Thurston County to hand out compost made from local food and yard waste 

Thurston County has announced a compost giveaway and free workshops for residents on Saturday, May 3, to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week. 

According to the county, the distribution will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Hawk’s Prairie Park & Ride, 2548 Hogum Bay Road NE in Olympia.  

“Thurston County residents are invited to pick up a free 1/2 yard of bulk compost, generously donated by Brady Trucking,” the county announced. 

The compost will be “distributed on a first come, first served basis” and each household may take up to one-half cubic yard, equal to 20 5-gallon buckets, said Thurston County Solid Waste of the compost that originated from discarded food and yard clippings. 

“This compost started as food & yard waste from Thurston County Residents. It was then processed into a finished compost product by Brady Trucking in Shelton, WA.,” the county said. 

Per county direction, participants should “bring gloves, a shovel, and containers” and each person must manage their own loading. The county further noted that staff will not assist with hauling, and no delivery or deferred collection will be available. 

Compost know-how sessions 

Meanwhile, two in-person compost workshops will also be held the same day at the Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden. The event is organized by the Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Program, and is free of charge and open to all locals. 

The lineup starts with “Food and Yard Waste Composting” at 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by “Worm Composting” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

“The workshops will be held rain or shine. Dress for the weather. … The demonstration garden is outside so dress for the weather. Seating is limited and filled first-come, first-served. If you plan on arriving late you are welcome to bring your own chair,” the county added. 

For more details, residents may contact (360) 867-2491 or visit Thurston County Solid Waste's official web page.