Garbage & Recycling
Used Cooking Oil Recycling Suspended
The Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) has suspended its used cooking oil collection program at HazoHouse. The suspension comes in response to new traceability guidelines set by Mahoney, the current collection and recycling vendor, which prevent them from continuing collection at the WARC.
Residents should solidify used cooking oil with a commercial oil solidifier or stearic acid before placing it in the household garbage. Visit the Household Hazardous Waste page for more information. Questions can be directed to 360-867-2491 or ThurstonSolidWaste@co.thurston.wa.us.
Plastic Foam Recycling Suspended
The Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) in Lacey suspended the plastic foam recycling program, effective February 28, 2023. Due to a recent law prohibiting certain types of plastic foam products, the processing facility the WARC uses for this type of recycling ended operations in February 2023. Read the full news release for more details. Questions can be directed to 360-867-2491 or ThurstonSolidWaste@co.thurston.wa.us.
South County Transfer Station Study
Thurston County owns and operates the Rainier and Rochester garbage and recycling drop-box sites. Due to limited capacity, the county is exploring the possibility of developing a new transfer station to replace the drop-box sites in the southern part of the county. Learn more about the study by visiting the South County Transfer Station Study page.
Looking for Your Curbside Service Provider?
Thurston County does not provide or oversee curbside waste collection services. Contact the service provider in your area to set up services or ask a question.
| Waste Hauler | Service Area | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City of Olympia | Within city limits | (360) 753-8340 |
| Butler's Cove | Cooper Point and Steamboat Island | (360) 923-0111 |
| Rural Refuse | Yelm and Rainier | (360) 923-0111 |
| LeMay Pacific Disposal | Lacey, Tumwater, Summit Lake, and the rest of unincorporated north Thurston County | (360) 923-0111 |
| Joe's Refuse | Bucoda | (360) 278-3525 Bucoda City Hall |
| Joe's Refuse | Tenino, Rochester and the rest of south Thurston County | (360) 736-4769 |
Traffic at the Waste and Recovery Center (WARC)
The chart below shows the average traffic level at the WARC on different days and times. Visit during times marked green or yellow for the shortest wait times. Actual traffic and wait times may vary, especially due to special events or holidays.
Secure Your Load
Washington law requires motorists to cover and secure their loads (RCW 46.61.655) to prevent cargo from breaking free. The Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) has an un-tarping area near the entrance. Please uncover loads before proceeding to the scales—this helps make the unloading process go more smoothly.
Follow these simple tips:
- Place lighter items below heavier items to keep them in place.
- Tie down items using rope, netting, straps, or chains. Securely fasten large items directly to your vehicle.
- Add extra protection by covering the entire load with a tarp or netting. Make sure that any covering is securely tied down.
- Don't overload vehicles or trailers.
- Double-check to be sure the load is secure.
- Speed, weight, and gravity are not load-securing devices. Ropes, straps, and netting are load-securing devices.
Need to contact us? Call (360) 867-2491 or email thurstonsolidwaste@co.thurston.wa.us