Submitted by San Juan County

In an inspiring display of community unity and environmental stewardship, 164 dedicated volunteers came together to participate in the Fall Great Islands Clean-up on Orcas, San Juan, Shaw and Lopez Islands. Their collective efforts resulted in the removal of 1,871 pounds of litter from 50 miles of island roads and beaches.

Katie Fleming, Solid Waste Coordinator with San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, expressed gratitude for the community effort. “We are thankful for this display of commitment to keeping our islands free from litter and plastic pollution,” said Fleming.

The Great Islands Clean Up, a beloved bi-annual event held each Spring and Fall, stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration. It is coordinated by the County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship Solid Waste Program, in partnership with Orcas Recycling Services, Lautenbach Recycling, Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District, San Juan Sanitation, Friends of the San Juans, the Stewardship Network of the San Juans, the Port of Friday Harbor, Zero Waste Washington, Plastic Free Salish Sea and numerous dedicated individual, business and service group volunteers.

To find out more about how you can contribute to this ongoing mission of preserving our beautiful islands, visit plasticfreesalishsea.org/adopt-a-beach. Together, we can ensure the continued cleanliness and health of our beloved islands year-round.

About San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship

San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship is responsible for solid waste, marine resources, clean water, cultural resources and climate and sustainability work. The department offices are located at 915 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship, visit www.sanjuanco.com/839/Environmental-Stewardship.