy-intensive process required to mine, refine and manufacture new aluminum.
Did you know?
The average aluminum beverage can made in the U.S. contains about 71% recycled material, and about 97% of the recycled aluminum recovered from beverage cans goes right back into making new cans. That makes your empty soda or sparkling-water can a great example of a truly circular material: can → recycling bin → new can → recycling bin → new can...again and again.
Recycle Your Cans Right
Recycling aluminum cans is easy! Just follow these simple steps:
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Empty it. Make sure your can is empty before recycling. A quick rinse is helpful if there is food or sticky liquid inside.
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Keep it loose. Place cans directly into your recycling bin. Don’t put them inside plastic bags.
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Don’t stuff it. Keep trash, plastic, or other materials out of your cans.
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Check before you crush. Crush a Can Day is a fun reason to celebrate aluminum recycling, but some recycling systems sort cans better when they keep their original shape. Follow your local recycling program’s guidelines.
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Recycle it! Your empty can is ready for another trip through the recycling loop.
Fun for the Family: Crush Those Cans!
Want to make recycling more fun at home? Consider adding a simple can crusher to your garage or recycling area. Kids can help crush the family’s empty cans and watch the pile of recyclables shrink! It’s a simple, hands-on way to get kids involved in recycling and thinking about where their cans go next. Remember to supervise younger children and keep little fingers clear.
This September, give that empty can another go-around. Keep aluminum in the loop and out of the landfill!
Organics Tip of the Month
A quick guide to new organics rules, with tips for everyday composting.
Discover New Ways to Prevent Food Waste This September!
 It’s almost time for Food Waste Prevention Week, September 28–October 4! Skagit County Solid Waste is proud to be a partner in this national awareness event, and we’re excited to celebrate with our community.
There’s a great lineup of local events happening throughout September and early October to help our community learn more about preventing food waste, try new ideas, and have some fun along the way. From trivia and cooking demonstrations to family activities and storytelling, there are plenty of ways to participate!
Check Out These Upcoming Events
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Food Waste Trivia — September 16 at Farmstrong Brewing
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Stories on the Stage — September 22 at Children’s Museum of Skagit County
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Food Waste Trivia — September 23 at District Brewing
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Food Waste Trivia — September 24 at Max Dales
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Family Food Fights Night — September 25 at Burlington Public Library
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Bilingual Storytime/Family Dinner/Game Night — September 29 at Burlington Public Library
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Prevent Food Waste Events — September 30 at Children’s Museum of Skagit County
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Food Waste Trivia — September 30 at Longhorn Saloon, Edison
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Trial by Flavor – Cooking Demo and Tasting — October 1 at Mount Vernon Library Commons
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Bread to Beer Event — October 3 at Chuckanut Brewery
One event we’re especially excited to be part of is Family Food Fights Night on September 25 at the Burlington Public Library, featuring a variety of fun, hands-on activities for families. As part of the evening, the Skagit County Solid Waste Division will host a mini worm bin workshop, where families can build a small worm composting bin to take home, complete with red wiggler worms to help them get started composting food scraps. Learn how these hardworking worms can transform food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for indoor and outdoor plants and flowers—all while keeping food waste out of the garbage!
You can also find the Skagit County Solid Waste Division at the Food Waste Prevention Week Bread to Beer Finale at Chuckanut Brewery on Saturday, October 3, where we’ll host an outreach and education table with information and resources to help you prevent food waste at home. Stop by, say hello, pick up some helpful tips, and join us as we wrap up Food Waste Prevention Week with the community!
Mark your calendar and join us! From Family Food Fights Night to events throughout the month, discover fun, practical ways to prevent food waste and make a difference at home.
And there’s good reason to get involved. About 40% of all food in the United States is wasted, while many people struggle to put enough food on the table. Here in Washington, food makes up about 17% of the garbage sent to landfills, and up to 8% of that food was still edible when it was thrown away. Preventing food waste keeps good food from going to waste, conserves the resources used to grow, produce, and transport it, and can save households money. A family of four could save an average of $1,800 a year by preventing food waste!
We hope these events inspire our community to think a little differently about the food we buy, prepare, and throw away—and to discover simple changes that can make a difference. Join us at an event, try a new food-saving habit at home, and help make every bite count!
A curated mix of what we’re loving, learning, and paying attention to.
Source: National CleanUp Day
Join communities across the country for National CleanUp Day on September 19th! Throughout September, volunteers are encouraged to clean up parks, neighborhoods, green spaces, and waterways. Find a local cleanup—or gather your family and friends and organize one of your own!
Source: ReFED
Confusing date labels contributed to an estimated 3.5 million tons of food waste in 2024. The Zero Food Waste Coalition is urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Food Date Labeling Act, which would create two standard labels: “BEST If Used By” for quality and “USE By” for when food should be discarded.
