E-Waste/Hazardous Waste

E-Waste

Do not throw out old or expired electronics (e-waste or technotrash). Instead, you can reuse, resell or recycle most any electronic item and help keep waste and toxic material out of our landfills.

Examples of E-Waste:

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

Electronic Recycling Options:

• Thurston County maintains a list of options for donating or recycling most any electronic item; visit http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/solidwaste/electronics/electronics-home.htm.
• Check our electronic recycling resource guide  for organizations that will recycle your e-waste.
• Visit Washington State's e-waste website at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/.

Hazardous Waste

The average household has more than 60 hazardous products throughout the home, including car products, oil paints and thinners, solvents, cleaners and pesticides. These products are commonly known as household hazardous waste (HHW).

An item is considered hazardous if it is toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive. The labels will read DANGER, POISON, WARNING, or CAUTION. Hazardous materials should NOT be disposed of in your garbage. Instead, dispose of these items responsibly through a safe disposal sites suggested below, or visit Thurston County's HazoHouse. 

Examples of HHW Include:

• Batteries
• Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) bulbs
• Kerosene, gasoline and propane tanks
• Mercury-containing items (found in termometers, thermostats and switches)
• Motor oil, cart batteries, transmission fluid
• Paint

Hazardous Waste - Questions & Complaints: contact Thurston County at 360.867.2664

Safe Recycling and/or Disposal

Visit Thurston County's Safe Disposal and Recycling webpage for information on disposing specific items. Or, check our list of options for recycling and/or disposing of hazardous waste below.

Safe Disposal at HazoHouse

HazoHouse offers a convenient way for residents and small quantity generators, like businesses, to safely dispose of toxic products that could otherwise harm people, pets, wildlife or the environment. Find location and hours by visiting the Thurston County HazoHouse webpage.

• For a list of what HazoHouse accepts, visit http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/cm/solidwaste/orgitems.asp?id=49.

Safe Alternatives to Common Hazardous Household Products

Check our list of natural alternatives  that are good for you and the environment.

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Safe Disposal of Medicine

When managed improperly, unused or expired medicine (over-the-counter and controlled substances) poses safety and environmental threats. You can lessen these risks:

• Learn where to return certain types of expired or unused medicine for safe disposal in Thurston County. 
• Visit www.takebackyourmeds.org to learn about temporary medicine take-back programs in your area.

Contact Information 

• Visit our City Services page for links to other City Services and contact information (phone numbers) 
• Contact us at publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us