From the Mountain to the Sound-You Can Help | jhitchen
Good morning, neighbors,
We've had rain, wind, sun, and even frost in the last few weeks, which means autumn is here—and winter is coming. I wanted to share a few highlights of things you can do locally to prepare for the changing season and improve our shared community.
Mountain to the Sound
I am not naturally competitive, but this summer Councilmember Denson launched her “We Believe in Clean” initiative to encourage residents across the county to think carefully about their personal actions when throwing away trash and how the community can come together to clean things up.
We Believe in Clean
Litter affects everyone, and each person can be part of the problem or the solution. When you miss a garbage can, throw something out your window while driving, or have things fly out of the back of a truck, each incident sends something that should go to a landfill onto our roadways, bike lanes, yards, and streams.
In Pierce County in 2025, the staff that does this work for unincorporated Pierce County:
Removed 634 tons of litter along our county roads
Spent 23,116 hours responding to roadside litter
Responded 2,309 times to requests for service removing litter near or on roadways
This does not include what each city or town is also doing, as this is just our county roads. The other part of this equation is the various neighborhood groups, community organizations, churches, and schools that put together community clean-up days.
The competitive part is that Councilmember Denson has a LOT more “Adopt a Road” groups in her area. Joining this program is simple and free. It requires a commitment to walk that roadway several times a year, whenever it is convenient for your group, and remove trash. Our department staff can provide supplies and set up a pickup spot, so you don’t have to put the trash in your own trash cans.
If you live in a neighborhood or have a local business near or on a county road, consider Adopting a Road and being part of the solution. You can learn more about it here: Adopt-A-Road Program | Pierce County, WA - Official Website. It is a simple way to help.
Yard Waste-If You Can Eat It, You Can Compost It!
Since 2024, Pierce County residents can put food waste in their yard waste bins. If you've ever composted, it can be strange to think that dairy products, orange peels, and even meat and bones can go in your yard waste. But in our county, we have invested in upgrades, per state requirements, to help reduce the greenhouse gases released by decomposing food waste in our landfill.
By mixing food waste with yard waste and helping the process happen in a way that makes great compost, we are doing three things for our environment. We reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our landfill, reduce what goes into it, and create nutrient-rich compost. Our former Executive made a great video to help explain this: Yard Waste Composting
Over the last 2 years, I have found a system that works for me: snap-seal containers I have turned into kitchen compost bins, and as I cook and eat, I put any waste into that container. Then I take it out to the yard waste bin. Because I don’t want food waste to attract bugs and critters, I sometimes keep the compost in these sealed containers in the fridge until the night I take the yard waste out. Or I do a layer of yard waste on top of food waste.
Find what works for you. The goal is to reduce the amount of food waste going to the landfill. Simple steps can help. When everyone does their part, it makes an impact. There is an FAQ and other resources here: Curbside Yard Waste | Pierce County, WA - Official Website
As you rake up leaves, mow lawns for the last time for the season, and do other yard-related activities, please remember that it can all go in a yard waste bin, and so can bread that has gone bad, the bones from the chicken dinner you had the night before, eggshells, coffee grounds, and yes, even moldy cheese. Do your part.
Community Connections
District 6 Library Events: Pierce County Library events and classes at the Anderson Island, DuPont, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, Steilacoom, Tillicum, and Virtual libraries.
Lakewood Community Cleanup: Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Lakewood Transfer Station. Bring your trash, junk, and recyclables to the transfer station. You MUST be a Lakewood resident and will need to provide ID, but this is a free way to do a little cleaning before the holiday season.
Adopt a Free Tree: Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents in Parkland, Spanaway, Midland, and South Hill can receive free trees and resources at a tree share. At Parkland/Spanaway Library| 13718 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma
DuPont Downtown Trick-or-Treating: Friday, October 30, 3 to 5 p.m. Wear a costume and Trick-or-Treat along Wilmington Drive and at neighboring businesses. This family-friendly event is a great way to visit local businesses.
Gonyea Park Halloween Party & Pup Costume Contest: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11:00 am Outdoor family-friendly gathering featuring dog parkour demonstrations, a pup costume contest, and local pet vendors.
Garfield Street Trick-or-Treat: Saturday, October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. Walk along and into businesses on Garfield Street in Parkland for treats and fun.
Steilacoom Pumpkin Walk: Saturday, October 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Meet at Orr Orchard and enjoy apple cider and donut holes while voting on your favorite carved pumpkin.
Wishing you all a wonderful end to October and, for those who enjoy the spooky season, a Happy Halloween. As the nights get longer and the days get cooler, remember that people are still moving to work, school, and life on foot or on bikes/scooters. Be mindful of those sharing our roads, especially on Halloween.
Jani