Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bellingham
Washington state municipal collections operate on weekly zone-based routes. Specific days are determined by your Organics Recycling Collection Area (ORCA).
State Mandate
Comply with the WA Organics Management Law. E-waste and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside collection services are provided by Sanitary Service Company (SSC) under contract with the City of Bellingham and are billed directly by SSC.
Billing Cycle
Bi-Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail
Pro Tip / Discount
Discounts are available for qualified low-income households, seniors (62+), and individuals with disabilities through the City's Customer Assistance Program, which can also reduce SSC garbage rates.
Black or Grey Bin (Trash)
All regular garbage must be securely bagged and tied before being placed in the bin. Carts should be placed at the curb the night before your scheduled pickup day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene)
- ✓Pet waste and kitty litter
- ✓Broken ceramics and glass
- ✓Diapers and sanitary products
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Bellingham utilizes a single-stream recycling system. Do not bag your recyclables; all empty, clean, and dry items should be tossed loosely directly into the 96-gallon cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film wrappers
- ✕Food waste and liquids
- ✕Styrofoam blocks or peanuts
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
The FoodPlus! program uses a 60-gallon green bin with a yellow lid. This service is mandatory for single-family homes and is collected every other week. Never use plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Kitchen food scraps (meat, dairy, vegetables)
- ✓Compostable takeout containers and packaging
- ✓Leaves, grass clippings, and weeds
- ✓Branches and plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand by appointment
Placement
You must complete an online form to approve your estimate. Once scheduled, set your items at the curb at the agreed-upon time, keeping them clear of vehicles and overhead wires.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Sofas, chairs, and large furniture
- ✓ Major household appliances
- ✓ Electronics and remodeling debris
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste or chemicals
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Hot tubs containing water or chemicals (must be drained)
- ✕ Unsecured piles of loose debris
Rates vary based on the type of item, size of the load, and your location. Contact SSC at 360-734-3490 for an exact quote.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The SSC business office and collection routes are closed on most major holidays. If your scheduled pickup falls on a holiday, collection is generally delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
The FoodPlus! organics collection follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as regular garbage and recycling.
For exact holiday schedule shifts, residents are strongly encouraged to use the SSC Collection Schedule Calendar tool or the ReCollect mobile app.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruarySevere Pacific Northwest snowstorms or icy hills can delay SSC collection trucks. Download the SSC mobile app to receive real-time weather alerts and updated recovery schedules.
Spring
May - JuneDuring the WWU student move-out period, do not abandon furniture on city sidewalks or dumpsters. Utilize the 'Pack it Out!' resources to donate goods, or call SSC for a 'You Call, We Haul' bulky item pickup.
Fall
October - NovemberKeep Bellingham's storm drains clear of falling leaves to prevent neighborhood flooding. Place all yard debris into your FoodPlus! bin rather than sweeping it into the street.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans? Bellingham's Got Cash Back!
Did you know you can turn those empty bottles and cans into actual cash right here in Washington? The state has a program where you can get 10 cents back for most beverage containers. While Bellingham itself might not have a dedicated buyback center within the city limits, places like the Bottle & Can Redemption Center in nearby Everett are fantastic options. Keep an eye out for local community events or partnerships that might offer temporary redemption drives, or plan a trip to a larger redemption center in the broader Whatcom County area. It's a simple way to make a little extra while doing good for the planet!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Bellingham
Before you toss that perfectly good couch or those clothes you just don't wear anymore, think about giving them a new home right here in Bellingham. Organizations like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Pacific Highway in Bellingham are always looking for furniture, appliances, and building materials. You can also check out local thrift stores such as the Whatcom Humane Society Thrift Store on King Street – they accept clothing, household items, and more, and your donations support their animal welfare efforts. Donating not only keeps items out of the landfill but also helps support important local causes.
Bellingham's Battle Against Blight: Cleanups and Reporting
Keeping Bellingham beautiful is a team effort! While there aren't always scheduled city-wide hazardous waste collection days advertised consistently, it's smart to keep an eye on the City of Bellingham's Public Works or Waste Management pages for any special events or drop-off locations. For things like old paint, batteries, or electronics that can't go in your regular bins, look into the Whatcom County Household Hazardous Waste program, which often has designated drop-off sites. If you ever spot illegal dumping, don't hesitate to report it. You can usually do this by calling the City of Bellingham's Public Works department or using their online reporting tool – swift reporting helps them address the issue quickly and keep our shared spaces clean.
Drop-off Facilities
Bellingham Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center
1001 Roeder Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
Materials Accepted
Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics
3505 Airport Dr, Bellingham, WA 98226
Materials Accepted
Cedarville Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center
3463 Cedarville Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides garbage and recycling pickup in Bellingham, WA?
Residential garbage, recycling, and organic waste collection in the City of Bellingham is managed by a private contractor, Sanitary Service Company (SSC). You can reach them at 360-734-3490.
What is the FoodPlus! program in Bellingham?
FoodPlus! is Bellingham's organic waste collection program. Single-family residents are required to use a 60-gallon green bin with a yellow lid to dispose of kitchen scraps, yard debris, and compostable takeout containers, which is picked up every other week.
Do I have to sort my recycling into three bins?
No. In 2024, Bellingham and SSC switched to a single-stream recycling system. You now place all of your empty, clean, and dry recyclables loosely into a single 96-gallon wheeled cart.
How do I throw away an old couch or mattress in Bellingham?
You can schedule a curbside bulk pickup through SSC's 'You Call, We Haul' program for an additional fee, or you can self-haul the items to the Bellingham Drop Box Facility located at 1001 Roeder Avenue.