Solid Waste Regulation

Cowlitz County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) role in solid waste regulation is mandated by the Solid Waste Management Act  (RCW 70.95). The legislation requires CCHHS to enforce the Washington State Department of Ecology rules for solid waste facilities.

CCHHS issues permits and reviews and monitors performance of solid waste facilities including:

  • landfills
  • transfer stations
  • wood waste sites
  • concrete recycling facilities
  • asphalt recycling facilities
  • recycling facilities
  • exempt solid waste facilities

All solid waste facilities in the County are inspected on a regular basis to ensure proper handling of wastes to prevent environmental contamination.

A GIS map of solid waste facilities in the county is available online.

Illegal Dumping of Solid Waste

CCHHS investigates complaints concerning improper disposal of solid waste, animal wastes and illegal dumping of garbage on the ground.  Efforts are made to alleviate the problem through requests for voluntary compliance. Enforcement action, if needed, is by civil infraction and fines through the Cowlitz County District Court. Visit the Illegal Dumping of Solid Waste page for more information.

Tire Amnesty (Tire Recycling)

CCHHS, in collaboration with Washington State University Extension (WSU) and the Washington State Department of Ecology, hosts tire recycling amnesty events for Cowlitz County residents. Visit the Tire Amnesty (Tire Recycling) page for more information.