Does Whatcom County, WA have its own pickup rules & schedules ordinance?

No. Whatcom County, WA does not appear to have a local pickup rules & schedules ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Revised Code of Washington.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Whatcom County

Whatcom County, WA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County Collection: Regulated, privately run
Main Hauler: Sanitary Service, UTC G-14
Minimum Service: 26 pickups per year
Rates Set By: WA UTC (RCW 81.77)

Summary

Whatcom County doesn't run collection trucks itself; UTC-certificated private haulers do, led by Sanitary Service Company under Certificate G-14. County code sets the floor, though: at least 26 pickups a year on an every-other-week schedule, garbage and recycling together.

City-specific rules exist: Bellingham has its own pickup rules & schedules rules that differ from Whatcom County's county-level regulations. If you live in Bellingham, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Source: Revised Code of WashingtonView official code

Full Breakdown

There is no county-operated curbside program; collection is performed by private companies the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission certificates and rate-regulates under RCW 81.77. Sanitary Service Company covers Bellingham and most of the unincorporated county, with Nooksack Valley Disposal around Lynden and Cando at Point Roberts. Whatcom County Code 8.10 requires each single-family home to receive at least 26 pickups a year of a 32-gallon can and recyclables, set out on the improved public road nearest the home on the designated day. Report missed pickups to your hauler, not the county.

Violations & Fines

Overweight or improperly set cans may be skipped by the hauler. Rate and service disputes go to the UTC, not the county. Illegally dumping instead of subscribing to service is a civil infraction under county litter control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Whatcom County pick up my trash?

Not directly. Collection is done by private, UTC-regulated haulers, mainly Sanitary Service Company, under county code standards. You subscribe with the certificated hauler for your area, not with the county.

What's the minimum service?

County code requires at least 26 pickups a year, an every-other-week schedule, of a 32-gallon can plus recyclables. You can subscribe to more frequent service.

Sources & Official References

[1]Revised Code of Washington

Other rules in Whatcom County

Collection ScheduleSome Restrictions Bulk Item DisposalSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Recycling RequirementsSome Restrictions Yard Waste CollectionFew Restrictions Dumpster RulesSome Restrictions Bin Placement RulesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingLight Restrictions

All Whatcom County rules

Compare Whatcom County to another location·View the Washington trash & recycling overview

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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Cities Across Whatcom County

Bellingham, WA