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

Household hazardous waste being sorted

Drop-off Location

Waste and Recovery Center, HazoHouse

Address: 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE, Lacey, WA 98516
Open daily: 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m. 
All county drop-off locations are closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day 
Access: Use the south entrance at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center. 

This service is free for people living in Thurston County. Businesses must register and pay a fee.

HazoHouse is a drive-thru facility. Due to safety concerns, please do not walk into the HazoHouse area.


​HazoHouse Reuse Program for 501(c)(3) Non-Profits

Introducing the Thurston County HazoHouse Reuse Program! 
Thurston County Solid Waste is committed to its goal of helping to mitigate climate change through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The HazoHouse Reuse Program is designed to provide Thurston County 501(c)(3) non-profits the opportunity to receive usable products at no cost that would otherwise be disposed of. Keeping usable items in circulation promotes sustainability throughout Thurston County. 

From April 1st until September 30th, approved Thurston County 501(c)(3) non-profits can access donated items at HazoHouse for free. Approved non-profits can acquire items Monday-Friday during business hours, with an appointment. HazoHouse is located at the Waste and Recovery Center at 2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516 and can be accessed through the South Entrance.  

Items for reuse may include: 

  • Household Cleaners 
  • Soaps 
  • Detergents  
  • Automotive Cleaners & Oils  
     

How can Non-Profits participate in the HazoHouse Reuse Program? 
 
The steps for Non-Profits to participate in the HazoHouse Reuse Program: 

  1. Complete the liability waiver.
  1. Await review by Thurston County Solid Waste Staff 
  1. Receive verification for participation 
  1. Once approved, schedule an appointment by calling (360) 867-2912 

Proper Transportation for Household Hazardous Items 

Non-profits need to safely transport hazardous items as there is a risk of fire, explosion, and spills during transport. Follow the steps below for safe transportation:   

  • Transport household hazardous items in sealed containers 
  • Keep containers in an upright position.  
  • Place containers in a plastic-lined box.  
  • Make sure all containers are 5 gallons or less in size and properly labeled with the contents. 
  • Store acids and oxidizers separately, away from each other and other hazardous product 

Approved 501(c)(3) Non-Profits are limited to 1 visit per day and 10 items per visit. Prior to being released to the public, products offered are inspected and deemed eligible by staff to ensure that they are in their original containers, have at least ¾ of the product left, and provide legible labels, warnings, and usage information. Materials are available on a first come, first served basis.  

Know Before You Go

To determine if a product is hazardous, look for the words POISON, DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION on the label. Please bring waste in five-gallon containers or smaller. 
The following items are accepted:

  • Automotive products (brake fluid, oil filters)
  • Antifreeze. Limit: 5 gallons per vehicle per day
  • All batteries EXCEPT standard alkaline. Place each battery in an individual plastic baggie.
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Fluorescent lights, compact fluorescent lights (CFL), High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights, yard light bulbs and their ballasts. Limit: 10 per vehicle per day. NO broken bulbs or light tubes taped together. Transport them in their original boxes if possible. Ballasts labeled as “no PCBs” should be disposed of as garbage.
  • Glues and adhesives
  • Liquid fuels. Limit: 5 gallons per vehicle per day.
  • Motor oil. Limit: 5 gallons per vehicle per day
  • Oil-based and latex paint. Limit: 10 gallons per vehicle per day.
  • Pesticides
  • Pool and hobby chemicals
  • Propane containers (5 gallons or smaller). Limit: 3 propane tanks per vehicle per day Accepted tanks include:
    • Standard barbecue tanks
    • Compact camp stove propane canisters (such as the green Coleman single-use fuel canisters)
    • Small, narrow propane cylinders used by plumbers and other contractors
  • Products containing mercury. Place thermometers in their original containers or in two plastic sealable bags.
  • Thinners and solvents

The following items are not accepted at HazoHouse:

  • Alkaline batteries
  • Ammunition
  • Asbestos (see below on proper disposal)
  • Computers, monitors, TVs, or electronics (find e-cycle drop-off locations)
  • Cooking Oil
  • Empty or leaking containers
  • Explosives or fireworks
  • Fire extinguishers. Discharge extinguisher into a bucket or garbage bag and put in the garbage.
  • Medical waste
  • Pharmaceuticals/medications (find drop-off locations)
  • Radioactive wastes
  • Smoke detectors

Visit the Where Do I Take My? database to find disposal locations for these items and others.

Safely transport household hazardous wastes. The risk of fire, explosion, and spills exists during transport.

  • Transport household hazardous waste in sealed containers
  • Keep containers in an upright position.
  • Place containers in a plastic-lined box.
  • Make sure all containers are 5 gallons or less in size and properly labeled with the contents.
  • Store acids and oxidizers separately, away from each other and other hazardous products.

A permit is required prior to removal of asbestos. For details, please go to the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency site or call (360) 539-7610.

Call (360) 867-2491 to make an appointment at least one business day before disposing of asbestos at the Waste and Recovery Center (WARC.) Appointments must be scheduled for weekdays, 10 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Be sure to specify the type of asbestos-containing material (friable or non-friable, and whether it is pipe, pipe insulation, tile, etc.). The disposal fee is $143/ton, with a minimum fee of $22 for quantities less than 300 pounds. 

Wrapping requirements:

  1. Thoroughly wet.
  2. Double wrap in 6 mil plastic (not the equivalent) with no air pockets. Each layer of plastic must be at least 6 mil thick (not millimeters) to ensure proper strength.
  3. Seal with tape.
  4. Mark each bag with: "CONTAINS ASBESTOS" and your name, address, and daytime phone number.
  5. Take prepared package to the WARC.

Printable Asbestos Disposal Guide

Manufacturers are required by state law to offer recycling services for certain electronic items at no cost to individuals, nonprofits, small businesses, schools, and local governments. The law took effect January 1, 2009 and applies to the following items only:

  • TVs
  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Monitors
  • E-book readers (such as the Kindle and the Nook)
  • Portable DVD players

The Washington State Department of Ecology coordinates collection sites and enforces the law through the E-Cycle Washington program.

Thurston County offers free and confidential guidance and education to residents and childcare centers through the Healthy Home Program. Trained staff members help address concerns with housing conditions like mold, exposure to toxics, asthma triggers, indoor air pollution, lead, and other housing-related health risks.

Please visit Thurston County Public Health and Social Services to find out where to take unwanted medicine.

Have Questions or Comments about HHW?

Contact Form

Please note that this contact form contains a brief survey to capture information for our Hazardous Waste programs.