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.
County Contacts
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Thurston County Washington

Public Works

Community Programs & Events

photo of science booth

 

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

Thurston County is partnering with LeMay Pacific Disposal and The City of Yelm to offer every-other-month presentations to help residents and businesses reduce their landfill waste.
 
Description:
Recycling 101:
Join us to learn the basics of recycling! Thurston County's recycling & waste reduction specialists will break down how your waste flows through the county, how recycling markets work, and bust common misconceptions. Don't miss this chance to boost your recycling knowledge and contribute to a more sustainable Thurston County!
 

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!

 
Time:
Presentations are generally the last Wednesday of every other month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 
Dates & Locations:
February 26: Recycling 101 - LeMay Pacific Disposal, 2904 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey 
April 30: Can This Be Recycled? - Kenneydell Park Lodge, 6745 Fairview Rd SW, Olympia
June 25: Recycling 101 - Yelm Community Center, 301 2nd St SE, Yelm
August 27: Can This Be Recycled? - LeMay Pacific Disposal, 2904 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey 
October 29: Recycling 101 - Virtual
November 19: Can This Be Recycled? - Virtual 
 

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​