Recycling is mandatory in unincorporated Whatcom County — but the duty sits on the haulers, not you. County Code 8.10.050 requires every single-family home on garbage service to get recycling collection at least every other week, the same day as garbage. It comes bundled with your trash service.
Whatcom County builds recycling into garbage service by code, so it is not optional or separately priced for most homes. WCC 8.10.050 requires curbside recycling at least every other week on the garbage day; Sanitary Service Company supplies a 90-gallon recycling cart. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastic bottles and jugs — no plastic bags, film, or food-soiled items. Washington's solid-waste framework, RCW 70A.205, requires the county to maintain a comprehensive solid waste management plan behind these rules.
Contaminated carts are tagged and may be skipped, and repeat contamination can bring a surcharge. The county's mandate runs against haulers through service standards rather than fining individual households.
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See how Whatcom County's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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