Place recycling and garbage containers next to each other in high trafficked areas such as breakrooms, hallways, workrooms, and lobbies. People are more likely to recycle if it is convenient. 

All businesses with recycling service in Thurston County (excluding City of Olympia customers) can recycle the materials found on the recycling guide. Check annually as recyclable materials periodically change. Scroll to the bottom of the page and use the Where Do I Take My? tool to search disposal options for specific materials. Contact us with any questions.  

Keep bin colors and styles consistent throughout the building. Typically, use black is for trash, blue for recycling, and green for food waste (compost). Have a sign on and above each bin as a quick reminder on how to properly sort of the waste. We can provide signs and labels!  

Ensure employees know how to use the recycling program by including recycling information in team emails or at a meeting. If the recycling guide changes, let everyone know of these updates.  

Communicate directly with janitorial services and review the contract. Some negotiations may be needed to have janitorial service empty additional bins or materials. Proper collection of recyclables is essential to the success of your recycling program.

The best solution is often eliminating the waste from the start by using alternative products. For example, provide reusable cups in the break room and set the printer’s default on double-sided. There are also options to donate unwanted items and even prevent food waste by participating in our Thurston Food Rescue Program.

It is important to carefully dismantle materials to salvage components for reuse before demolition. There may also be leftover materials after finishing a project. Items frequently desirable for reuse include:  

• Bricks   
• Cabinets   
• Doors and hardware 
• Lighting and plumbing fixtures  
• Lumber  
• Paint  
• Windows (double-pane) 
• Wood trim 

​If something cannot be reused, the next best option is recycled. Recycling C&D materials often costs money; however the fee is typically less than the disposal rate at the Waste & Recovery Center. Specialty recycling facilities in our area accept the following items:  

• Aggregate (concrete, asphalt, rock)  
• Drywall  
• Metal  
• Paint  
• Roofing shingles  
• Styrofoam
• Untreated wood 
• And more 

​Tips

1. Research disposal options 

• Identify materials for reuse and recycling in a C&D plan.  
• Use contractors experienced in C&D materials reuse and recycling initiatives. 
• Incorporate C&D materials reuse and recycling language in contract specifications. 

2. Set-up the worksite

• Place bins in locations that will prevent misuse or contamination and label them. 
• Educate subcontractors about what materials are to be recycled and where to put them. 

3. Coordinate pickup 

Work directly with your garbage hauler or recycler to coordinate pickup or delivery. 

Resources  

• Where Do I Take My? directory
• NW EcoBuilding Guild - South Sound
• EPA Sustainable Management of Construction and Demolition Materials
• Green Building in Thurston County 
• US Green Building Council

​Plastic bags are a major contaminant in Washington recycling facilities, waterways, roadways, and environment. The ban eliminates many types of single-use plastic and charges for carryout bags. Details about the Washington single-use plastic bag ban

​Beginning in 2022, businesses can no longer automatically include single-use times in customer orders. The items include utensils, stirrers, straws, cold cup lids, and sauce or condiment packets. Customers must confirm they want single-use items or select items from self-service bins. Businesses may not provide single-use items by default. Find more about single-use serviceware.

​The program makes it easier for some businesses and Washington residents to recycle their unused and unwanted latex and oil paints for free. Retail locations can also serve as collection points. Get involved with PaintCare.

​Washington State’s Recycling Law (RCW 70.93.093) requires recycling at official gatherings and sport facilities by vendors who sell beverages in single-use aluminum, glass, or plastic bottles or cans. Event coordinators should work directly with their waste hauler or consider our Borrow-A-Bin program.

​All mercury-containing lights must be recycled since mercury is a potent neurotoxin particularly harmful to children, infants, and fetuses. The small amounts in single light bulbs add up quick. Participate in LightRecycle.

​Recycle select electronics including televisions, computers, laptops, monitors, tablets, e-readers, and portable DVD players for free. Businesses under 50 employees, charitable organizations, schools, and small governments are eligible to participate. Find E-Cycle WA locations.

Effective June 1, 2024, Washington State law bans the sale and distribution of several types of expanded polystyrene products, commonly known by the trademarked brand Styrofoam. 

This includes portable coolers and food service products like containers, plates, bowls, clam shells, trays, and cups. Packing peanuts and loose-fill packaging were banned in June 2023.

Information on how this impacts your business, along with available resources, can be viewed here.