Pet Waste Program Overview

Thank you for your interest in picking up pet waste responsibly. This simple action keeps neighborhoods and public areas clean and helps protect our local waters from harmful fecal coliform bacteria that can collect in stormwater runoff during rain and snowmelt events. Bag and trash it every time to keep pet waste from getting into our underground drinking water, salmon-bearing streams, and local swimming lakes.
  • Pet waste stations must be installed in unincorporated Thurston County. If you live in Olympia, Lacey, or Tumwater, go to streamteam.info/pet-waste/ to apply.
  • Read the terms and conditions, press "Next", complete the application, and submit.
  • The County will contact you regarding your eligibility.
Terms and Conditions

Homeowners' associations, neighborhood associations, apartment complexes, and schools in unincorporated Thurston County can apply for a free pet waste station. If there are more than 50 housing units, you may be eligible for multiple stations. Each station comes with a bag dispenser, 400 bags, and a weatherproof, "Bag it and Trash it Everytime" sign. Here are the rules for getting and keeping a pet waste station:

1. OWNERSHIP. The person applying must have the authority to install the pet waste station on their property.
2. INSTALLATION. The applicant agrees to pick up the station(s) from Thurston County Community Planning. The applicant agrees to install the station(s) within two weeks of pick-up, unless the County gives prior approval. The post and the cement are the applicant's responsibility. The applicant agrees to email photos of the pet waste station(s) once installed to StormwaterUtility@co.thurston.wa.us.
3. MULTIPLE DISPENSERS. When available, neighborhoods may apply for more than one dispenser. Generally, the County provides one dispenser per 50 housing units. Supply may be limited due to demand.
4. PET WASTE BAGS. The applicant agrees to refill the bag dispenser. You can buy bags from online retailers.
5. MAINTENANCE. The applicant agrees to maintain the pet waste station(s). This includes:
  • Cleaning the sign and bag dispenser
  • Making minor repairs
  • Keeping the dispenser stocked with bags
  • Reporting any major repairs to StormwaterUtility@co.thurston.wa.us.
6. CLEANLINESS AND GARBAGE. The neighborhood is not required to install a garbage can at or near the pet waste station. Most neighborhoods have a high success rate without installing garbage cans. The neighborhood needs to properly dispose of any used bags left on the ground by the station.
7. VANDALISM AND THEFT. Neighborhoods are responsible for minor vandalism to the station. In the case of major vandalism or theft, Thurston County Community Planning may replace the pet waste station, as supplies allow.
8. INSPECTION. The applicant agrees to allow Thurston County staff to inspect the installation and maintenance of the station(s).
9. RIGHT TO REMOVE. The County reserves the right to remove the pet waste station(s) if they are not properly maintained or are repeatedly vandalized.
10. EVALUATION. The County may send out an annual evaluation form. Upon receipt of a completed evaluation, the applicant will be eligible for 500 pet waste bags per station, at no cost.

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