Bellingham, WA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

040 sets both the container standards and the mandatory-service rule for Bellingham's exclusive-hauler system. Subsection (A) requires garbage, recyclables, and organics to go in a receptacle no larger than 30 gallons unless the city's contractor supplies a 60- or 90-gallon automated cart; containers must be secured against dogs or other animals, fitted with insect- and rodent-proof lids kept closed, and stored off any public street, alley, or sidewalk except around collection time, with a weight cap of 50 pounds per 30 gallons of capacity. Subsection (B) is the service mandate itself: universal and compulsory use of garbage collection and disposal for every single-family dwelling unit and commercial location is mandatory, with the sole exception of two-, three-, and four-unit residences that have obtained city approval to share combined service.

Opting out entirely is not available to an ordinary household or business. 157; low-income seniors and disabled residents who qualify get a 15 percent reduction off the base rate on approval by the finance director. Unpaid charges become a lien on the property, filed with the county auditor and foreclosed like a labor-and-material lien if not paid within a year. 070 lets the public works director dispatch the contractor to collect it and bill the cost to the owner or tenant on top of the regular charge.