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Lewis County, WA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Service area
RSA-1: all unincorporated Lewis County
Container size
95-gallon rolling cart
Participation
Voluntary for single-family homes
Multifamily auto-eligible
Complexes of 2-4 units
Program review cycle
At least every 5 years
Rate-setter
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

Summary

In unincorporated Lewis County (RSA-1), the county has adopted a curbside recycling program under LCC § 8.10.020 that is voluntary for every single-family residence, whether or not the resident also subscribes to garbage collection, per § 8.10.040(1). A WUTC-certificated hauler runs the program and sets the rates.

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.

§ 8.10.020. Curbside recycling program for RSA-1 adopted. The program design for a curbside recycling program for RSA-1 as set forth in the adopted 1993 Lewis County CSWMP update, adopted by Lewis County Resolution No. 93-505, and the 2000 Lewis County solid and moderate risk waste management plan (hereafter SMRWMP) update, adopted by Lewis County Resolution No. 00-266, and as identified in Article II is hereby adopted and implemented. ... ... § 8.10.030. RSA-1 defined. RSA-1 is defined as all unincorporated areas of Lewis County. ... ... § 8.10.040. Eligibility for service. (1) Service will be made available to all single-family residences in RSA-1 on a voluntary basis. Residents will be eligible for participation in the program regardless if they subscribe to regular garbage collection service. Subscribers signing up for only the recycling service will not be charged a garbage collection fee.

View official code

Full Breakdown

030). 040(1)). 040(2)). 070). 060). 090). 130).

Violations & Fines

The recycling article carries no fine for nonparticipation. A customer may decline and ask the hauler to remove the cart, but LCC § 8.10.050(2) still charges a monthly recycling fee unless the customer instead subscribes to once-per-month garbage service or occasional-use bags under § 8.10.050(3). Service complaints go to the Lewis County solid waste utility for resolution rather than to code enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is curbside recycling mandatory in unincorporated Lewis County?
No. LCC § 8.10.040(1) makes recycling voluntary for single-family residences in RSA-1, which covers the entire unincorporated county, regardless of whether you subscribe to garbage service.
What can I put in my recycling cart?
Section 8.10.090 lists newspaper, cardboard, aluminum cans, magazines, paperboard, tin cans, plastic bottles and jugs, and mixed waste paper; the hauler must give 30 days' written notice before changing the list.
Can multifamily buildings get recycling service?
Complexes of two to four units are automatically eligible under § 8.10.040(2); larger complexes and mobile home parks are added at the hauler's discretion based on vehicle access and nearby recycling options.
Who sets the recycling rates?
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission sets rates under LCC § 8.10.110, not the Lewis County Board of Commissioners.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lewis County

Collection ScheduleFew RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesLight RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Lewis County rules

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