Clark County residents who are among the millions of people buying natural Christmas trees this holiday season can utilize local recycling options to give their trees purpose long after the holidays are over.  

Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch – a natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping. 

Before recycling a natural tree, 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… Read More

Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is accepting applications for a no-cost seven-course training program. Participants who complete the training become certified Composter Recyclers and join a group of environmental advocates who want to learn about low-waste living and share sustainability information with the community.  

The training prepares participants to take steps to reduce food waste, replace chemical products with do-it-yourself green cleaners, and collect contaminant-free recyclables at home. Certified Composter Recyclers will then share what they learn with… Read More

Clark County Public Health is seeking applications from community-based organizations to support the county’s climate planning project. Organizations that work with, or are involved with, local populations experiencing high-risk for climate impacts can apply to deliver equity-centered public engagement activities. 

The goal of these activities is to help inform the design of policies that benefit those harmed by greenhouse gas pollution and communities most at risk to climate change impacts. Small contracts up to $10,000 will be awarded to community-based organizations that… Read More

Clark County’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team encourages the community to celebrate this holiday season by taking steps to reduce waste and properly dispose of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts.

Reducing holiday waste

When planning gatherings with friends and family, these tips can help reduce waste and make the holiday season a little greener:

• Holiday meals: Avoid over-buying at the grocery store by taking stock of what’s already available in the cupboards and using the “… Read More

This holiday season Clark County Public Health urges residents to safely dispose of batteries – and doing so just got easier! Several retail stores across Clark County are now accepting batteries for safe disposal at no charge. 

Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside of recycling carts can explode, posing significant fire risks during transportation and at transfer stations. These fires can cause serious harm to sanitation workers and can damage costly equipment at Clark County transfer stations.

The new battery disposal sites accept a variety of… Read More

The Clark County Board of Health has extended the application period for the Public Health Advisory Council position held by a dentist practicing in Clark County. The three-year term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2026.

The Public Health Advisory Council typically meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations across the county. Members may also join council committees that… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its algae advisory at Lacamas Lake. The bloom of cyanobacteria at the lake dissipated and is no longer present.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. Educational signs about harmful algae will remain year-round at Lacamas Lake and other waterbodies known to have harmful algal blooms. Public Health encourages people recreating in the lakes to continue to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.

Public Health has concluded its routine monitoring of Lacamas Lake and… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory for Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Tuesday, Oct. 17 revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold level recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. When a warning advisory is in place, health officials recommend:

… Read More

The Clark County Board of Health has extended the application period for an open position on the volunteer Public Health Advisory Council.

The Board of Health is seeking applicants for the position held by a dentist practicing in Clark County. The three-year term begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2026.

The Public Health Advisory Council typically meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations… Read More

Clark County Green Neighbors is celebrating the program’s anniversary with a free cooking class for the community. Participants will learn ways to reduce food waste and become part of a community dedicated to sustainable cooking. 

Join educators from Clark County Green Neighbors and WSU Clark County Extension SNAP-ED program for Scrappy Cooking 2-3:30 pm Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Vancouver Community Library Columbia Room, 901 C St. Advance registration for the event is requested, but not required. Register on the Green… Read More