EVERETT, Wash.–A byproduct of a growing county inevitably is a growing amount of trash that finds its way along roadsides. Thankfully, with increased public awareness and responses by assigned workers and volunteers, trash is becoming less of an eyesore. A key ingredient in this mix is the county’s Litter Wranglers team. From April to October, the Litter Wranglers collected more than 2,500 bags of trash alongside nearly 500 miles of county roadsides.
“Our residents and visitors have an expectation that the county roads they travel on will be clean,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Through seven seasons, the Litter Wranglers have helped maintain the roadways that allow us to see and experience the natural beauty of Snohomish County. I appreciate the Litter Wranglers’ continued commitment to making our county a special place to live, work, and play.”
Snohomish County Public Works maintains more than 1,600 road miles throughout the unincorporated areas of the county. The Litter Wranglers started in 2017 as a pilot program staffed by seasonal Solid Waste division employees to collect and bag roadside litter for the road maintenance crews to pick up and has become an important seasonal program. This enables road maintenance to stay focused on maintaining and repairing vital infrastructure, saving both time and money. This year’s team was smaller than in past years, but its members were just as dedicated.
“The Litter Wranglers is a special program that defines our county’s commitment to service,” said Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder. “The team receives a steady flow of thanks from the public throughout the six months its members are out and about. Clearly, these employees positively contribute to so many peoples’ well-being and community cleanliness.”
Since its inception, the Litter Wranglers have collected more than 30,000 bags of litter from county roadways.
The five-person crew has been aided by Snohomish County residents calling and emailing about locations with excessive litter. The Litter Wranglers have been able to respond within less than a week to reported locations. The program is scheduled to return in spring 2025.
For more information about the Litter Wranglers, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/litter.
About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges and manages about 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the second-largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 500 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram, and X for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Source: Snohomish County Public Works
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
