Lacey, WA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Dumpster placement for commercial sites in the City of Lacey is set by the refuse paragraph of the commercial design guidelines, LMC 14.23.082(H). Refuse container screening is required. The screen must be of a material and design compatible with the overall architectural theme of the associated structure, at least as high as the refuse container, and in no case less than six feet high. No refuse container is permitted between a street and the front of the building.

The collection area itself has a capacity and visibility test. Refuse collection areas are designed to contain all refuse generated on site and deposited between collections, and deposited refuse shall not be visible from outside the refuse enclosure.

The site design guidelines in LMC 14.23.082(B) back this up. Service areas shall not be located between the building area and the street unless there is no possible alternative location, landscaping is used to diminish public visibility, and service areas shall not be located to face a residential area. Refuse and recycle enclosures, along with fences, walls and light fixtures, are designed to be consistent with the scale and aesthetic character of the building and to contribute towards a pedestrian environment.

Industrial sites follow nearly identical wording in LMC 14.23.083(C)(8): screening at least as high as the container and no less than six feet high, and no container between a street and the front of the building. The director of community and economic development reviews these items administratively under LMC 14.23.040, concurrent with the planning review or building permit application. Chapter 8.04, Garbage and Refuse Storage and Disposal, is also named as an enforceable regulation in LMC 14.40.020.

These provisions govern permanent container siting on commercial and industrial sites, so enclosure plans belong in the site plan submittal.