State regulators file complaint against Prieto Landscaping LLC for unauthorized solid waste collection

Media contact: 360-664-1116 or [email protected]
Docket number: TG-240933

LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission filed a complaint against Prieto Landscaping LLC for operating as a solid waste collection company without the required certificate, which violates state law.

UTC staff found that between September 2024 and October 2024, Prieto Landscaping transported and disposed of solid waste, including construction materials, without obtaining a solid waste certificate. Under RCW 81.77.040, companies must obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity before transporting solid waste for compensation.

Despite prior notices from UTC staff outlining the certification requirements, Prieto Landscaping continued to provide solid waste collection services. The investigation identified 147 violations of state law, leading staff to recommend a penalty of $1,000 per violation, totaling $147,000.

The UTC will hold a prehearing conference at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, to establish a schedule for reviewing the complaint and determining appropriate enforcement actions.

Washington state law requires companies to obtain a solid waste certificate from the commission to transport solid waste for compensation. Customers can verify if a company is properly certified using the commission's lookup tool and report illegal waste haulers by emailing [email protected], calling 360-522-6121, or online.

Prieto Landscaping LLC is a Washington-based company that provides landscaping services and waste hauling for residential and commercial customers.

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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