On San Juan Island, our relationship with daylight is always changing. Summer evenings seem to stretch on forever, while winter days feel short and precious. Those seasonal shifts, combined with the specific operating hours of San Juan Transfer Station, create unique challenges for residents trying to stay on top of their recycling and garbage.

In winter, it’s common to leave home in the dark and return after sunset. That can make it harder to find time to load vehicles safely, sort materials outdoors, or make a trip to the transfer station during open hours. Wet, windy, or icy conditions add another layer of difficulty, especially when handling heavy bins, cardboard, or bulky items. The result can be a sense that waste “piles up” faster when daylight is limited.

The key to staying ahead of these challenges is planning, and that starts with knowing our hours and building routines around them. Rather than waiting until clutter becomes unmanageable, think about your household’s waste in weekly or bi-weekly cycles. When are you most likely to have both daylight and free time? Could you designate a particular weekend morning or afternoon for trip planning and drop-off?

One helpful strategy is to create staging areas at home. Instead of scattering recyclables in multiple rooms or letting bags gather randomly in the garage, set aside a designated spot where sorted materials are stored in clearly labeled containers. Paper and cardboard in one stack, clean plastics and cans in another, glass in sturdy crates. This makes it quick to load your vehicle when an opportunity arises, rather than having to start sorting from scratch.

Another way to use limited daylight efficiently is to do your sorting and flattening indoors when possible. Break down cardboard boxes inside, rinse and dry containers in the kitchen, and pre-label any bags or bins. Then, when it’s time to load the car, you’re simply transferring organized, containerized material rather than trying to sort in the dark or the rain.

For some residents, coordinating with neighbors can make a big difference. If one household is able to visit San Juan Transfer Station at a time that’s difficult for another, a shared trip can reduce the number of vehicles and make the process more manageable. Carpooling waste, when done thoughtfully and safely, is another way our community can support each other.

It also helps to distinguish between routine disposal and project-based loads. Everyday recycling and garbage will always be part of life, but larger projects—garage clean-outs, demolition debris, major yard work—are often best planned for seasons with more daylight and better weather. If you know you want to tackle a big job, consider timing it for spring or summer and using winter to plan, estimate, and gather information.

When you do visit the transfer station, arriving with clearly sorted materials and a sense of what you’re bringing helps keep lines and unloading efficient for everyone. Staff can direct you quickly to the right areas, and you’ll spend less time outdoors in cold conditions. Keeping loads covered and secured in transit also ensures materials arrive dry and contained, which improves safety and recycling quality.

Finally, remember that open communication can improve the system for everyone. If you encounter particular challenges with hours, traffic, or access—especially during the darkest months—sharing that feedback through appropriate channels helps identify patterns and possible improvements. San Juan Transfer Station is part of a larger network of community services, and understanding real-world use is essential to long-term planning.

Reduced daylight is a fact of life here, but overflowing bins and last-minute stress don’t have to be. With a bit of structure—regular staging at home, pre-sorting, coordinating with neighbors, and timing major projects thoughtfully—you can align your household’s habits with the transfer station’s hours and keep your recycling routine running smoothly all winter long.