What SKAGIT SOILS INC does

Skagit Soils Inc is a privately-held, family-owned composting and soil recycling facility headquartered in Mount Vernon, Washington, founded in 1993. The company operates a Type 3 permitted composting facility licensed by the Washington State Department of Ecology, processing locally sourced green and organic waste (yard debris, brush, stumps, food waste) into compost, mulch, soil mixes, and aggregate products. Its core products include OMRI Listed and STA Certified Fine Compost Mulch, biochar-enhanced compost developed through a partnership with Kulshan Carbon Trust, a range of bark and wood-fiber mulches (blonde, black, fir bark, arborist hogfuel, playground chips), specialty soil blends (general, two-way/winter, bioretention, biochar enhanced), and aggregate materials (sand, drain rock, pea gravel, crushed rock). Underlying technology includes hand-sorting, screening, and processing to remove inorganic contaminants, controlled composting that reaches temperatures sufficient to kill weed seeds and pathogens, and pyrolysis-based biochar production. The company also accepts yard waste drop-offs at $80 per ton and offers dirt, rock, sod, and small concrete recycling.

The business model is direct-to-consumer bulk materials sales, with two primary fulfillment channels: self-haul pickup at the Mount Vernon facility (13260 Ball Rd.) and regional delivery services across five Washington State counties (Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, Island, San Juan). Products are priced per cubic yard across approximately 20 SKUs spanning $19.35 to $53.00, with separate U-haul (lower) and delivery (higher) tiers, pay-as-you-go billing, and minimums set by delivery zone. Customer segments include homeowners and residential gardeners, landscape contractors and professionals, schools and community organizations, and municipal/government buyers including the Washington State Department of Transportation (the only compost WSDOT will accept) and Skagit County municipalities. Marketing relies on the company website (online order form, full price list, yard calculator, blog content on soil health and biochar), a monthly newsletter, Google Business presence, and social share buttons. Distribution is supported by partnerships with sister-companies Lautenbach Industries (drop-box, dumpster, San Juan Island delivery) and Lautenbach Recycling.

The company has been operating for over 30 years and was purchased in 2005 from original owner John Zeilstra by three long-time employees with over 100 years of combined industry experience. In 2020, Torrey and Troy Lautenbach took over leadership following the retirement of Russ and Jeff Zeilstra, integrating Skagit Soils into the Lautenbach Family of Recycling Businesses (recognized as the largest family-owned recycler in Washington State). Craig Culmback remained through the transition to provide continuity. Skagit Soils is the only OMRI-certified compost operation in Skagit County and the only STA-certified compost manufacturer in the county, supported by bi-monthly third-party lab testing. No funding rounds, institutional investors, or revenue figures are disclosed.

Name

SKAGIT SOILS INC

Legal name

Skagit Soils Inc

Website

https://skagitsoilsinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Skagit Soils Inc is a family-owned, Type 3 permitted composting facility in Mount Vernon, Washington that recycles local green and organic waste into OMRI Listed compost, biochar-enhanced soil amendments, mulch, and aggregate products for homeowners, landscape contractors, municipalities, and community organizations across five Washington State counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Compost and Soil Amendments

NAICS

Compost Manufacturing (325315), Solid Waste Collection (562111)

SIC

Refuse Systems (4953), Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply (5200)

akta.pro primary industry

Compost & Vermicompost (AFABAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Composting Facility Operations (Windrow, ASP, In-Vessel) (BPALAEAB), Compost Product Distribution, Retail & Landscape Supply (Bulk/Bagged) (BPALAEAI), Digestate & Compost Quality Testing/Certification (Lab, QA/QC) (BPALAEAK), Digestate & Compost Product Processing, Marketing & Distribution (Soil Amendments, Mulch) (EUAIAEAE)

Keywords

• Compost manufacturing
• Soil amendments
• Organic waste recycling
• Landscaping supplies
• Bulk mulch products

Headquarters

HQ city

Mount Vernon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Bulk Soil and Compost Products: Revenue generated from the sale of bulk compost, soil mixes, mulches, and aggregates sold by the cubic yard. Products available for self-haul at the facility or delivered to customer locations. Pricing varies by product type and delivery distance.
2. Delivery Services: Delivery services for bulk materials throughout Skagit County and surrounding areas. Delivery pricing is location-dependent and quoted per customer order. Additional fees for longer distances or special delivery requirements.
3. Yard Waste Drop-off and Recycling Fees: The company accepts green waste (grass clippings, leaves, brush, prunings, branches, stumps) and food waste for composting. Yard waste is charged at 4 cents per pound ($80 per ton) with an $8 minimum. Dirt, rock, sod, and small pieces of concrete and brick are also accepted for recycling.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Skagit Soils Inc operates a Type 3 permitted composting facility that recycles green and organic waste into compost, mulch, soil mixes, and aggregate products. Products are sold by the cubic yard either through self-haul pickup at the Mount Vernon facility or via delivery throughout Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, Island, and San Juan counties. The facility produces OMRI-listed organic compost, STA-certified compost, and biochar-enhanced compost through a partnership with Kulshan Carbon Trust.

