Skip to main content

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.

Public Works

Solid Waste Rates

Our solid waste system plays a vital role in keeping our community healthy, safe, and sustainable. However, it’s facing some challenges as it ages. Facilities require repairs and upgrades, and as the population grows, we are managing more waste than ever before. 

 

What the Rates Fund

  • Repairs to aging infrastructure at transfer stations and the Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) 
  • Service expansion to meet growing demand 
  • Equipment replacements to improve safety and efficiency 
  • Emergency reserve funds for unexpected costs 


Rates Compared 

Thurston County Facility

Service Type 

2026 Rate 

2027 Rate 

Waste & Recovery Center

Garbage Minimum Fee (<300 lbs.) 

$21 

$23 

Waste & Recovery Center

Garbage Tip Fee (per ton) 

$136 

$154 

Waste & Recovery Center Organics Minimum Fee (<300 lbs.) $16 $19
Waste & Recovery Center

Organics Tip Fee (per ton) 

$75 

$90 

Waste & Recovery Center

Construction & Demolition Debris (per ton) 

$136 

$154 

Rainier & Rochester Drop-box Facilities

Garbage Minimum Fee (per cubic yard)

$21

$23

Rainier & Rochester Drop-box Facilities

Construction & Demolition Debris (per cubic yard)

$35

$40

Rainier & Rochester Drop-box Facilities

Roofing Debris (per cubic yard)

$54

$61

 

HazoHouse Rates for Small Quantity Generators*

Material 2026 Rate  2027 Rate
Acids (per lb.) $1.35 $1.53
Alternative - Fuel (per lb.) $0.32 $0.36
Antifreeze (per lb.) $0.10 $0.11
Bases (per lb.) $1.38 $1.57
Flammable Acids (per lb.) $2.49 $2.83
Flammable Bases (per lb.) $2.57 $2.92
Flammable Gases $1.54 $1.75
Flammable Liquids (per lb.) $0.32 $0.36
Flammable Solids (per lb.) $8.80 $9.99
Non-Regulated Materials (per lb.) $0.30 $0.34
Oxidizers (per lb.) $2.38 $2.70
Paint Related Material (per lb.) $0.87 $0.99
Toxic Liquids (per lb.) $1.74 $1.97
Toxic Solids (per lb.) $1.79 $2.03
Used Oil - Filters (per lb.) $1.02 $1.16

*Please note that these rates apply to businesses only. HazoHouse remains free to residents.

 

What is a Tip Fee?

A tip fee is the charge for dropping off materials, including garbage and organics, at Thurston County’s Waste & Recovery Center (WARC) and Rainier and Rochester Drop-Box Facilities. At the WARC, the tip fee is based on the weight and type of material. At the Rainier and Rochester Drop-box Facilities, the tip fee is based on volume and type of material. 

Tip fees cover the full cost of operating and maintaining these facilities, as well as funding county waste prevention programs, recycling services, and safe, responsible material disposal. The Thurston County Solid Waste division is funded entirely by tip fees, not taxes, so every dollar goes toward managing waste and recycling responsibly.