Our Story

Lopez Solid Waste, AKA "the Dump," is Lopez Island's community-owned and operated solid waste facility! 

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In 2012, after San Juan County elected to cease operating all solid waste facilities, Lopez residents worked together to maintain community control of our Dump. 1,418 Lopez community members signed a petition, which led to the establishment of the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District (LSWDD) the following year. 

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The LSWDD team is made up of Lopez residents: managing board members, staff members, and dedicated volunteers. And our monthly board meetings are open to the public! We operate a small drop-box facility where residents and visitors sort and drop their own waste with the help of LSWDD team members on-site; then, our crew compresses, packs, and trucks that waste off-island to our recycling and garbage partners in Skagit County. 

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Our unique operating structure allows us to maintain programs and services that are important to the Lopez community, including Take It Or Leave It (TIOLI) and free recycling. Learn more about LSWDD:

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