By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager

The San Juan Island Solid Waste Utility has scheduled the first round of a series of three public meetings on solid waste issues. The results of the recent county-wide survey provide the focus for discussion at the meetings.

More than 1200 households in San Juan County responded to the Solid Waste Survey conducted in late summer.  Analysis of the opinions returned by county residents showed a desire for a high level of service and identified definite priorities.  A large percentage of the responses focused on the organization of the system and on placing a greater emphasis on reuse and recycling.

The meetings will be held on each of the ferry-served islands and offer information on the results of the survey, current conditions, and provide a forum to discuss each island community’s unique needs and goals.

The focus of the first series of meetings will be the management and structure of the solid waste system. Future meetings will cover the policies that determine which services are provided and how they should be paid for.

Participants are encouraged to review the survey report, which is posted on the county website at: https://sanjuanco.com/swmp/meetingnotes.aspx A copy of the report is also available at each of the county libraries.

Meeting Schedule:

  • Sept. 29 Orcas Island from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Station
  • Sept. 30 Lopez Island from 4 to 6 p.m. at Woodmen Hall
  • Oct. 6 San Juan Island from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mullis Senior Center
  • Oct. 7 Shaw Island from 10 a.m. to noon at the Community Center.

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