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Lewis County, WA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
LCC § 8.15.230
Individual container cap
30 gallons / 85 lbs
Lids required
Except while filling/emptying
Enforcement tool
Collector tag, perforated stub
Violation threshold
Two or more tagged occasions
Bulky waste
Exempt from container rule

Summary

LCC § 8.15.230 requires anyone in charge of a building, dwelling or business in unincorporated Lewis County to keep an approved solid waste container and put all non-bulky waste in it, keep the container clean and lidded except while filling or emptying, and bars heavy debris from it without health officer permission.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lewis County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 8.15.230. Containers. ... (1) Solid Waste Containers Required. It shall be the duty of every person in possession, charge or control of any building, dwelling, plant, rooming house, apartment house or eating place ... to keep or cause to be kept solid waste containers of approved size, type, and construction at all times and deposit or cause to be deposited therein all solid waste, except bulky wastes. ... (3) Use and Maintenance of Containers. Each container shall be kept in a clean sanitary condition and in good repair. Lids shall be on the container at all times except during actual filling or emptying. ... (4) Notice of Unacceptable Use or Maintenance. Any collector who shall find any solid waste container to be in violation of the standards set forth herein as to acceptable use or maintenance shall place a tag furnished by the solid waste section on such container. ... Any person who shall have failed to conform to acceptable use of solid waste containers upon two or more occasions, shall be deemed to be in violation of this article.

Full Breakdown

190(9)). 230(2)). 230(3)). 230(4)). 240(4).

Violations & Fines

A container found dirty, lidless, overloaded with prohibited heavy material, or otherwise out of compliance gets tagged by the collector under LCC § 8.15.230(4); two or more tagged violations make the responsible person guilty of violating the article, subject to the LCC § 1.20.020(4) misdemeanor penalty of up to $250 per day or 90 days in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a garbage container at my home in unincorporated Lewis County?
Yes. LCC § 8.15.230(1) requires anyone in possession or control of a dwelling to keep an approved solid waste container and put all non-bulky solid waste in it.
How big can my garbage can be?
An "individual" container is capped at 30 gallons and 85 pounds full weight under LCC § 8.15.190(9); larger detachable containers need health officer and solid waste administrator approval under § 8.15.230(2).
What happens if my container is left open or overflowing?
The hauler can tag it as noncompliant under LCC § 8.15.230(4); two or more tagged violations make you subject to enforcement, including the misdemeanor penalties in § 1.20.020(4).
Can I put rocks or yard debris in my garbage can?
No. Earth, rocks, heavy refuse and similar heavy material are barred from solid waste containers under LCC § 8.15.240(1) unless the health officer or solid waste section approves.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lewis County

All Lewis County rules

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