Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.
County Contacts
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Thurston County Washington

Public Works

Presentations

We offer presentations for Thurston County-based organizations, civic groups, neighborhood associations, classrooms, and other groups of 10 or more. Topics include: 

  • local recycling and garbage systems
  • recycling 101
  • food and yard waste recycling
  • waste less food
  • low-waste holidays

Contact us to request a presentation. We ask that you contact us at least three weeks prior to your desired presentation date.

2026 Waste Reduction Presentation Series


Flyer with a list of 2026 community presentations in Thurston County about recycling and waste reduction.

Thurston County offers a variety of free presentations and hands-on workshops to help residents reduce their waste and recycle properly. 
 
For details about composting workshops offered by the Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Program, visit https://extension.wsu.edu/thurston/gardening/composting/.  
 
 
 
 
February 25: Recycling 101 (Virtual)  

6-7pm on Zoom
Join us to learn the basics of recycling! Thurston County's recycling & waste reduction specialists will break down how your waste flows through the county, how recycling markets work, and bust common misconceptions. Don't miss this chance to boost your recycling knowledge and contribute to a more sustainable Thurston County!
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MUzrQKgfQ9Was0ZZrPbJ6A
March 24: Create a Healthier Home 

5-6pm at Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St SE, Lacey

Learn simple, low-cost ways to prevent mold, improve the air you breathe, and create a healthy home for your kids, pets, and our community. We’ll share information on how common household products can lead to problems with asthma and allergies. In this workshop you’ll learn how to choose safer household products, safely store products, and dispose of unwanted hazardous products for free. We offer a free Safer Cleaning Kit to program participants that pledge to take actions to reduce hazardous products in their home.

This workshop is brought to you in partnership with Thurston County Environmental Health.
Register: use the form below
April 29: Can This Be Recycled? 

6-7pm at LeMay Pacific Disposal, 2904 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey 
This audience-driven session is all about answering your recycling questions. We invite you to bring in items you’re unsure about and get expert advice on which waste stream they belong to. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn how to recycle more effectively and reduce waste in our community!
Register: use the form below
June 24: Lunchbox Heroes: Create Your Own Reusable Gear 

6-7pm at Tumwater Fire Department, 311 Israel Rd SW, Tumwater 
Say goodbye to plastic baggies and hello to eco-friendly lunches! In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll decorate your very own utensil holder (complete with silverware!) and reusable beeswax wrap to keep your sandwiches fresh and your lunch waste-free. With colorful fabric, warm beeswax, and a little creativity, you’ll make something awesome that helps our planet. Plus, you’ll learn cool tips on how to pack a low-waste lunch like a pro. Get ready to wrap, reuse, and reduce waste one lunch at a time!
Register: use the form below
August TBD: Food Preservation Workshop

TBD
Curious about how to make the most of your garden bounty? Would you love to enjoy the taste of fresh produce in the depths of winter? Feeling down about tossing wasted food?  Join Thurston Conservation District for a hands-on Food Preservation Workshop in August 2026. Drying, freezing, and canning are among the many ways to maximize food use while reducing food waste. Details on the workshop will be made available later. For questions, email Tina Wagner at Thurston Conservation District (twagner@thurstoncd.com).
Register: use the form below
September 30: Recycling 101 

6-7pm at LeMay Pacific Disposal, 2904 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey
Join us to learn the basics of recycling! Thurston County's recycling & waste reduction specialists will break down how your waste flows through the county, how recycling markets work, and bust common misconceptions. Don't miss this chance to boost your recycling knowledge and contribute to a more sustainable Thurston County!
Register: use the form below
October 28: Can This Be Recycled? 

6-7pm at Yelm Community Center, 301 2nd St SE, Yelm
This audience-driven session is all about answering your recycling questions. We invite you to bring in items you’re unsure about and get expert advice on which waste stream they belong to. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn how to recycle more effectively and reduce waste in our community!
Register: use the form below
December 16: Hard to Recycle Materials (Virtual)

6-7pm on Zoom
Not everything can be recycled at the curb, but sometimes there are drop-off opportunities to keep things out of the landfill. Find out what to do with paint, electronics, clothing, batteries, oil, and more.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hn9cVYe1QX-K0B7KYjUkYQ