Regulatory Information

Regulations, Plans and Studies

Thurston County must comply with dozens of laws that govern how solid waste is handled in our area. The laws originate from federal and state governments, and from our own local ordinances. The laws are intended to maintain the highest standards for protecting human health and the environment, including groundwater (our source of drinking water),  surface water (such as rivers and streams), soil and air.

One common misconception is that Thurston County provides garbage and recycling pickup service, and sets the rates for those services. In reality, Thurston County sets the standards and service-levels that hauling companies must provide in order to do business in our area; however, the companies themselves provide the service and set rates through the Utilities and Transportation Commission. We do, however, operate and set rates for all of the county-owned self-haul locations, such as the garbage drop boxes and the Waste and Recovery Center.

Regulations

• Thurston County In-House Sustainability Policy
• Ordinance 13696 (minimum service levels required of garbage/recycling haulers)
• Ordinance 14308 (2010-2011 solid waste rates)

Plans

• Solid waste projects within the Thurston County Capital Facilities Plan (external link)
• Solid Waste Management Plan, 2001 (7.8 MB...takes time) (Click here for the DRAFT 2009 plan.)

Studies/Reports

• Thurston County Solid Waste Facility Assessment
• Thurston County Waste Composition Studies: 1999 (reported in June 2000), 2004, 2009
• Thurston County Sustainability Report

Contact Us

Call Terri Thomas at (360) 754-2896 or e-mail thomaste@co.thurston.wa.us.