Local Resources for Cleaner Air
2025 Woodstove Replacement Program
This program helps families replace old, non-certified wood stoves with EPA-certified models that burn cleaner and work more efficiently. Cleaner stoves mean cleaner air- and healthier homes.
Towns like Riverside, Omak, Okanogan and Malott often see higher smoke levels during the winter. This smoke can build up in the valleys and affect everyone’s health. Upgrading to a certified stove is one way we can help lower smoke in our community.
Want to see if you qualify? Click the link below for program details.
Okanogan County Central Landfill Green Waste
As of March 2024, Okanogan County’s Central Landfill now accepts yard waste free. This makes it easier for residents to get rid of leaves, branches, and other green waste without burning.
Choosing to drop of yard waster instead of burning it helps reduce smoke and protects the air we all breathe. It’s a simple way to take care of your yard- and your community.
Take your green waste to the landfill, not the burn pile.
Clean Air Milestones
Woodstove Buy back
On June 5-6, 2019, the Department of Ecology held a wood stove collection event at Twisp Transfer Station and Okanogan County Central Landfill. In total, 105 old stoves were turned in- helping reduce up to 2 tons of harmful particulate matter from our air.
Many people who participated were glad to recycle old stoves, clean up their space, and get a little case back too.
A big thank-you to the Okanogan County Solid Waste for hosting and providing the equipment needed to move those heavy stoves!
Making compost, not smoke
The first-grade class at Virginia Granger Elementary in Okanogan, taught by Jim Anderson, earned several awards for their project called “Make Compost, Not Smoke.”
In February, the Okanogan Conservation District honored Mr. Anderson with their Educator of the Year award to celebrate the class’s hard work. Later, at the Colville Tribes Earth Day Celebration, the class was recognized again for helping protect our environment.
Encouraged by our partners, Jim applied for the EPA’s President’s Environmental Youth Award, which honors students who raise awareness about natural resources and encourage community action. Out of many applicants, the class was selected as a winner for EPA Region 10.
In September 2018, the class traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the award, where they were presented with a plaque and certificates for each student.
Omak City Wide Cleanup Day
On May 11, 2019, the community came together at Omak Eastside Park for the City Wide Cleanup Day. Residents brought in old, broken, and unwanted garden tools like spades, rakes, forks, and wheelbarrows.
Thanks to local volunteers, these tools were repaired and donated to schools and community groups to support local gardens. It was a great way for the community to recycle, reduce waste, and help gardens grow.