Clearer labels could help families save money, waste less food, and keep good food out of landfills. The Coalition has launched a petition calling for standardized date labels nationwide.
Source: Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC)
What really belongs in your recycling bin? Carolyn Moulton shares helpful tips for Skagit County residents, including why recycling symbols can be misleading, which common items cause problems at sorting facilities, and one simple habit that can help keep our local recycling stream clean. Carolyn is the Government and Community Relations Manager for Lautenbach Recycling and member of the Skagit County Solid Waste Advisory Council.
Upcoming Events
AFC Shred-a-Thon, September 19, 9 am to 1 pm, 909 17th Street of the Walgreens Parking Lot, Anacortes
Don't miss Shred-A-Thon next week! Clear out your clutter for a good cause! Got old bank statements, outdated tax forms, or sensitive documents taking up space? Bring them to the Anacortes Family Center Shred-a-Thon and let us safely destroy them while you support local families in need! Every box you drop off directly funds housing, support, and hope for women and families navigating homelessness in our community.
Suggested Donation: $10 Minimum / $20 Suggested per box. All donations are 100% tax-deductible!
Have clothing to donate before the annual Skagit County Clothing Swap? Drop it off early and help us get ready for the main event!
Please note: This is a donation-only day—no swapping. You may also donate at the Clothing Swap on Tuesday, September 29.
Donation Guidelines:
- Adult and children’s clothing, all sizes
- Gently used items only—no heavy stains or damage
- Maximum 2 large bags per person
- No underwear or socks
3rd Annual Skagit County Clothing Swap, September 29, 3 pm to 6 pm, Skagit County Fairgrounds North Entrance Barn A/B, 1410 Virginia St, Mount Vernon
Give your clothes a second life at the Skagit County Solid Waste Division’s free Fall Clothing Swap! Bring clean, gently used clothing and find new-to-you favorites while helping reduce textile waste and promote reuse.
Clothing Swap Event
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Skagit County Fairgrounds, North Entrance, Building A/B
1410 Virginia St., Mount Vernon
Clothing donations will also be accepted at the swap. No donation? No problem! Everyone is welcome to participate.
Donation guidelines: All sizes welcome, including children’s clothing. Please bring no more than 2 large bags per person and only clean, gently used items. No heavily stained or damaged clothing, underwear, or socks.
Free and open to all Skagit County residents!
NW Free Repair Event, September 20, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Bellingham Makerspace, 1Bellis, Fair Parkway #618, Bellingham
Bring in any broken or item that you can comfortably carry. If we can, NW Free Repair will fix if for FREE! The Bellingham Makerspaceis proud to host the NW Free Repair group on the 2nd and 3rd Sunday of each month!
Mending Workshop with Ragfinery, September 21, 11:30 am t0 2:30 pm, Bellingham Public Library - Central Branch, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham
Hosted at the SkillShare Space at the Central Branch Library
Have clothing or gear that could use a little loving (i.e. rips, tears, holes)? Stop by for a FREE mending lesson from talented Ragfinery volunteers! Learn how to repair your clothes in real time and walk away with a fixed garment & a new skill.
Please note that "mending” refers to patching, replacing buttons, darning knitwear, etc. Mending excludes more involved processes such as hemming and alterations.
Fidalgo Bay Day, September 26, 11 am to 3 pm, Fidalgo Bay RV Resort Cabins & Events, 4701 Fidalgo Bay Road, Anacortes
Join the Salish Sea School for Fidalgo Bay Day, a free, family-friendly event celebrating the Salish Sea and local marine life. Explore educational displays from regional conservation groups and enjoy hands-on activities, including beach seining, a forage fish egg survey, portable touch tanks from Shannon Point Marine Center, and free samples of local seafood.
Free to attend. No registration required.
Bellingham Fix-It Fair, September 27, 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, Kulshan Brewing - Roosevelt Location, 1538 Kentucky St, Bellingham
Come fix all the things! Volunteer fixers will be on hand for clothing mending, knife sharpening, small appliance repair, jewelry mending, leather conditioning, and more. Bring an item, grab a beer, and spend the afternoon giving everyday items a longer life and keeping them out of the landfill. Services are free or by donation and open to all ages. Repairs cannot be guaranteed, but volunteers will do their best!
Every last Sunday of the month, 12–3 PM at the Roosevelt Taproom (K2).
Toast to Food Waste Prevention! Join WSU Skagit County Extension and friends for a family-friendly day of learning, fun, and food waste prevention. Explore creative ways to give food a second life, enjoy a scavenger hunt, and enter for prizes while learning simple ways to keep good food out of the waste stream. This is just one of many Food Waste Prevention Week events happening throughout Skagit County! Check out the full list of events on the WSU Skagit County Extension website.
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