Bellingham, WA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Paper, cardboard, aluminum, scrap metal
- Free pickup
- No charge for curbside recycling
- Consent required
- For non-contracted collectors
- Penalty
- Up to $500 civil infraction
Summary
Bellingham makes it unlawful to collect baled paper, cardboard, aluminum or other recyclable material from any premises without the owner's consent, unless you're the city's contracted hauler.
It is unlawful for any person, other than a contractor having a contract for garbage collection and disposal with the city, to collect, remove, haul or dispose of any of the following baled or packaged materials: (1) paper; (2) kraft material; (3) cardboard; (4) aluminum; and (5) any other recyclable material from any public or privately owned premises within the city, without first obtaining the consent of the occupant or owner of the premises.
C. It is unlawful for any person, other than a contractor having a contract for garbage collection and disposal with the city, to collect, remove, haul or dispose of food scraps, food-soiled papers, yard waste, and contractor-approved compostable packaging. [Ord. 2025-02-003 § 1; Ord. 10892 § 2, 1997; Ord. 9949 § 2, 1989; Ord. 9372 § 1, 1984; Ord. 8293 § 2, 1974].
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 9.12.020(B) bars anyone other than the contractor holding the city's garbage-collection contract from collecting or hauling baled or packaged paper, kraft material, cardboard, aluminum, or any other recyclable material from public or private premises, unless the owner or occupant consents. BMC 9.12.030(A) then requires the contractor to pick up recyclable materials at no charge when residents set them out under the public works director's published directives, making curbside recycling a standard part of city collection service rather than an optional or fee-based add-on.
Violations & Fines
Hauling recyclables without the owner's consent or outside the city's collection contract is a civil infraction under BMC 9.12.080, punishable by a fine up to $500 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is curbside recycling free in Bellingham?
Can a scrap collector take my recycling bin in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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