Olympia-area apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site property managers: keep your communities inspection-ready while giving residents the convenient doorstep recycling amenity they expect. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program is designed around Olympia’s compulsory solid waste rules under Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) 13.12 – Garbage and Thurston County’s minimum recycling service requirements under Ordinance 13696 – Minimum Level of Service for Residential Recycling Collection, so your sites stay aligned with local code and hauler expectations.
Within the City of Olympia, garbage collection is universal and compulsory under OMC 13.12, and the City’s Waste ReSources utility provides garbage, recycling, and organics collection for multifamily properties, including mixed recycling, cardboard, and food/yard waste services.
In the rest of Thurston County, Ordinance 13696 establishes a minimum level of recycling service for residential and multifamily properties where the owner or property manager receives the solid waste bill and there are two or more attached dwelling units or mobile home spaces. Collection for mixed recyclables and glass bottles and jars is already included with garbage service at no extra cost for these multifamily accounts.
- Protect Asset Value & Reputation: Align your program with OMC 13.12, Thurston County Title 8 Health & Sanitation, and Ordinance 13696 expectations so inspectors see a clean, well-managed system – not overflowing enclosures.
- Resident-First Convenience: Doorstep trash & recycling that keeps residents out of dark enclosures, reduces trips to dumpsters, and supports renewals and online reviews.
- Code-Smart Layouts: Container locations, signage, and service levels tuned to Olympia’s Waste ReSources guidance and Thurston County’s Multifamily Recycling tools, including organics collection where required or requested.
- Hands-Off Compliance: We coordinate with haulers, use county toolkits, and provide resident education so your onsite team can focus on leasing and operations.
At a Glance: City of Olympia vs. Thurston County & Other Cities
City of Olympia (Inside City Limits)
- Mandate Type: Universal, compulsory garbage collection with city-provided recycling and organics service for serviced properties.
- Applicability Threshold: All premises within Olympia must use the city’s collection system or authorized service under OMC 13.12 – Garbage. Multifamily customers are served by the City’s Waste ReSources utility.
OMC 13.12 – Garbage (Universal & Compulsory Collection) - Owner / Property Manager Duties:
Maintain required garbage service; keep containers accessible and in good condition; ensure residents use recycling and organics correctly; prevent accumulation of solid waste that could trigger code enforcement.
Olympia Multifamily Garbage & Recycling · Garbage & Recycling – City of Olympia - Program Expectations: Coordinate container sizes and pickup schedules with Waste ReSources so recycling and organics capacity matches resident volume; use clear labeling and education to minimize contamination; follow city guidance for carts, containers, and drop-box use.
- Enforcement:
Solid waste violations are enforced under Olympia’s Uniform Civil Enforcement process. Code enforcement can issue civil infractions starting at $50 for a first violation, escalating to $125 and $250 for repeat offenses, with potential criminal citation and abatement at owner expense if problems persist.
Olympia Code Enforcement – Civil Infractions & Fines - Key City Links:
OMC 13.12 – Garbage · Olympia Garbage & Recycling · Multifamily Service Overview
Thurston County & Other Thurston County Cities
- Mandate Type: County-wide minimum level of recycling service for qualifying residential & multifamily properties via Ordinance 13696, plus city-specific garbage/nuisance codes. No separate, county-wide “apartment-only” recycling ordinance with a unit threshold like some big-city models.
- Applicability Threshold (County Ordinance 13696): Applies where:
- The owner or property manager receives the entire solid waste bill, and
- The property has 2+ attached dwelling units OR a mobile home park with 2+ spaces.
Thurston County Multifamily Recycling – Apartments, Condos & Mobile Home Parks · Thurston County Codes & Ordinances (Incl. Ordinance 13696) - Program Duties:
Use your franchise hauler (Pacific Disposal / LeMay, Rural Refuse, Joe’s Refuse, or City of Olympia where applicable) to right-size garbage, recycling, and organics; keep enclosures clean; follow county signage and education best practices to prevent overflow and contamination.
Thurston County Solid Waste – System Overview - Risk Profile:
Even where there is no city-specific “apartment recycling mandate,” properties can still be cited for improper accumulation and storage of solid waste under Thurston County Code Title 8 – Health and Sanitation and local nuisance / garbage ordinances (e.g., Lacey LMC 8.04, Yelm Title 8, Tumwater nuisance codes).
Thurston County Solid Waste Compliance · Lacey Municipal Code – Ch. 8.04 Garbage & Refuse - Interlocal Agreements: Cities including Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino, Rainier, and Bucoda participate in countywide solid waste planning and services via the Thurston County Solid Waste Management Plan and related interlocal agreements, which align local collection systems with county flow-control and minimum service requirements.
- How National Doorstep Helps: We design valet trash & recycling programs that dovetail with Ordinance 13696, city codes, and your hauler contracts so residents get clear, convenient service and your sites stay compliant regardless of whether they are in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino, Rainier, Bucoda, or unincorporated Thurston County.
