Geezer at the scale was rude as hell from the get. Paid $80 to drop a mattress off because I live right on the edge of UP and Tacoma. Next time I’ll just dump it at that scale dudes studio apartment.
Was told I was unincorporated pierce county and it would be $8 per 100lbs for yard waste. I guess I should have read the sign but was shocked to pay the $40 minimum. I have a Tacoma address and have been here before but I would have LOVED a reminder that I would pay $40 for 60lbs of yard waste
Tpu is run by orange and gray cats. They constantly spazz out and when questioned they just tuck tail and run away. They cut my power off without a warning and when asked they said they don't have to give a written warning. I called there supervisor who said that was incorrect. It was freezing temps and I have two children one a baby. They refused to admit their mistake or have any empathy. If I didn't have to have them for my rental I wouldn't. Do better tpu.
We've used the Tacoma station for decades. Easy access. Free for regular stuff. Light traffic in the recycle area but can be busy in the main garbage lane. For years I change my car oil next to the oil recycle area. Last year I was excoriated by a woman worker and told I would be fined if I do it again. Left a bad taste in my mouth but just for the hag.
Garbage disposal - garbage people.
TPU has a singular gift for hiring the worst people I've ever talked to. This time it was a man who wanted to charge me non-resident rates because their system hadn't activated my account yet, even though I showed him the email stating that my TPU account may take some time to fully activate (it finally activated today - 10 days later).
Dealing with TPU is literally the worst thing I've found about living in Tacoma, from my water that they shut off after I activated my account the first time I moved to town, to their garbage tsar this time. They never fail to disappoint and prove why monopolies are criminalized.
They refuse to take old machine that got oil inside, they only take clean metal. If a comercial site with full setup like this refuse to do their job, it means people have to dump and clean dirty oil in the back yard, then bring clean stuff to the site. Does it make sense? is it safe for invironment?
Perfect example of how socialism works. The Tacoma ran transfer station collects money from all the tax payers and then also charges more for their dump fees than local private competitors. LRI costs $35 to dump a box spring. Tacoma said $80 minimum for non-Tacoma residents and $51 minimum for Tacoma residents.
Who doesn’t love the dump?!? It’s so easy. You take all your unnecessary and unused items in your car and chuck it at. Big pile of other people’s unused stuff. Self serve and feels so good.
It was a transfer station (dump). The staff did their job (bring proof of address). Way too many signs and random collections by staff and equipment. Simple enough to navigate.
A very easy place to deposit your recycling items. Dumpsters are clearly posted as to which items are for deposit. Easy access to these Dumpsters and all areas are very clean and well kept. All Dumpsters appear to be emptied and kept ready for depositing materials at all times.
Over the phone, I used call 2haul but didn't want to wait, so I used the free alternative option call2haul which meant i dropped it off during a windowed time (had a few days to complete one trip) and it was free (not 20$)! Kind of confusing the first time going through it, they give you a card at first check pt, and you drive to drop off, UN load, and when you are leaving you hand it back to a different agent after you are done unloading and then it's done! Pic is of first check pt.
Drive in and park next to the bins to drop off your household recycling. They take cardboard, paper, plastic tubs and bottles, plastic film, styrofoam, batteries, motor oil, and more.
This facility is equipped to allow people to dispose of several different types of garbage. They recycle glass and cardboard, but people can also dispose of other types of garbage. Not sure about furniture or TV's bit anything else provided it's not hazardous etc, is allowed. The process is very easy for a first time user, the staff appear willing to help out someone who is new to the process. Best of all the cost is not that bad for city Tacoma residents it's $20 for 40 lbs (they ask for ID) it's not the most run place I've ever been to but it is a dump after all. But appears efficiently run and not as as I was expecting.
Great customer service. Check their website before going if you’re planning on recycling during COVID. There are certain days when the recycle center is closed. Also break down all of your boxes before you leave home to make things easier to separate upon arrival.
My wife and I have been keen recyclers for years. As Tacoma citizens, we make an effort to recycle. Our facility is top notch, efficient and friendly. It is streamlined. It has become a pleasant drive and pleasant chore. It is really the best! If you are eligible and wondering, take a chance and participate. It is really a very good county service that becomes a good and satisfying habit, and helps our county to improve our quality of life tremendously. Please get involved.
I've worked in the recycling business for several years up until the pandemic. And I have to say that this recycling and transfer center is the best I have seen in the local area. Sure, the one in King County at Bow Lake is a close 2nd but how can you compete with FREE YARD WASTE DISPOSAL! You can't.
Best place to dump or recycle!
I came back home and all my plastic was on the middle of the road, do you guys even train youre drivers to do their job correctly and second thing theyre driving really FAST in streets SLOW DOWN
I never have a problem at the facility but man, slow your trucks down in the residential neighborhoods. One of your trucks not making any stops just flew down A. St..no stops just like they were late to lunch. Too many kids on our street and inattentive drivers backing out of their driveway to be in that much of a hurry. When they hit the speed hump it sounded like the truck was gonna fall apart. Slow down, drive like your kids are around.
Usually quick, and easy but some people customers are slow at the scales and there can be delays but if you know the system there can't be many hang ups.
Two lines with one for yard waste and the other for house refuse would be a great idea and certainly an estimation could be made for weight if need be found the yard or another way of handling the issue of weight.
Just doesn't make sense to wait for an opportunity to dump waste and you are saving the city money by doing this yourself.
If I could give 25 Stars. Friendly. Helpful. I was in a semi truck too big for the facility. They got me they the toughest turns. Many thanks to office personnel Edna and Violet, gate guard Michelle and the inbound scale lady I food not get her name and the outbound scale lady I did not get her name. Thanks also to the five other men giving me instructions and keeping me in the correct direction and where to unload. Kudos to all.
I'm not sure how people can complain about a FREE site for recycling just about anything, including hazardous materials. It's well organized and clearly labelled. Bins are emptied regularly.
The cost for disposal of garbage (whatever you can't recycle) is pretty reasonable. The staff that manage the disposal area are friendly and funny,
I have been a residential customer as well as commercial customer for years. Solid Waste is very consistent, clean, and thorough with their regular pick ups. They also are very responsive for special pick ups (like furniture), roll-on dumpsters, and every one of the dozens of staff I've worked with have been friendly and professional.
I wish the website would show how to change the size of a customer's garbage bin. The site provides the rates and sizes, but leaves it to the customer's imagination as to how to accomplish the change. I've been pleased with their service on the days when I've actually gone there.
Feb 15, 2016
Nearest Junkyards to Tacoma Recovery & Transfer Center
1115 Earnest S Brazill St unit 2, Tacoma, WA
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