A few years ago, new reports about the viability of plastic recycling went viral. PBS Frontline outlined how oil and plastics executives had been skeptical of recycling from the start: " The plastics industry pushed recycling as a solution, even though industry officials have known for a long time that it wasn't going to be viable at scale... they really looked at recycling as a way to kind of fend off regulation, and to keep selling more plastic." In one report, data from

For more than 20 years, Michael Sobel has been visiting Lopez Island, developing close connections to people and place. Though he lives in Seattle, he’s a member of the Lopez Island Artists Guild, and many Lopezians recognize him as a familiar friend.   Drawn by “the adventure of discovery,” Michael spends time at Take It Or Leave It, curious about the stories within shared objects and the act of sharing.   “One fall, four or five years ago, I was wandering about TIOLI and no

Last updated 1/8/26. After Lopez visitors and residents bring their waste and recycling to the Lopez Dump, our team trucks it off-island to Skagit County Recycling and Transfer Station. Last year, the transfer station instituted annual rate hikes for all customers, including Lopez Solid Waste: a 30% increase over five years. This isn't the only cost increase the district is facing. In addition to higher ferry rates and other rising costs, LSWDD is now also responsible for a l

If you start thinking about holiday gifts and consider a trip to the dump, you probably live on Lopez Island. This time of year especially, the Lopez Solid Waste team witnesses the pure magic of Take It Or Leave It (TIOLI): shoppers finding the perfect gift for a loved one, cozy repurposed decorations that they don't have to buy new, or the exact baking dish they need for a delicious seasonal dessert — not to mention tools and supplies to ready the house for both guests and w

Twice a year, island residents come together across the county to clean up our shared beaches and roadways! This fall, we're taking...

San Juan County's 2025 Noxious Weeds Disposal program ENDS September 30, 2025. That means the last day to bring qualifying noxious weeds...

This Labor Day Weekend was one for the books — on Sunday, ~540 people shopped at Take It Or Leave It! While it wasn't quite a record, it...

The LSWDD Managing Board finalized and published their updated Strategic Plan this month — read it here ! The mission of the Lopez Solid...

Properly disposing of hazardous wastes is one of the most important things we can do to protect our community and our shared home. If not...

In February, we hosted a chilly but impactful home composting class with a small group of Lopezians. While two Master Composters...