Did you hear? We’ve made some changes to Pierce County’s recycling program. Shredded paper, cartons and plant pots are no longer accepted in your recycling cart.

To make sure the material we collect has the best chance of being made into new products, we needed to update our list of accepted items.

Learn more about why we made these changes.

Recycle the right things: Review the list of accepted items and request an updated reminder magnet.

Don't wishcycle: When you put things in your recycling cart because you think they should or might be recycled, you cause contamination that affects the whole system.

Look for ways to reduce waste: Recycling is only part of the solution. Help reduce and reuse items that might otherwise end up in the landfill.

Bethel Elementary Learning Academy, Bethel School District

For a closer look at where the recyclables and garbage collected in Pierce County end up, students from Bethel Elementary Learning Academy toured both the 304th Street Landfill in Graham and the recycling facility at Hidden Valley Transfer Station. Students also created a video to help teach others about waste in our community.

Way to go, BELA!

Edible Gardens Workshop Series
February–November
Dates and locations vary
More info

Second Sundays at Morse Wildlife Preserve
Free admission, April through October from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
July 14
August 11
September 8
More info

Community Days at the Farm at Franklin Pierce Schools
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Volunteer on Fridays and Saturdays through the growing season
More info

Summer reading
Earth Matters newsletter News about waste reduction and recycling in Pierce County
Clearing Magazine Environmental literacy education in the Pacific Northwest

Puyallup Watershed grant applications due July 1
This small grants program supports projects that improve habitats and water quality in Pierce County. The 2019 cycle will award up to $20,000 to high quality project proposals thanks to our matching partners: Stormwater Community of Interest of the Puyallup Watershed Initiative and Pierce County.
More info

If you're looking for an active outdoor adventure, embrace our local parks, forests, refuges and other public lands and waters. For some great ideas, check out this map that highlights many of the cool places to walk, ride and hike in Pierce County.

Below, find more outdoor activities to enjoy with your family and friends, and get ready for your next fishing, boating, camping, hiking and biking adventure!

Pierce County Parks • Tacoma Metro Parks • Washington State Parks • 
Mount Rainier National Park  • Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge