Whatcom County, WA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Schedule options
- Weekly, every-other-week, or monthly
- Standard can sizes
- 15-20 gal, 30-32 gal, up to 90 gal
- Point Roberts minimum service
- 26 pickups/year since Jan 1, 2019
- Rate regulator
- WA Utilities and Transportation Commission
- Certified haulers
- SSC, Nooksack Valley Disposal, WM, Cando
Summary
Certified haulers must collect residential garbage in unincorporated Whatcom County on a schedule set by WCC § 8.10.040: weekly, every-other-week, or monthly. Standard cans run 15 to 32 gallons, with 60- and 90-gallon carts optional. Since January 1, 2019, Point Roberts homes with septic systems can no longer opt out of curbside service.
A. Solid waste collection companies shall perform collection and hauling of garbage from single-family residences that request collection service in unincorporated portions of Whatcom County. Service to single-family residences shall be provided on a schedule of either weekly, every-other-week or monthly collection. B. Garbage containers provided by and for single-family residences shall be 30 to 32 gallons and 15 to 20 gallons. Solid waste collection companies may also offer 60- or 90-gallon containers. ... Ninety-gallon-can service shall be available only on a weekly or every-other-week basis. ... D. Effective January 1, 2019, single-family residences located in Point Roberts, with on-site sewage systems, shall no longer be exempt from mandatory curbside collection services. As a minimum level of service, the minimum required curbside collection service shall be 26 annual pickups, to occur at the discretion of the customer on any day of the approved every-other-week garbage collection schedule, of a 32-gallon can, and source separated recyclables.
Full Breakdown
77 RCW, and the state Utilities and Transportation Commission sets and audits their rates. 040 requires those haulers to serve any single-family residence that requests service on a weekly, every-other-week, or monthly schedule, using county-approved 30-to-32-gallon or 15-to-20-gallon 'mini-can' containers, with 60- and 90-gallon carts offered only on weekly or every-other-week routes. 040(D) ended the standing exemption for Point Roberts homes on septic systems: those households must now take at least the minimum service level of 26 annual pickups of a 32-gallon can plus source-separated recyclables, billed as an annual fee on the property tax statement under the UTC-approved tariff.
Larger cans, more frequent pickup, or carry-out service cost extra and are billed directly by the hauler. 090 lets the county executive and the certified haulers jointly adjust collection frequency, rural service levels, or rates, subject to county council approval, if the UTC issues a conflicting order.
Violations & Fines
WCC § 8.10.040 sets no separate fine for a missed pickup; enforcement runs through the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, which certifies haulers under Chapter 81.77 RCW and handles service complaints. Any change to collection frequency or rural service levels needs sign-off from the county executive and the hauler under WCC § 8.10.090, then county council approval, so a route cannot be unilaterally cut. Point Roberts households that lost their septic exemption in 2019 are billed the minimum annual fee on their property tax statement whether or not they use the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is garbage pickup mandatory in unincorporated Whatcom County?
How often is garbage picked up?
Who picks up the trash, the county?
Can the county change my pickup day or frequency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whatcom County
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