Incoming complaint

 Same property after clean-up

Solid Waste Program

The Solid Waste Program carries out regulatory activities authorized by the solid waste handling regulations, known as Article V of the Thurston County Sanitary Code. Thurston County’s solid waste regulations protect public health, safety, and welfare and prevent pollution of land, air, and water, including ground water.  It is also the intent of these regulations to help preserve the County's natural, economic, and energy resources while providing an aesthetically pleasing and nuisance free environment.

Our Solid Waste Program enforces the solid waste regulations and reduces the risk of disease transmission by:

• Promoting and enforcing proper disposal of residential and business waste, and
• Permitting and oversight of solid waste handling facilities.

Disposal & Recycling of Specific Hazardous Waste 

Any solid waste disposal site or facility in Thurston County shall obtain a permit, permit exemption or permit deferral from the Thurston County Health Department and the facility will not be substantially altered, expanded or improved until the county issues the appropriate permit, permit exemption or permit deferral. 

The owner or operator of all solid waste facilities subject to Article V – Rules and Regulations of the Thurston County Board of Health Governing Solid Waste shall:

• Design, construct, operate, and close all facilities in a manner that does not pose a threat to human health or the environment;
• Comply with Chapter 90.48 RCW, Water Pollution Control and implementing regulations, including Chapter 173-200 WAC, Water Quality Standards for Ground Waters of the State of Washington;
• Conform to the approved local comprehensive solid waste management plan prepared in accordance with Chapter 70.95 RCW, Solid Waste Management – Recovery and Recycling, and / or the local hazardous waste management plan prepared in accordance with Chapter 70.105 RCW, Hazardous Waste Management;
• Not cause any violation of emission standards or ambient air quality standards at the property boundary of any facility and comply with Chapter 70.94 RCW, Washington Clean Air Act; and
• Comply with all other applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

If you have any questions regarding permitting of solid waste handling facilities, mineral extraction and/or asphalt facilities, contact our department.

If you are considering opening a new (or modifying an existing) solid waste handling facility or mineral extraction/asphalt production location within Thurston County, please consult with our office as well as the corresponding planning/development department for the jurisdiction where the facility is proposed to be (or is currently) located for further guidance.

Mineral Extraction and Asphalt Facilities are regulated under Thurston County Code of Ordinances Chapter 17.20 – “Mineral Extraction and Asphalt Production.” and Thurston County Code of Ordinance:  Title 20 - Zoning.

Visit Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development department for information in unincorporated Thurston County

For Olympia city limits visit City of Olympia Code Enforcement

Within Lacey city limits visit City of Lacey Code Enforcement

For Tumwater city limits visit City of Tumwater Code Compliance and Enforcement 

Within Yelm city limits visit Yelm Planning and Building Code Enforcement

If you have any questions regarding gravel mine registration, contact our department. 

Anyone found to be illegally dumping solid waste is in violation of the Thurston County Sanitary Code can be fined and/or prosecuted. In addition, property owners are responsible for all solid waste generated and accumulated on their property and may also be fined and/or prosecuted if waste is not properly stored and removed in a timely manner.

Do you have a complaint regarding garbage dumping or accumulation? 

File your complaint online: Environmental Health Issue Reporting 

Environmental Health Feedback 

Contact the Solid and Hazardous Waste Program at: 360-867-2664 or email us at PHSSPollutionPrevention@co.thurston.wa.us if you have additional questions.