Trash & Recycling in Cowlitz County, WA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Cowlitz County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Containers used to store or collect solid waste in unincorporated Cowlitz County must be rigid, corrosion-resistant, watertight, rodent-proof, fitted with a close-fitting lid, and no larger than 32 gallons where handled manually, and must be kept clean enough to prevent odor, insects, or spillage.
Solid Waste Container Standards, Cowlitz County
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 15.30.270
These standards apply to all solid waste, except at a solid waste facility subject to the standards of WAC 173-350-300, for the temporary storage of solid waste in containers. Solid waste storage containers shall be maintained in a clean, safe and nuisance-free condition. ... 1. Reusable containers (other than detachable containers) shall be: a. Rigid and durable; b. Corrosion-resistant; c. Non...
Bin Placement Rules
In unincorporated Cowlitz County it's unlawful to store solid waste where it can blow away, be dragged off, or be exposed to weather, animals, or pests, including keeping trash in plastic bags or other unapproved containers on the ground, decks, patios, carports, or in truck beds and trailers.
Solid Waste Storage Rule, Cowlitz County
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 15.30.260(A)
It shall be unlawful to store solid waste in such a manner that the solid waste may be carried away, deposited, or exposed by the elements, animals, or vectors. This shall include storing of solid waste in plastic bags or other unapproved receptacles located on, but not limited to, the ground, exposed decks, patios, or carports, or within the back of pickups or trailers.
Illegal Dumping
Dumping solid waste anywhere but a county-approved disposal site, or into someone else's collection container without authorization, is unlawful under CCC § 15.30.230 in unincorporated Cowlitz County. Violators face civil infractions under CCC § 15.30.280, with criminal misdemeanor penalties for repeat offenders under CCC § 15.30.220.
Illegal Dumping Ban, Cowlitz County
Heavy RestrictionsCowlitz County Code §§ 15.30.220, 15.30.230, 15.30.280
Any person violating Article II of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment not to exceed 90 days or by both fine and imprisonment. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to dump or deposit, or allow to be dumped or deposited, whether from a vehicle or otherwise, any solid waste onto or under the surface of the grou...
Collection Schedule
The county can require a property owner or occupant in unincorporated Cowlitz County to sign up for regularly scheduled commercial solid waste collection where that service is available, or to follow a county-set removal schedule where it isn't, once the Department finds repeated solid waste violations.
Mandatory Trash Collection, Cowlitz County
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code § 15.30.260(H)
The Department may require the owner or occupant to obtain regularly scheduled commercial solid waste collection and transportation service from a solid waste collection and transportation company, if commercial solid waste collection and transportation service exists or is offered in the geographical area where the person resides. If service is not available, the Department may require the own...
Recycling Rules
In unincorporated Cowlitz County, high-volume sellers of lubricating oil and vehicle oil filters must post a used oil recycling sign, sell household used oil recycling containers, and display recycling education materials, all under Cowlitz County Code Chapter 19.40, enforced by the Department of Public Works.
Cowlitz County Used Oil Recycling Rules
Some RestrictionsCowlitz County Code §§ 19.40.010, 19.40.030, 19.40.040, 19.40.060
In the interest of public health, safety and welfare, and to protect the environment from any damage which may be caused by the improper disposal of used oil, and to facilitate the recycling of used oil as a valuable petroleum resource, the Board of County Commissioners in conformance with Chapter 70.951 RCW, deems it necessary to require certain sellers of lubricating oil and vehicle oil filte...
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