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

Children recycling bottles with a welcome message from Thurston County Public Works Solid Waste Division

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.

WARC traffic heatmap graphic

 

WARC traffic volume by time graphic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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