UTC recommends $3,389,000 penalty to DTG Enterprises for operating without a required certificate

Media contact: 360-664-1116 or [email protected]
Docket number: TG-240761

LACEY, Wash. - The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission filed a complaint against DTG Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a DTG Recycling or DTG) for violating state law by engaging in business as a solid waste collection company without the required certificate between Jan. 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023.

In January 2017, DTG received a Common Carrier Permit, which does not allow solid waste collection and disposal. From 2020 through 2023, UTC staff received complaints about DTG's operations, including the transport and disposal of solid waste. Staff communicated with DTG about the violations with clear instructions on becoming compliant and attached an application for a solid waste certificate. The application was not submitted until July 2024.

In their investigation, staff found that DTG collected and received 186,898 tons of waste for disposal in Snohomish County, between Jan. 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023. By doing so, DTG committed 3,389 violations of RCW 81.77.040 when it knowingly transported 3,389 loads of residual solid waste from its material recovery facility to Snohomish County solid waste facilities.

Staff recommends that the commission assess a penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation, totaling $3,389,000. Additionally, staff requests that a cease-and-desist order be issued directing DTG to stop any operations that violate RCW 81.77.040, and other relief as appropriate.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission will hold a prehearing conference to establish a schedule to review the complaint.

Washington State law requires companies to obtain a solid waste certificate from the commission to transport solid waste for compensation. Customers can check to see if their solid waste company's certificate is active using the UTC's lookup tool and can report any suspected illegal garbage companies by emailing [email protected], calling 360-522-6121, or online.

DTG Enterprises, Inc. is the largest recycler of commercial, industrial, construction, and demolition waste in the Pacific Northwest, serving across Washington state.

The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned solid waste collection companies, electric utilities, telecommunications companies, natural gas and water companies, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or Internet service.

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