Please be a good neighbor by properly donating, selling, recycling, disposing of or otherwise removing your unwanted furniture and other belongings when you move out. Items that are left outside, even with a “free” sign, are rarely picked up by someone who needs it. Instead these items become litter that is hazardous to pedestrians, traffic and wildlife. Protect our community and environment by using the following resources when you move.
Donations
Many organizations in Bellingham accept gently used items for donation. Some of these organizations even offer free pickup services from your home. Please contact an organization or check their website before donating to make sure your items can be accepted.
- Habitat for Humanity Whatcom County accepts a variety of building materials and home goods.
- The RE Store accepts building materials, solid wood furniture, and some other items.
- Lydia Place accepts home goods and clothing donations for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County.
- Goodwill accepts a wide range of items, including gently used furniture, clothing, electronics and more.
- Value Village accepts small furniture and appliances, clothing, electronics and more.
WWU Move Out Madness
The Sustainability Engagement Institute at Western Washington University (WWU) typically hosts a Move Out Madness each spring. Move Out Madness allows students and community members to drop off well-loved items in good condition for other students, community members, and community organizations to take. Check the Sustainability Engagement Institute’s Upcoming Events calendar to see if a Move Out Madness event is happening soon.
Selling Items
In addition to hosting a garage sale or selling items to friends or neighbors, you can sell items on online marketplaces like craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. WWU students can join the WWU and Bellingham Buy/Trade/Sell Facebook group.
Always practice caution when meeting an online stranger in person. Meet in a public, visible place and bring a friend. The Bellingham Police Department offers two “Safe Exchange” parking spots in front of their building in downtown Bellingham at 505 Grand Avenue. These parking spots provide a safe place for individuals to meet to buy or sell items online.
Recycling and Disposal Services
If you are unable to donate or sell your items, you can properly recycle or dispose of them using services provided by the following companies:
- Recycling & Disposal Services, Inc. (RDS) is open every day. They accept loads of recycling, garbage, yard waste, and more for a fee. They also accept some electronic items free of charge for the E-Cycle Washington program.
- Sanitary Service Company (SSC) provides residential and commercial curbside recycling and disposal service in Bellingham, under contract with the City. You can drop off loads of recycling at one of their recycling centers for a fee.
- Green Earth Technology composts food scraps, grass clippings, brush or other yard waste at their facility for a fee.
- Ridwell is a service that picks up hard-to-recycle items such as lightbulbs, batteries, plastic film and threads for a fee.
Hazardous waste can be properly disposed of at the Disposal of Toxics Facility. Hazardous waste includes automotive products, fluorescent lights, lawn and garden chemicals, oil-based paint products, mercury thermometers and more.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
Contact askPW@cob.org with questions or concerns.