Product overview

SKAGIT SOILS INC is a family-owned composting and soil recycling facility offering a comprehensive portfolio of soil amendment and landscaping products. The company operates as a single unified product line centered on compost, mulch, soil mixes, and aggregates. Core offerings include Fine Compost Mulch (OMRI Listed and STA Certified), various bark and wood fiber mulches (Blonde Medium Mulch, Black Medium Mulch, Natural Fine Mulch, Arborist Mulch/Hogfuel, Playground Chips, 50/50 Mulch, Dark Fine Fir Bark, Pebble Bark, Colored Mulch), specialty soil blends (General Soil Mix, Two-Way Soil Mix, Bioretention Soil Mix, Biochar Enhanced Soil), and aggregate products (Sand, Drain Rock, Pea Gravel, 5/8 Minus Crushed Rock, 3/4 Clear Chip). The company also produces innovative Biochar-Enhanced Compost Mulch in partnership with Kulshan Carbon Trust, combining traditional composting with modern biochar technology. Products are available for self-haul or delivery throughout Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, Island and San Juan counties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fine Compost Mulch OMRI Listed and STA Certified compost mulch that retains moisture well, feeds plants and soil, and adds beneficial microorganisms. Used as a soil amendment or mulch around plants. The only OMRI-certified compost operation in Skagit County.
• Biochar-Enhanced Compost Mulch Compost enriched with biochar (carbon-rich material from organics heated in low oxygen). Enhances water retention, boosts soil fertility, improves plant health, and contributes to climate solutions through carbon sequestration.
• Biochar Enhanced Soil Three-way mix consisting of 50% Biochar Enhanced Compost, Sand, and Topsoil. U-Haul price $43.35/cubic yard; delivery starting at $51.00/cubic yard.
• Blonde Medium Mulch Natural golden-tan mulch produced from clean softwood fiber, double-ground to medium texture. Ideal for bright landscapes, provides weed control, moisture retention, and clean appearance without dye.
• Black Medium Mulch Rich jet-black mulch made from double-ground clean wood fiber, dyed with non-toxic colorant. Offers excellent landscape contrast, moisture retention, weed suppression, and premium polished look.
• Natural Fine Mulch Fines screened out of Arborist Mulch, ideal for blueberries and acid-loving plants that prefer low pH mulch.
• Arborist Mulch / Hogfuel Ground up trees, stumps and big branches. Cost-effective alternative to bark or cedar playground chips, used as mulch.
• Playground Chips Premium cedar chips ideal for dog kennels, play areas, garden pathways, and natural mulch around trees. Provides cushioned surface for safety.
• 50/50 Mulch Blend of compost mulch and black mulch. Soft, medium fine texture that is black in color.
• Dark Fine Fir Bark Rich dark brown-red decorative bark mulch that suppresses weed growth while adding natural aesthetic to landscape.
• Pebble Bark Durable decorative bark with larger chip size (1-1.5 inches) for ground cover in areas where longevity and visual appeal are desired.
• Colored Mulch Medium colored mulch for landscaping applications.
• General Soil Mix Screened three-way soil mix consisting of topsoil, sand and compost. Versatile mix for all landscaping projects.
• Two-Way Soil Mix Also known as Winter Mix. Half compost and half sand blend, easier to handle and spread during wet season.
• Bioretention Soil Mix Specialized soil mix designed for bioretention applications and water management in landscaping.
• Sand Versatile pit run sand with applications in construction, landscaping, and filtration. May contain occasional rocks.
• 1 1/4 Drain Rock Crushed gravel specifically designed for drainage applications. Effectively channels water away from structures and prevents water accumulation in landscaping.
• Pea Gravel Small smooth gravel perfect for play areas, pathways, and under-deck applications. Offers excellent drainage and comfortable walking surface.
• 5/8 Minus Crushed Rock Crushed rock great for driveways and paths, compacts well for stable surface.
• 3/4 Clear Chip High-quality gravel with no fine particles. Ideal for driveways and pathways where a loose, stable surface is preferred.
• Yard Waste Drop-Off and Recycling The company accepts green waste (grass clippings, leaves, brush, prunings, branches, stumps) and food waste for composting. Yard waste charged at 4 cents per pound ($80 per ton) with an $8 minimum. Dirt, rock, sod, and small pieces of concrete and brick also accepted for recycling.
• Delivery Services Delivery of bulk soil, compost, mulch, and aggregate products throughout Skagit, Whatcom, Snohomish, Island and San Juan counties. San Juan Island delivery handled through Lautenbach Industries at (360) 757-4000. Pricing varies by location.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces watering needs through moisture retention
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kulshan Carbon TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkagit Soils partners with Kulshan Carbon Trust on biochar production. Biochar enhanced compost is a product developed through this collaboration. The partnership involves the Biochar Scale Up Project, combining Skagit Soils' composting expertise with Kulshan Carbon Trust's biochar technology using pyrolysis (heating organics in low oxygen environment). The resulting product offers long-term soil carbon sequestration and nutrient retention.
• Lautenbach IndustriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLautenbach Industries provides drop box services for large project dumpster delivery and handles San Juan Island delivery for Skagit Soils products. Torrey and Troy Lautenbach (of Lautenbach Industries) took over ownership of Skagit Soils in 2020, creating an integrated family recycling business. Lautenbach Industries can be reached at (360) 757-4000 or lautenbachrecycling.com.
• Lautenbach RecyclingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLautenbach Recycling handles delivery coordination to San Juan Island for Skagit Soils products. Part of the Lautenbach family of recycling businesses, sustainable solutions since 1991. Website: lautenbachrecycling.com.
• US Composting CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkagit Soils is the only compost manufacturer in Skagit County participating in the US Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) Certified Compost Program. This partnership involves regular testing of compost products by independent certified labs, maintaining quality standards, and access to program resources and recognition.
• Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOMRI provides organic certification for Skagit Soils Fine Compost Mulch. The certification process involves verification that products are free from synthetic materials prohibited in organic production, allowing use of the OMRI Listed mark for organic farming and gardening.
• Community OrganizationsminorOthersSkagit Soils supports local community organizations including: Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, Skagit Habitat for Humanity, Anacortes Boys and Girls Club, Anacortes Community Garden, Visions Program at Clear Lake Elementary, Burlington Little School, Centennial Elementary, West View Elementary, Padilla Bay Foundation, and Skagit Land Trust. Support includes product donations and community engagement.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Black Earth Compost: Regional food-waste composter producing OMRI-listed compost and soil blends for residential and commercial customers. Comparable product mix and certification positioning, though serving a different geography (Massachusetts) rather than directly competing in Washington.
• Pacific Biochar Benefit Corporation: Pacific Northwest producer of biochar via pyrolysis for agricultural and horticultural use. Comparable as a regional biochar producer serving overlapping regenerative-agriculture and soil-amendment customers; complementary rather than directly competing with Skagit Soils' compost core.
• Filtrexx International: Manufacturer of biochar-based soil amendments and erosion-control products, including compost-blended growing media. Comparable in producing biochar-amended compost and bioretention-type soil mixes used in landscaping and stormwater applications.

