Whatcom County, WA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- County Landfill
- None active
- Self-Haul
- Transfer and drop-box stations
- Appliances
- Refrigerant removed first
- Illegal Dumping
- Civil infraction
Summary
No active landfill operates in Whatcom County. Large items go out through hauler bulky-item pickup by appointment, or you self-haul to one of several transfer and drop-box stations. Recycling & Disposal Services in Ferndale, SSC's Cedarville site near Everson, and Nooksack Valley Disposal in Lynden.
It shall be unlawful for any person to dump or deposit or permit the dumping or depositing of any solid waste or dangerous waste onto or under the surface of the ground or into the waters of this county except at a solid waste or dangerous waste disposal site for which there is a valid permit.
Full Breakdown
Bulky waste is handled by your hauler or by self-haul, not by a county pickup route. Sanitary Service Company and Recycling & Disposal Services take large items by appointment for a fee; appliances must have refrigerant removed first, and construction debris is not eligible for curbside pickup. For self-haul, county transfer and drop-box stations charge by weight or volume, and household hazardous waste goes to the Disposal of Toxics facility. Dumping items on the ground instead is unlawful under Whatcom County Code 8.28.080.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping over one cubic foot is a Class 1 civil infraction plus a $25-per-cubic-foot cleanup fee under WCC 8.28.100; smaller amounts are a Class 3 infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take a couch or mattress?
What if I just dump it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whatcom County
Compare Whatcom County to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview
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