San Juan county will receive over $206,000 as part of a state-wide grant program from the Department of Ecology. Local governments are getting $17.5 million in help from the State Department of Ecology to help keep communities cleaner and safer. The grants cover 176 projects to better manage solid and household hazardous wastes, prevent illegal dumping and promote waste-reduction, recycling, and composting. The State Department of Ecology issues the funds – called Coordinated Prevention Grants – every two years from a tax paid by wholesale distributors of petroleum and other hazardous materials.

San Juan County Health and Community Services will use a $78,167 grant to resolve questions and concerns from the general public, elected officials, and other organizations regarding proper solid waste handling and illegal dumping. The County will offer technical assistance to property owners who are victims of illegal dumping. The County expects to respond to 100 inquiries and 40 illegal dumping complaints. The County will also review and inspect five permitted solid waste facilities and two closed landfills.

San Juan County Public Works will use a $128,811 grant for the collection and disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) in San Juan County. Annual collection events for HHW take place on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez islands, which have ferry service to facilitate transportation. Residents of other islands may bring their HHW items to these collection events. The County expects to collect more than 90 tonsof household hazardous waste.