Community Programs & Events
We offer people living in Thurston County a variety of ways to learn about garbage, recycling, and composting. We use presentations, tabling demonstrations, Question & Answer events, videos, and social media to help Thurston County reduce waste and recycle properly.
Community Events
Our staff attend several community tabling events each year, ready to answer questions and share information about garbage, recycling, and food and yard waste recycling.
If you are organizing an event and looking for an educational vendor, please contact us.
Need to contact us? Call (360) 867-2491 or email thurstonsolidwaste@co.thurston.wa.us
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.
2025 Recycling Matters Series
Can This be Recycled?:
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!
Presentations are generally the last Wednesday of every other month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Registration is strongly encouraged as the space is limited to 30 participants. Light refreshments will be provided.
Questions? Call (360) 867-2491 or email thurstonsolidwaste@co.thurston.wa.us.
Free Compost Giveaway Event
Our 2024 compost giveaway has ended. Check back in early 2025 for our next event.
Compost offered at this event started as food and yard waste from residents and businesses in Thurston County. It was then processed into a finished compost product by Brady Trucking in Shelton, WA, who donated it to help celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and International Compost Awareness Week (May 5-11). Please bring a shovel and be prepared to load the bulk compost into your vehicle.
Need to contact us? Call (360) 867-2491 or email thurstonsolidwaste@co.thurston.wa.us