
Environmental Services
Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department is dedicated to protecting public health and the environment through essential services like garbage and recycling collection, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and climate action planning. By ensuring clean water, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable practices, we are committed to ensuring healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound – leaving a better Tacoma for all.
Learn more about the utility services and other programs that the Environmental Services Department provides.
Contact Us
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Please call Customer Service for any of the following:
- wastewater, surface water and solid waste billing inquires
- to request a change of service
- to request replacement containers
- to schedule a Call-2-Haul appointment
- to report missed pick-ups
- questions regarding drop-off boxes
Customer Service is available Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: (253) 502-8600 -
For power/electricity inquiries or water inquiries please call the number below. For information about payment options, starting, and stopping service, credit and deposit policies, utility bill assistance and business hours for Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water, visit Tacoma Public Utilities online.
Tacoma Public Utilities
Phone: (253) 502-8600 -
For life-threatening emergencies, please dial 911. For other urgent issues related to sewer backups, storm drain flooding, or pollution concerns, contact our 24-hour emergency lines listed below.
- Sewer Backups: (253) 591-5585
- Storm Drain Flooding: (253) 591-5585
- Pollution Hotline: (253) 383-2429 (Leave a confidential message 24 hours/day)
- 24-Hour Emergency Line: (253) 591-5585
24-Hour Emergency Line
Phone: (253) 591-5585 -
The Environmental Services Director oversees the City’s Wastewater, Stormwater, and Solid Waste utilities and is located in the Center for Urban Waters building. For power or water inquiries, please contact TPU directly.
Environmental Services Director's Office
Phone: (253) 591-5588Fax: (253) 591-5300
Meet the Director
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Ramiro A. Chavez, P.E. PgMP
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Environmental Services Director & City Engineer
Ramiro A. Chavez, P.E. PgMP
Ramiro Chavez currently serves as the Director of Environmental Services and City Engineer for the City of Tacoma, a role he assumed in June 2025. Director Chavez oversees the Wastewater, Surface Water, and Solid Waste utilities, which collectively employ nearly 550 staff and operate with a biennial budget exceeding $450 million. Prior to this, he served as the City’s Public Works Director. With more than 30 years of experience in public service, Director Chavez has built a distinguished career in utility services, public works, architecture, public administration, and project management.
Prior to joining the City of Tacoma, Ramiro served as the County Manager for Thurston County, where he oversaw the Public Works, Public Health, Social Services, and Economic Development departments. Ramiro began serving as County Manager for Thurston County in an interim capacity, starting in June 2016, and in a permanent capacity starting in February 2017. Ramiro joined the City of Tacoma as a part of his return to his passion for public works.
Ramiro’s background in public infrastructure and municipal management is extensive. As Public Works Director for Thurston County, he was responsible for utility services – including sewer, water, stormwater, and solid waste – as well as the development and maintenance of public spaces, transportation systems, and parks. Earlier in his career, he served as Transportation Division Manager for Pierce County’s Public Works Department, where he led major transportation initiatives and planning efforts.
Education
Architecture Degree, Central University of Ecuador
Professional Affiliations
- American Public Works Association (APWA)
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
- International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
- Project Management Institute (PMI)
Professional Licensing/Registrations
- Licensed Professional Engineer (Washington)
- Program Management Professional (PMI)
Find us on Social Media
Tacoma is developing its first Stormwater Comprehensive Plan (SWCP) and we want your input! Join us at one of our upcoming community workshops to learn about the plan and share your ideas for how Tacoma can reduce flooding, protect local waterways, and create healthier neighborhoods.
...➡️Friday July 18 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
In-person workshop at Tacoma Community House
Learn about Environmental Services careers and get an overview of the SWCP.
➡️Tuesday July 29 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Online presentation (via Zoom)
Learn what’s in the plan and how it supports cleaner water and healthier neighborhoods.
🔗 Register here: bit.ly/44xg8zf or click the link in our bio
At these workshops, you’ll:
🌊 Learn about Tacoma’s first-ever Stormwater Comprehensive Plan
🌎 Hear how the City plans to tackle stormwater pollution and flooding
💡 Share your ideas and help shape the future of our neighborhoods
Tacoma is developing its first Stormwater Comprehensive Plan (SWCP) and we want your input! Join us at one of our upcoming community workshops to learn about the plan and share your ideas for how Tacoma can reduce flooding, protect local waterways, and create healthier neighborhoods.
...➡️Friday July 18 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
In-person workshop at Tacoma Community House
Learn about Environmental Services careers and get an overview of the SWCP.
➡️Tuesday July 29 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Online presentation (via Zoom)
Learn what’s in the plan and how it supports cleaner water and healthier neighborhoods. Register here: bit.ly/44xg8zf
At these workshops, you’ll:
🌊 Learn about Tacoma’s first-ever Stormwater Comprehensive Plan
🌎 Hear how the City plans to tackle stormwater pollution and flooding
💡 Share your ideas and help shape the future of our neighborhoods