Thurston County pilot hazardous-waste reuse program had limited uptake; staff plans expanded outreach next year

Thurston County Public Works presented results of a pilot household hazardous waste reuse program and outlined plans to broaden outreach next year.

The pilot ran seasonally April 1 through Sept. 30 and restricted participation to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and county departments. Laura Clubber, Public Works planner, said nonprofits signed up via an online liability waiver; approved organizations could collect re-usable materials at the Hazardous Waste ("Hazo House") facility during regular business hours.

"This year was a very, slow year for this program getting off the feet," Laura Clubber said. "We only had 3 liability waivers completed and 2 visits to the program this year. 40…