Thurston County Cities & Multifamily Recycling Requirements
Thurston County’s Ordinance 13696 provides the core framework for multifamily recycling service in the region by setting a minimum level of recycling collection for qualifying residential and multifamily properties. Cities layer on their own garbage, nuisance, and code-enforcement rules, but as of late 2025 there is no separate, county-wide apartment recycling mandate with a unit threshold and dedicated fine schedule like you see in some larger metro areas. Instead, properties are expected to use the required garbage and recycling services correctly and keep sites free of solid waste violations.
| City / Area | Apartment Recycling Mandate? | Notes for Owners & Property Managers |
|---|---|---|
| Olympia | Yes – Universal garbage with city-run recycling & organics; backed by county minimum service ordinance |
Garbage collection is universal and compulsory under OMC 13.12, and the City’s Waste ReSources utility provides garbage, recycling, and organics service to multifamily properties. Thurston County Ordinance 13696 also applies where the owner or property manager is billed for solid waste service and there are 2+ attached units or mobile home spaces. Failing to maintain service, allowing accumulation, or ignoring notices can lead to civil infractions (starting at $50 and escalating for repeat violations) and, if unresolved, criminal citation and abatement charges. Key local links: OMC 13.12 – Garbage · Olympia Multifamily Garbage & Recycling · Olympia Code Enforcement – Fines & Process |
| Lacey | No separate apartment recycling ordinance; covered through garbage/refuse code + county minimum service |
Lacey regulates garbage and refuse storage and disposal under LMC 8.04, which requires use of licensed contractors or approved disposal methods and treats violations as a misdemeanor. Multifamily recycling expectations are implemented through hauler contracts and Thurston County’s minimum recycling service rules rather than a standalone apartment mandate. Overflowing containers and improper storage are enforceable code issues. Key local links: Lacey Muni Code – Ch. 8.04 Garbage & Refuse · City of Lacey – Official Site · Lacey Code Enforcement |
| Tumwater | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate; relies on county system & nuisance/solid waste rules |
Tumwater relies on franchised haulers (e.g., LeMay/Pacific Disposal) and Thurston County’s solid waste system for garbage and recycling service. Local code focuses on nuisance and public health protection while the county’s minimum recycling service ordinance and hauler contracts ensure collection for multifamily accounts. Properties should coordinate with haulers and the county to right-size service and avoid overflow or contamination that could trigger enforcement. Key local links: Welcome to Tumwater – City Services · City of Tumwater – Official Site · Tumwater / Thurston County Solid Waste Contacts |
| Yelm | No unit-threshold apartment recycling mandate; solid waste & recycling addressed in Title 8 |
Yelm’s municipal code includes Title 8 Health and Safety with chapters on waste collection and solid waste recycling. While there is not a published, unit-threshold “apartment recycling ordinance,” multifamily properties are expected to use approved haulers, provide adequate garbage service, and follow local recycling expectations and nuisance prohibitions. County Ordinance 13696 and the hauler contracts ensure minimum recycling service for master-billed multifamily accounts. Key local links: Yelm Municipal Code – Health & Safety (Title 8) · City of Yelm – Official Site |
| Tenino | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate; served via hauler contracts & county solid waste plan |
Tenino contracts with regional haulers for garbage and recycling, and participates in the Thurston County Solid Waste Management Plan. There is no standalone apartment recycling ordinance with a specific dwelling-unit threshold, but properties are still expected to manage solid waste to county and city standards and to provide appropriate garbage and recycling service through their hauler. Key local links: City of Tenino – Official Site · Thurston County Solid Waste |
| Rainier | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate; county solid waste system designated |
Rainier’s municipal code designates the Thurston County solid waste handling system for garbage and recycling services, and local code addresses garbage collection and disposal. Multifamily properties rely on Rural Refuse / LeMay Pacific and the county system for recycling access; compliance focuses on proper use of these services and avoiding improper accumulation of solid waste. Key local links: Rainier Muni Code – Garbage Collection & Disposal · City of Rainier – Official Site |
| Bucoda | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate; relies on county system & hauler |
The Town of Bucoda participates in Thurston County’s solid waste system via interlocal agreements, with Joe’s Refuse providing garbage and recycling service. There is no separate apartment recycling ordinance, but properties are covered by county rules and are expected to keep sites free of solid waste violations and use the available recycling service effectively. Key local links: Town of Bucoda – Official Site · Thurston County Garbage & Hauler Info |
| Unincorporated Thurston County | Yes – County minimum recycling service for qualifying residential & multifamily properties |
In unincorporated areas, Thurston County Ordinance 13696 requires that qualifying residential and multifamily accounts receive a minimum level of recycling service alongside garbage, including collection of mixed recyclables and glass. The county also enforces rules against improper accumulation of solid waste through its Solid Waste Compliance program. Properties should work with their hauler (Pacific Disposal / LeMay, Rural Refuse, etc.) to right-size containers and pickup schedules and to add organics where required or beneficial. Key local links: Thurston County Multifamily Recycling · Thurston County Codes & Ordinances · Solid Waste Compliance – Thurston County |
Olympia & Thurston County Fines & Penalties Snapshot
- Olympia Civil Infractions: Solid waste and property maintenance violations (including issues under OMC 13.12) can result in civil infractions. First offenses are typically a Class III Infraction with a $50 fine, escalating to $125 and $250 for subsequent infractions, with the potential for criminal citation and abatement at owner expense if violations continue.
