Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Olympia
Washington state municipal collections operate on weekly zone-based routes. Specific days are determined by your Organics Recycling Collection Area (ORCA).
State Mandate
Comply with the WA Organics Management Law. E-waste and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
Gray or Black Bin (Trash)
All garbage must be securely bagged before being placed in the cart. The lid must close completely, and carts should be spaced at least three feet apart from other bins and vehicles for the automated arm.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam and packing peanuts
- ✓Pet waste and diapers (double-bagged)
- ✓Cold ashes (bagged)
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be completely empty, clean, and dry. Place all items loosely in the cart; never use plastic bags to hold your recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper, mail, and magazines
- ✓Empty plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars (strictly banned)
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste or liquids
- ✕Tanglers like hoses or cords
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. Dirt, rocks, sod, and large pieces of untreated wood are strictly prohibited. The cart lid must close flat.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Weeds and plant trimmings
- ✓Food scraps (meat, dairy, bones, vegetables)
- ✓Food-soiled paper (pizza boxes, coffee filters)
- ✓Small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-call basis; scheduling and fees apply.
Placement
Do not place bulky items at the curb without an appointment. Place approved items at the curb by the designated time on your scheduled day, keeping them clear of regular automated carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Couches and large furniture
- ✓ Major household appliances
- ✓ Large boxed items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste and chemicals
- ✕ Liquid paint
- ✕ Loose construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Lithium-ion batteries
This service requires an additional fee. Alternatively, you can self-haul bulk waste to the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) in Lacey and pay the per-ton drop-off rate. Call 360-753-8340 to schedule.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day falls on or after an observed holiday, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week (e.g., Thursday shifts to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Organics and recycling follow the exact same holiday delay schedule as your standard garbage service.
The Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) is also closed on these four major holidays. Regular curbside service typically occurs normally on other holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring severe winter weather or snowstorms, safety is the priority. If icy roads delay your collection, pull your carts back in. Drivers will collect double your normal volume on the next safely accessible service day at no extra charge.
Spring-Fall
March to NovemberTake advantage of the City's Saturday Drop-off site at 1000 10th Ave SE, which is open during these months from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to accept scrap metal, glass, cardboard, and extra yard debris.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryThe City of Olympia typically offers seasonal holiday tree recycling. Bare trees must be cut into sections small enough to fit inside your green organics cart, and must be completely free of flocking, tinsel, wire, and ornaments.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Bottles and Cans into Cold, Hard Cash Around Olympia?
While Olympia doesn't have dedicated buyback centers right in the city limits, Washington State's 'model recycling' program means you can still get money back for eligible bottles and cans. Just look for the 'CRV' (California Redemption Value) label on them. You can take these to many grocery stores and larger retailers throughout Thurston County that participate in the state's redemption program. It's a great way to do a little extra good for the planet and your wallet at the same time!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Olympia!
Got items that are still perfectly good but you just don't need anymore? Before they head to the landfill, think about donating them! Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Olympia is a fantastic place to drop off furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods. They resell these items to fund their affordable housing projects. You can also check out places like Goodwill or The Salvation Army in the Olympia area; they're always looking for clothing, housewares, and books to help support their job training and community programs.
Keeping Our Beautiful Olympia Tidy: Tackling Dumping & Finding Cleanup Events
If you ever spot illegal dumping in or around Olympia, it's super important to report it so it can be cleaned up. The City of Olympia has a process for reporting this, often through their Public Works department or a dedicated hotline. Keep an eye out for community cleanup events organized by local groups or the city itself. These are fantastic opportunities to pitch in and help keep our neighborhoods looking their best. Sometimes, these events even have special drop-off points for things like electronics or yard waste that aren't part of your regular schedule.
Drop-off Facilities
Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC)
2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516
Materials Accepted
Olympia Saturday Drop-off Site
1000 10th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Olympia pick up my trash?
Yes. If you live within the Olympia city limits, your residential garbage, recycling, and organics are collected directly by the City's own utility department, Waste ReSources. If you live in the surrounding unincorporated areas, your service is likely provided by a private hauler like LeMay Pacific Disposal.
Can I recycle glass in my blue curbside bin in Olympia?
No. Glass is strictly banned from curbside recycling carts in Olympia. When mixed with other recyclables, it breaks and contaminates the load. You must save your glass and take it to a designated drop-off location, such as the Saturday Drop-off site or the WARC.
Can I put pizza boxes and food scraps in my yard waste cart?
Yes! Olympia's green organics cart accepts all food scraps, including meat, dairy, bones, and food-soiled paper like greasy pizza boxes and coffee filters, in addition to your standard yard debris.
Where can I get rid of old paint and household chemicals?
Hazardous materials are banned from your curbside carts. Thurston County residents can dispose of items like oil-based paints, pesticides, pool chemicals, and used motor oil for free at the HazoHouse, located at the Waste and Recovery Center in Lacey.