The award-winning Recycle Dogs
Volunteers fill many important roles at Lopez Solid Waste and the award-winning Recycle Dogs are no exception. This team separates out different types of recyclable metals from items like grills, lawn mowers, and appliances that are brought to the Dump for disposal.
In 2011, San Juan County ceased operating solid waste facilities in the San Juan Islands and invited private companies to submit proposals. But a group of Lopez community members lobbied the County Council to consider another option — a community-led organization that would take responsibility for solid waste disposal, ensuring the health of people and the environment would come before profit.
1,418 Lopez voters and property owners signed a petition in support and on June 26, 2012, the Council formally established the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District (LSWDD) with a five-member Board of Directors. On January 1, 2013, LSWDD assumed full control of solid waste disposal on Lopez Island.
