Autumn on San Juan Island brings cascades of leaves, twigs, and branches that pile up quickly—and October through November are the ideal months to tackle yard cleanup before winter’s wetness takes over. At San Juan Transfer Station, residents have access to green‐waste services to safely and affordably dispose of organic debris. Here’s how to make the most of your fall cleanup.

Why October–November Matters

By removing leaves and woody debris now, you reduce slip hazards, clogged drains, and decaying mats that can suffocate grass or roots. Storms in late fall can scatter loose branches, so dealing with them earlier makes your landscape safer and tidier. Plus, drier organic material is lighter and easier to haul.

What the Station Accepts & Rates

San Juan Transfer Station accepts clean woody debris & brush and handles yard waste as part of its recycling and organic services. The rate is $323.40 per ton for such debris.

For household recycling, the station also lists a rate of $8.00 per 32-gallon recycling can or $324.99 per ton for recycling material by weight. Also, free noxious weed disposal is funded by San Juan County—the county reimburses the station when residents bring in regulated weed species.

One key policy: all loads must be covered (e.g. tarp or closed bags/containers). This helps prevent debris from flying onto roads and spreading weed seeds.

Best Practices for Your Yard Waste Drop-Off

1. Collect regularly: Don’t wait until leaves blanket everything—gather in manageable batches.
2. Bag or containerize: Use compostable yard bags or sturdy cans—loose piles cause more handling issues.
3. Cut large branches: Keep pieces to manageable sizes (4–6 ft or smaller) so they fit in bins or trailers.
4. Segregate noxious weeds: If plants are on the county’s weed list, isolate them and label them for free disposal.
5. Exclude contamination.Avoid mixing in plastics, metal, treated wood, or synthetic debris.
6. Avoid wet days: Transport when materials are dry to keep weight and mess down.
7. Cover loads: Use tarps or closed containers during transport to maintain safety and compliance.

Drop-Off Timing & Logistics

The station is open Friday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Monday from 9 AM to 12 PM (closed Tuesday through Thursday). Arrive earlier in the day to avoid ferry traffic or midday congestion. When you arrive, staff will direct you to the green/brush tipping area.

For smaller loads, you may bring yard waste in your normal containers or cans and pay by the can or weight, depending on volume. The recycling rate for a 32-gallon can is $8.00.

Sample Fall Cleanup Timeline

Period	Recommended Actions
Mid October	Trim hedges, collect fallen limbs and branches
Late October	Sweep garden beds, remove debris before first heavy rains
Early November	Final leaf and brush removal
Throughout	Monitor storm fallout and haul it in swiftly

Why It Matters

Disposing of yard waste via the Transfer Station diverts organic material from the landfill, supports composting or mulch production and helps prevent the spread of invasive weeds. You also help maintain cleaner roads and safer landscapes for your neighbors.

This fall, let your cleanup do more than just tidy your property—bring your yard waste to San Juan Transfer Station, follow best practices, and contribute to a greener, healthier island environment.