When it’s time to undeck the halls, Clark County Public Health urges residents to recycle their Christmas trees, rather than sending them to the landfill.

“Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch, giving trees a second life in gardens and returning nutrients back to the soil,” said Tina Kendall, senior environmental outreach specialist.

Before trees are recycled, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and stands must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and should be placed in the garbage. Artificial trees in good condition may be donated to… Read More

Clark County Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach encourages the community to celebrate the holidays by taking thoughtful steps to reduce waste, reuse and recycle.

Households in Clark County toss out up to 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. What’s an extra trash bag filled with holiday food waste, gift wrap and packaging? Each week up to 250 shipping containers full of garbage are barged up the Columbia River to the landfill. The additional holiday waste means even more trash-filled shipping containers are sent to the landfill. But by taking a few simple… Read More

Respiratory viruses continue to spread at high levels in Clark County. About 38% of influenza tests administered in Clark County were positive for the second week in a row, and the county’s 7-day COVID-19 case rate climbed to 87.5 cases per 100,000 people – the highest case rate since August.

Dr. Alan Melnick, Public Health director and Clark County health officer, and Dr. Steven Krager, Clark County deputy health officer, joined other health leaders across the state today to issue the following statement:

Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an… Read More

The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. The position represents public interest groups within Clark County and will advocate for the best interest of the public, regarding solid waste.

The three-year term begins once an applicant is appointed by the council. Regular meetings are held quarterly at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August, and November. 

The commission is currently meeting monthly to facilitate an update to the Solid Waste Management Plan. Monthly meetings are at 6 pm… Read More

The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission. The position represents the agricultural community within Clark County. The applicant must own or be employed by an agricultural entity located in Clark County.

The three-year term begins once an applicant is appointed by the council. Regular meetings are held quarterly at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August, and November.

The commission is currently meeting monthly to facilitate an update to the Solid Waste Management Plan. Monthly meetings are at… Read More

Clark County Public Health has lifted the danger advisories at Lacamas and Round lakes in Camas. Water samples collected from both lakes show water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated. Public Health removed the danger advisory at Vancouver Lake last week.

While harmful algal blooms have recently dissipated, Public Health encourages people who are recreating in local lakes to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Harmful algal blooms can return if conditions change.

The public can report… Read More

Clark County Public Health has lifted its advisory at Vancouver Lake. Water samples collected from the lake show water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated.

While harmful algal blooms have recently dissipated, Public Health encourages people who are recreating in Vancouver Lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Harmful algal blooms can return if conditions change.

Danger advisories remain in place at Lacamas and Round lakes. Water samples collected this week show improving water… Read More

Air quality has reached unhealthy levels in parts of Clark County due to smoke from wildfires. Clark County Public Health is urging residents to regularly monitor local air quality and take steps to protect their health while air is smoky.

Air quality in Clark County currently ranges from moderate in Vancouver to unhealthy in north Clark County, according to Washington State Department of Ecology’s Air… Read More

The Clark County Green Neighbors program is turning 10 and inviting the community to its batty birthday party!

Celebrate at the Green Neighbors “Beneficial Bats” birthday party 2-3:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 8 in the Vancouver Community Library Columbia Room, 901 C St. in Vancouver. Advance registration for the event is requested, but not required. Register on the Green Neighbors website.

Guest speaker Brandon Burger with Backyard Bird Shop will talk about local bats, how bats support local… Read More

Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free online workshops for those interested in a sustainable lifestyle. The six-part series will teach participants how to reduce their impact on the planet through composting, waste reduction, and green living.

Here are the webinars offered this fall:

• Backyard Composting: 7-8 pm Wednesday, Oct. 12. Learn how to construct a compost pile and heat it up.
• Red Worm Composting: 7-8 pm Wednesday, Oct. 19. Learn how to construct and… Read More