State regulators approve settlement with DTG Enterprises

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

Settlement results in a new rulemaking addressing solid waste haulers in Washington

LACEY, Wash. - On Feb. 9, 2026, the Utilities and Transportation Commission approved a settlement with DTG Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a DTG Recycling or DTG).

In 2024, staff claimed DTG did not follow state law by collecting and hauling solid waste from customers as part of its recycling operations in 2023. DTG does not have the required commission-issued certificate to collect solid waste. Based on the alleged violations, staff recommended a penalty of nearly $3.4 million.

The settlement does not include a monetary penalty but requires DTG to track and report on recycling rates more closely. It also requires DTG to improve measures to reduce the amount of solid waste collected with recyclable materials, which includes:

• Educating customers about construction and recycling services and helping them find a solid waste provider.

• Publishing lists of what can and cannot go in recycling dumpsters.

• Labeling the recycling dumpsters more clearly.

• Investing in automated sorting technology and training staff to identify acceptable and prohibited items.

• Rejecting loads with prohibited items based on visual inspection, and fining violators.

Due to the complexity of the issue, the settlement allows for a new rulemaking process. This work will look at how the issues in the case affect the solid waste industry statewide.

The commission noted that starting a rulemaking and withdrawing a complaint as part of a settlement agreement is rare and is based on the unique and complex nature of this case. They also noted that staff will file a motion to dismiss the complaint against DTG with prejudice.

About the UTC
The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electric utilities, telecommunications companies, natural gas and water companies, solid waste collection 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.

About DTG
DTG Enterprises, Inc. is the largest vertically integrated recycler of construction, demolition, industrial, manufacturing, organic, and electronic waste in the Pacific Northwest. The company provides services across Washington state.

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