Pierce County, WA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- System code
- PCC Ch. 8.30
- Collection by
- WUTC-certificated haulers
- Regulator
- WUTC (RCW 81.77)
- Haulers
- Murrey's, LeMay, DM, American
Summary
Pierce County Code Chapter 8.30 establishes a county solid waste handling system for all unincorporated areas, but residential garbage collection is provided by private haulers certificated by the Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission (WUTC), not the county. Murrey's Disposal, LeMay, American Disposal and DM Disposal serve the unincorporated county.
This Chapter establishes a system of solid waste handling for all unincorporated areas of the County in accordance with RCW 36.58.040 and the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan... Solid waste collection, including municipal collection, municipally-regulated private collection, and WUTC-regulated private collection, as applicable.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
PCC 8.30.020 establishes a system of solid waste handling for all unincorporated areas under RCW 36.58.040 and the county's Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan, expressly including "WUTC-regulated private collection." In practice, exclusive service areas are held by certificated haulers regulated by the WUTC under RCW 81.77 - the Waste Connections companies Murrey's Disposal, LeMay Pierce County Refuse, American Disposal and DM Disposal. The WUTC (not the county) sets collection rates through filed tariffs. Residents subscribe directly with the certificated hauler for their area; the county cannot pick a different company. Self-haul to county transfer stations and the LRI (Hidden Valley) landfill is an alternative for residents who don't subscribe.
Violations & Fines
Rates and service disputes are handled by the WUTC. Disposing of solid waste except at a facility designated by the county Director is unlawful under PCC 8.30.030, and a knowing violation of Chapter 8.30 is a misdemeanor under PCC 8.30.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own garbage company?
Is curbside garbage service run by the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.