The Pierce County solid waste system serves the unincorporated areas of the county, as well as the cities and towns which have interlocal agreements to participate in the system. Pierce County Sustainable Resources oversees the transfer stations where your garbage and recycling ends up, whether your curbside service provider brings it or you self-haul it. Your location in Pierce County determines your curbside garbage and recycling provider.

Pierce County’s Sustainable Resources Division is also in charge of planning for the county’s solid waste management system and promoting waste reduction and recycling education. The City of Tacoma has a separate solid waste system.