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.

2024 Presentation Series with LeMay Pacific Disposal

Thurston County is partnering with LeMay Pacific Disposal to offer every-other-month presentations to help residents and businesses reduce their landfill waste.
 
Time:
Presentations are generally the last Wednesday of every other month from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Dates:
  • February 28: Business Organics Law 
    Learn how Thurston County businesses are impacted by a new state law requiring management of organic waste separate from garbage. Requirements apply to more businesses each year through 2026.
  • April 24: Can This Be Recycled?
    Test your recycling knowledge with Thurston County’s Master Recycler Composter volunteers. Everyone is encouraged to bring samples of materials that cause confusion at home or at work.
  • June 26: Managing Low-Waste Events
    Make your next event a low-waste event with our tools and planning resources. Be prepared by learning the laws impacting waste management at events in Washington.
  • August 28: Activities For Youth
    This workshop is for educators, scout leaders, parents, and anyone else working with youth. Learn how to reserve our loaner education kits, request copies of our grades 4 and 5 newsletter, how to earn the Reduce Reuse Recycle Patch, and more.
  • October 30: Multifamily Recycling Resources
    Do you live or work at an apartment complex? We will address your unique waste management challenges and discuss resources available to you.
  • December 18: Hard-To-Recycle Materials
    Not everything can be recycled at the curb, but sometimes there are drop-off opportunities to keep things out of the landfill. Find out what to do with paint, electronics, clothing, batteries, oil, and much more.

Registration is strongly encouraged as the space is limited to 30 participants. Light refreshments will be provided.
Can't join us? Call (360) 867-2491 or email thurstonsolidwaste@co.thurston.wa.us​ us to to request alternate dates or times.