Community Litter Cleanup Volunteer Program
It’s Certain In Thurston, We Get That Litter.
Report Litter
Call: (360) 867-2300
Email: thurstonsolidwaste@co.thurston.wa.us
Litter has a negative impact on wildlife, waterways, public health, safety, and the economy. Litter can feel like a big problem, but doing your part is simple.
Together we can make Thurston County a cleaner and more beautiful area to live, work, and play. With our dedicated litter crew and volunteer program, everyone can make a difference and have a positive impact on litter clean-up efforts.
Volunteer with us!
Creating a greener Thurston County is as easy as 1,2,3!
1. Fill out the volunteer interest form.
2. Pick up supplies from the Public Works department.
3. Leave your full litter bags in a designated spot for pick-up by our team.
Program Background
For more than three decades, the Community Litter Cleanup Program has been on a mission to keep Thurston County roadsides free of litter. Since its inception, this program has collected more than four million pounds of trash! In 2023, the program transferred from the Public Works Roads division to the Solid Waste division with plans to involve more volunteers and community stakeholders. Last year, the program picked up an incredible 275,000 pounds of litter off the roadways, and the Solid Waste team is excited to see that number continue to grow. The program’s impact goes beyond simply clearing roadsides of litter, but also instills participants with a sense of pride for their community. This success is a testament to the power of community engagement in promoting environmental stewardship.
Community Litter Cleanup
Q: Who do I call to report an abandoned vehicle?
A: Residents can submit a request on our website to report an abandoned vehicle on the county right-of-way or call us at 360-867-2300. If the vehicle is on private property or in city limits, residents can review this sheet and follow the steps.
Q: How can I report a dump site?
A: Residents can submit a service request on our website or call 360-867-2300 if it is in the county right-of-way.
Q: What are the Thurston County litter cleanup boundaries?
A:
Areas highlighted in green are outside of Thurston County's cleanup jurisdiction.
Q: What items should not be picked up by volunteer crews?
A: Dead animals or bones and human waste. For special handling, please contact Thurston Solid Waste at 360-867-2300.
Q: Are there litter items that require special disposal?
A: Yes. Some items must be bagged separately from regular waste items and disposed of at HazoHouse.
Examples include:
- Home repair — Oil-based paint, epoxy, paint stripper
- Cleaners — Oven cleaners, deck cleaners, toilet cleaners
- Pesticides and fertilizers — Wood preservatives, herbicides, pesticides
- Auto and boat equipment — Paint, gasoline, oil, antifreeze
- Miscellaneous — Car batteries, fluorescent bulbs
If you are unsure where to dispose of an item, please refer to WhereDoITakeMy.org or call 360-867-2300 for assistance.
Q: What should I do if I find potentially dangerous materials (e.g., a syringe, weapon, or drug paraphernalia) during a litter cleanup?
A: Do not touch it! Call us at 360-867-2300 for assistance. Take a photo of the item so that we can help identify it. In an emergency, please don't hesitate to call 911.
The Community Litter Cleanup Volunteer Program is for:
Individuals (18+)
Families
Organizations
Businesses
Our program will provide the needed supplies and guidance to ensure a safe and successful experience.
Volunteers will receive:
- Safety vests
- Gloves
- Litter grabbers
- Litter bags
- Collapsible traffic warning signs
- Safety guidelines to review with cleanup participants
Fill out the interest form today for your Community Litter Cleanup event.
Please complete this interest form to sign up for our Community Litter Cleanup Volunteer Program. Our staff will contact you to gather more information and schedule the next steps. Thank you!
Finished with your cleanup? Report your data below!
Please complete this reporting form to aid in our data collection process and share your clean-up successes!
Please download and fill out the volunteer waiver form and read the safety guidelines prior to your scheduled cleanup date. Waivers can be submitted via email to ThurstonSolidWaste@co.thurston.wa.us. It is recommended to print a copy of the guidelines to have on hand at all times at the cleanup event.
Community Litter Cleanup Volunteer Program Waiver & Safety Guidelines
For the past 2 years, the Community Litter Cleanup Volunteer Program has worked to make Thurston County cleaner and greener!
The chart below showcases the amount of litter in pounds that was picked up in 2022 and 2023.
In 2023 alone, over 275,000 pounds of litter was cleaned from our roadsides, way to go!