- Lacey Misdemeanor Penalties: Under LMC 8.04.050, violations of the city’s garbage and refuse storage and disposal rules are deemed a misdemeanor, subject to penalties established in city and state law. Improper storage, failure to use required service, or persistent nuisance conditions can lead to enforcement action.
- Thurston County Solid Waste Compliance: In unincorporated areas, improper accumulation and storage of solid waste on private property is a violation enforced by the County’s Solid Waste Compliance program. Responses can include notices, enforcement actions, restrictions on facility use, and recovery of cleanup costs where applicable.
- Ordinance 13696 – Service & Enforcement: While Ordinance 13696 focuses on minimum recycling service levels and mandatory materials, enforcement is tied into the broader Solid Waste Management Plan, hauler tariffs, and Title 8 authority. Failing to use or manage the required service can expose owners and property managers to both county and city enforcement.
- Risk Management Tip: Maintain a paper trail: hauler agreements, service logs, contamination notices, enclosure photos, and copies of county and city outreach materials (like the Thurston County Multifamily Recycling Toolkits). This documentation helps demonstrate good-faith compliance if a notice of violation or citation is issued.
Olympia / Thurston County Multifamily Recycling Compliance Checklist
| Task | Action / Requirement | Helpful Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction, Hauler & Billing Structure | Verify whether your community is inside Olympia city limits, another Thurston County city, or unincorporated county. Confirm who receives the solid waste bill. If the owner or property manager is billed and you have 2+ attached units or a mobile home park, you are covered by Thurston County Ordinance 13696 and should have recycling service included with garbage. | Thurston County Garbage & Recycling – Hauler Map · Olympia Garbage & Recycling |
| ☑ Align with Olympia’s Universal Collection Rules (If in City Limits) | Make sure your property is properly set up with the City of Olympia’s Waste ReSources utility for garbage, recycling, and organics. Confirm that service levels match resident demand and that you understand how universal and compulsory collection under OMC 13.12 applies to your site. | OMC 13.12 – Garbage · Olympia Multifamily Overview |
| ☑ Use County Multifamily Recycling Tools | Take advantage of Thurston County’s Multifamily Recycling Brochures, Toolkits, and Signage to standardize recycling across your buildings. These resources are designed specifically for property managers to reduce contamination, overflow, and complaints. | County Multifamily Recycling – Apartments & Condos · Business & Multifamily Property Resources |
| ☑ Right-Size Containers & Service Frequency | Work with your hauler (or Olympia Waste ReSources in city limits) to match container counts, sizes, and pickup frequency to actual resident usage. Co-locate recycling and organics alongside garbage wherever practical so residents have equally convenient access and you minimize contamination and overflow. | LeMay / Pacific Disposal – Pickup Schedule · Thurston County Garbage & Recycling |
| ☑ Resident Education & Move-In Orientation | Build a simple, recurring education plan: include a site map of enclosures in move-in packets, use county recycling guides and stickers on containers, and send periodic reminders via email, resident portals, or flyers. Consider a short “waste room tour” as part of your move-in process so residents see exactly where trash, recycling, and organics should go. | Thurston County Multifamily Recycling Guides |
| ☑ Document Service, Issues & Inspections | Keep a central compliance file: hauler contracts, service logs, contamination notices, photos of container areas, and copies of county/city outreach. This gives you a ready-made inspection binder if a city or county inspector visits or if a resident submits a complaint about solid waste conditions. | Thurston County Solid Waste Compliance · Olympia Code Enforcement |
| ☑ Layer in Valet Trash & Recycling | Add a doorstep collection layer that mirrors your hauler’s material streams (trash, mixed recycling, organics where applicable). Use color-coded bags, resident guides, and route maps so National Doorstep can pre-sort correctly and keep your enclosures cleaner, reducing risk of fines and resident complaints. | Request a Free Compliance Audit |
Want Olympia & Thurston County inspectors to see a clean, compliant property every time? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Olympia-area or Thurston County property. We’ll review your current hauler setup, right-size containers and service, design a resident-friendly valet trash & recycling program, and prepare the inspection-ready documentation you need to show alignment with OMC 13.12, Thurston County Ordinance 13696, and your local city code.
Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.
