Your Comprehensive Guide to Recycling and Disposing in Thurston County
Decluttering your home can be a refreshing endeavor, but knowing where to take unwanted items is crucial for responsible disposal. Thurston County offers a variety of options for properly disposing of different materials. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate these services efficiently.
When in doubt, use the Thurston County
online tool to help you find the exact location for your item.
Electronics Recycling
Proper disposal of electronic waste is essential to prevent environmental harm. In Olympia and Thurston County, you have several options:
E-Cycle Washington: A FREE program that allows residents to recycle broken, obsolete, or worn-out electronics including;
Televisions
Computers
Laptops
Monitors
Tablets
E-readers
Portable DVD players
Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center: Located at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE, Lacey, WA 98516, this facility accepts electronic waste for recycling. It's open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Best Buy & Staples locations accept the following items for FREE:
Keyboards
Printers
Toner cartridges
Cell phones
Disposing of Hazardous Waste
Hazardous materials require special handling to ensure they don't harm the environment or public health. In Thurston County our go to spot is:
HazoHouse: This facility at the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center accepts household hazardous waste, including paints, chemicals, and batteries. The service is FREE for county residents and operates daily from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Address: 2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516
Phone: (360) 867-2491
Beauty Product Recycling
Programs like Pact Collective accept hard-to-recycle beauty product packaging. Check their website for specific information on what items they accept and how to prepare your containers for recycling.
Find the Beauty Produce Collection Bin closest to you.
Pharmaceutical and Medication Disposal
Proper disposal of medications is crucial for safety. In Thurston County, these stores have medication drop-boxes:
Rite-Aid
Safeway
Walmart (except Yelm)
Check the full list of locations here for more details.
Medication Disposal Box
Additional Tips for Responsible Disposal
Verify Accepted Items: Before donating or recycling, check each organization's guidelines to ensure they accept the items you intend to give.
Prepare Items Properly: Clean and, if necessary, disassemble items to facilitate handling and processing.
Stay Informed: Recycling and disposal guidelines can change. Regularly consult the Thurston County website for the most up-to-date information.
By utilizing these local resources, you can responsibly manage your unwanted items, contributing to a cleaner environment and supporting your community in Olympia and Thurston County.
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