Submitted by the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District Managing Board

Page Read, Sandy Bishop, Bruce Creps, Larry Eppenbach and Dan Post

Neil Hanson has inspired this island through his vision and tireless work in creating one of the finest recycling, reuse and trash facilities in the state of Washington. The board of the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District regrets to announce that Neil turned in his resignation on March 24, effective March 25. Neil cited irreconcilable differences related to pending policy on issues of volunteer shopping at the Take-It-Or-Leave-It reuse facility.

Over the past two-plus decades Neil has become the face of our Lopez dump, with many locals naming the reuse facility “Neil’s Mall”. He has been instrumental in numerous changes that enhance recycling and re-use options, and has been passionate about enabling our community to move towards zero-waste. Not only a visionary, Neil worked on the daily, not-so-pleasant tasks of running a clean facility, and many patrons know Neil as the person they saw sweeping the deck, cleaning up a paint spill, or helping people unload their garbage.

The District board recognizes the huge challenge it faces in replacing Neil, and asks for community support and patience as it works through this difficult transition period.