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Operators report truck repairs, styrofoam pilot and problems at hazardous-waste events
Summary
San Juan County transfer-station operators told the Solid Waste Advisory Committee they face equipment failures and hauling challenges; they plan a styrofoam densifier pilot and may move the San Juan hazardous-waste event to the fairgrounds after two years of under-service by the contractor Clean Harbors.
Transfer-station operators and Exchange staff gave updates on local operations and community events, reporting equipment repairs, pilot projects and contractor capacity problems for hazardous-waste events.
"Things are plugging along," said Carolyn Moulton, who runs operations at Lautenbach Recycling and the San Juan Transfer Station. She reported high recent customer counts and that staff are evaluating whether hauling motor oil and antifreeze from Orcas and Lopez is financially feasible; she has circulated a spreadsheet to the operations manager, Tori Lautenbach, to analyze costs.
Cody, who gave the roll-off-truck update, said the truck is at a Freightliner shop for hydraulic-pump work and could return next week. He said staff are arranging temporary alternatives — borrowing a spare truck or working with Logan Lufft to shift dumpsters — and are seeking wire guides to repair a baler whose guides have rotted.
Pete Moe described a pilot shipment of uncompressed Styrofoam to a mainland recycler and plans to acquire a densifying machine that could reduce foam volume about 10:1. "We're very seriously considering — in fact, we almost certainly will buy one of these machines," Moe said, adding the plan is to place the machine in the Baylor Building and compress collected foam into bricks for sale.
Committee members spent substantial time on hazardous-waste collection events after two recent problems. Katie (program lead) reported Lopez's May event served 97 cars and San Juan Island's event serviced roughly 145 cars but left some attendees unserved; Clean Harbors' mobilization fee covers 250 cars, and Katie said the committee must get to the bottom of why some attendees were turned away.
"We can't have that happen again," she said, recommending the county explore moving the San Juan event to the fairgrounds to create two service lanes and avoid traffic backups at the transfer station.
As a short-term option, Katie said she is discussing an interlocal agreement with Skagit County so San Juan residents could take hazardous waste to Skagit facilities for a fee; the county would still pursue expanded local capacity, including lockers and additional events.
The Exchange and operators also reported ongoing community outreach: a composting pilot at the Orcas farmers market funded by the Orcas Island Community Foundation, monthly exchange tours and beach cleanup events focused on microplastics. The committee encouraged members to staff a solid-waste outreach booth at the county fair.
Logan Lufft moved to adjourn at the meeting's close; the motion passed by voice vote.
