From the Office of Resilience and Climate Action and Solid Waste Divisions | | Pierce County LOVES Renewable Energy | | |
Pierce County has set a big goal: to cut greenhouse gas emissions 45% by the year 2030. One way to do this is by using more electricity that comes from clean, renewable sources, like the sun!
Because solar power only works when the sun is shining, we also need battery energy storage systems (BESS). These batteries can save extra energy when demand is low and release it when people need more electricity. BESS can also be used as backup power sources, in place of traditional generators that burn fossil fuels.
County staff are working to simplify and streamline the permitting process for solar energy systems. For example, residential rooftop solar panel systems will be able to get same day, “over-the-counter” permits. For BESS, new County code will clarify where different sized systems may be installed, from small home-sized BESS to utility-scale systems, as well as clarify health and safety guidelines.
Learn more about the proposed solar and BESS code changes and how these changes could affect your community on our solar in county code webpage.
| | Ground-mounted Solar Panels | |  | Battery Energy Storage System | | | Free Energy Saving Improvements | | |
Applications are open for energy-saving improvements in multifamily apartment homes, adult family homes, family home child cares, and community spaces!
Through a regional partnership with Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties, the King County Energize program is serving communities throughout the Puget Sound region.
What is Energize?
The Energize program provides free, County-managed services and installations in multifamily apartment homes, community gathering spaces, adult family homes, and family home child cares to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and resident comfort, and to lower energy costs. Eligible applicants must be located in Pierce, King, Kitsap or Snohomish counties. Services provided under this program may include:
- Electric heat pump space and water heating
- Insulation, air sealing, and ventilation (also known as weatherization)
- Heat pump water heater upgrades
- Technical assistance for electrification and energy efficiency planning
Applications are now open! Please refer to the program websites for additional information about eligibility and application process.
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Ask Cupid!
Pierce County staff are often called on to settle disputes between loved ones about recycling. Here are some of the most common quarrels:
| | | | My husband and I have different opinions. Can you please tell me if lids can be left on plastic bottles going into the recycling bin? Some bottles even mention that the lid can be recycled, too! | | Recycling is handled locally, so you always need to check your local guidelines. Unfortunately, private companies and the media create confusion by making blanket statements that just aren’t true for everyone. In Pierce County we do not want any lids or caps in the recycling. Our local materials recovery facility asks that lids and caps be removed because their specific buyers do not want that type of plastic in with their plastic bottles. | | | | I think that if you see a chasing arrows symbol on a plastic item it can be recycled but my partner thinks it has to be a specific plastic. Who’s right? | | It has to be a specific plastic. We recycle plastics based on shape (bottles, jugs, tubs, buckets). This is because it is the shape and size of a plastic item that allows it to be properly sorted and processed at a recycling facility. If your item is one of those shapes you can place it in your recycling cart, otherwise, it should go in the trash. Please ignore the chasing arrows symbol on plastic items. | | | | Help! My significant other puts our recyclables through the dishwasher. I think this is overkill. How clean does our recycling actually need to be? | | Recyclables need to be 1) empty, 2) clean, and 3) dry before tossing into the recycling bin. They do not need to be run through the dishwasher. For particularly oily bottles it helps to give them a quick rinse with hot water and a squirt of dish soap in order to get them clean prior to putting in your recycling so there isn’t any food residue left. | | |
BONUS:
If you receive a Valentine card this year, remember that not all holiday cards are recyclable! Please do not put any cards with metallic inks, foil, wire, batteries, or glitter in your recycling bin.
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| Do you have a recycling question? Email us at PCRECYCLE@PierceCountyWa.gov. We’ll send you a direct response and your question may appear in a future newsletter! | | Join the "Emergency Ride Home" Program | |
If you are a sustainable commuter, you always have a guaranteed way home through Ride Together Pierce's "Emergency Ride Home" (ERH) program. This program provides Lyft vouchers to anyone who commutes sustainably to a worksite in Pierce County in the case of an emergency.
What counts as a sustainable commute? Walking, biking, riding transit (bus, train, light rail), or riding in a carpool or vanpool.
To participate in the program, sign up through the Ride Together Pierce trip calendar under "Rewards." Once opted in, you will receive three ERH credits to use each calendar year.
| | Learn with us in February | | | |
Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
Feb. 12, 5:30–7 p.m.
Graham Pierce County Library and virtual via Zoom
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Discover Your Transportation Options
Feb. 22, 2–3:30 p.m.
South Hill Pierce County Library and virtual via Zoom
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Your Voice Matters: Advocacy 101
Feb. 3, 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
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Valentines for the Planet Postcard Crafting Party
Feb. 14, Noon–1:30 p.m.
Lakewood Pierce County Library
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Explore & Restore
Feb. 21, 10 a.m.–Noon
Bresemann Forest in Parkland
| | February Edible Gardens Workshops | | |
The free Edible Gardens Workshop Series returns in 2026. Explore the basics of successful vegetable gardening with educators from Pierce County and Harvest Pierce County.
In February, our offerings include:
- Garden Planning for Summer - Feb. 7
- Seed Starting - Feb. 28
Hybrid and in-person classes are offered through October. View the schedule and register. Help us spread the word with our flyer.
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Read with us:
Listen with us:
Watch with us:
Do with us:
Civic engagement opportunities:
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