Trash & Recycling in Bellingham, WA (2026)
3 verified trash & recycling rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Residential garbage, recycling, and FoodPlus! organic waste collection in Bellingham are provided by Sanitary Service Company (SSC), a locally-owned (since 1929) hauler under contract with the City of Bellingham. The contract is authorized through BMC Chapter 9.12 (Garbage Collection). BMC 9.12.020 reserves collection, removal, hauling and disposal of baled or packaged recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, aluminum, etc.) to the city's contractor — making private scavenging and competing collection without consent of the owner unlawful. All single-family homes are provided three separately labeled toters for garbage, recycling, and yard waste. Customer service for residential accounts runs through SSC.
Trash Pickup Rules in Bellingham
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Bellingham's Sanitary Service Company (SSC) — operating under BMC Chapter 9.12 — requires residential carts to be set out at curbside or alley side the evening before scheduled pickup, so the toter is in place before the truck arrives in the morning. Bulky items that don't fit inside the toter (cut to 4 feet long, tied in a bundle, max 50 lbs) may be set beside the toter for an additional charge. Containers must be at the curb or alley side per BMC 9.12.040 and must be the city-contractor-provided toter for garbage and recycling service.
Refuse Cart Placement in Bellingham
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Sanitary Service Company (SSC) provides bulk disposal options for Bellingham residents under BMC Chapter 9.12, including (1) regular curbside bulky-debris pickup beside the toter (cut to 4 feet, tied bundle, max 50 lbs, extra charge), (2) on-demand curbside junk hauling, and (3) SSC Transfer Stations in Bellingham, Birch Bay, and Cedarville (Sumas) which accept garbage and recycling at no charge for SSC subscribers. Refrigerants, e-waste, and household hazardous waste are handled through separate Washington programs — Washington E-Cycle (Chapter 70A.500 RCW), Whatcom County household hazardous waste collection, and federal Clean Air Act Section 608 (40 CFR Part 82) refrigerant handling.
Bulk and Special Waste Disposal in Bellingham
Some RestrictionsLooking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Whatcom County →