Landfills & Dumps in Washington

Washington State's solid waste management is regulated under Chapter 173-351 WAC for municipal solid waste landfills and Chapter 173-350 WAC for solid waste handling standards. As directed by Chapter 70A.205.025 RCW, the Department of Ecology adopts standards for solid waste facilities, while local jurisdictional health departments have primary oversight and issue permits. Under Chapter 70A.205.100 RCW, health departments must adopt regulations at least as stringent as state standards but may implement stricter requirements.

The state Legislature passed significant organics management laws in 2022, 2024, and 2025 to divert organic materials from landfills through prevention, food rescue, and recycling facilities. Starting January 1, 2025, many Washington businesses producing at least four cubic yards of organic waste per week must divert it from curbside garbage into organics bins. The Department of Ecology aims to cut organic material sent to landfills by 75 percent by 2030, using 2015 as a baseline, and decrease edible food disposal by 20 percent by 2025.

By April 1, 2027, cities and counties in an Organics Recycling Collection Area (ORCA) must make year-round organics collection available to all residential customers except multifamily, and all non-residential customers producing more than 0.25 cubic yards weekly. Service must be provided at least 26 times per year. Development regulations amended after January 1, 2025, must allow siting of organic materials management facilities in industrial, agricultural, or rural zones.

Transfer station fees vary significantly by county. Seattle-area facilities in King County charge $140 or more per ton, while Eastern Washington facilities are typically less expensive. Residential self-haul fees depend on load size, so calling ahead for current pricing is recommended. Manufacturers must take back certain products including paint, electronics, and medications through product stewardship programs, with drop-off at participating retailers and designated collection sites.

Municipal solid waste landfill permit applications follow procedures in Chapter 173-351-720 WAC. Applicants should first contact their local health department to discuss permit application standards and fees. RCW 70A.205.130 requires Ecology approval before health departments issue or renew landfill permits, and allows both Ecology and health departments to suspend permits and issue penalties for violations. Before visiting any facility, check with your county for accepted materials, fees, and operating hours.