Broad incumbents

• Recology: Large West Coast waste and organics processor with composting facilities across California, Oregon, and Washington. Comparable in producing STA-certified compost and organics recycling services, though operating at significantly greater scale and broader portfolio.
• Republic Services: National solid waste and recycling hauler operating composting and organics processing facilities, including in the Pacific Northwest. Comparable in municipal organic-waste collection and compost production, but at vastly greater scale with a full waste-management portfolio.
• Waste Management Inc. Largest North American waste and recycling company, with organics processing and compost production across the U.S., including contracts referenced in Skagit County for organic waste pickup. Indirect competitor and large institutional counterparty in the same ecosystem.

Direct peers

• Lautenbach Industries: Sister company within the Lautenbach family of recycling businesses; provides drop-box hauling and San Juan Island delivery for Skagit Soils products. Operates adjacent waste/recycling services and shares customer overlap, making it the closest operational peer.
• Cedar Grove Composting: Large-scale commercial composter in the Puget Sound region, processing residential and commercial organic waste into STA-certified compost, mulches, and soil blends. Directly comparable as a Washington-based permitted compost manufacturer serving overlapping municipal and landscape-contractor customers.
• Dairy Doo (Morgan Composting): Michigan-based organic-input manufacturer producing OMRI-listed compost, dairy-based fertilizers, and soil amendments for organic farms and gardeners. Directly comparable as a family-owned organic-input manufacturer with certified compost products serving agricultural and landscaping customers.
• Natural Soil Products: Pacific Northwest supplier of compost, topsoil, and soil blends sourced from regional organic feedstocks. Comparable as a regional bulk-soils and compost supplier serving landscape contractors and homeowners.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SKAGIT SOILS INC