Solid Waste Group
The City’s Solid Waste Group helps make our city cleaner, safer, and more beautiful. We remove waste from City-owned property, respond to litter and illegal dumping, and support waste prevention and recycling programs.
Since the group formed in 2022, we’ve removed more than 1.5 million pounds of waste from public spaces like parks, rights-of-way, and habitat restoration sites.
What we do
We respond to reports of litter, illegal dumping, obstructions in public spaces, and waste-related code violations. We also support community clean-up efforts through our volunteer program, educate the community about solid waste issues, and partner with local organizations to reduce waste.
Waste prevention and recycling
Sanitary Service Company (SSC) provides residential garbage, recycling, and organic waste services under contract with the City. Please contact SSC directly for questions about your service.
The City and SSC recently implemented changes to residential recycling and waste collection, including switching to single-stream recycling and requiring organic waste collection for single-family homes. These changes reduce litter, improve efficiency, and lower emissions. Learn more.
We partner with Sustainable Connections to educate local businesses and community members about reducing single-use plastic waste. Learn about local and state plastic reduction efforts.
Construction waste makes up a large portion of landfill material. Many items—like appliances, wood, concrete, and metal—can be recycled. We work with Sustainable Connections and other local organizations to provide resources and support for recycling construction and demolition waste.
We offer programs and materials to help reduce litter and illegal dumping:
- Moving Out? Pack it Out! – We work with Western Washington University (WWU) and neighborhood groups to reduce the amount of furniture and waste left outside during move-out times. Learn how to properly donate, sell, recycle and dispose of these items.
- Volunteer Litter Cleanup Program – Join a community cleanup or organize your own through our volunteer program.
- Code compliance – We respond to complaints about litter and dumping on public property as they relate to Bellingham Municipal Code.
Waste disposal
Public property: We remove waste from City property and rights-of-way, parks and greenways, and habitat restoration sites. Report issues using SeeClickFix.
Private property: The City does not manage waste on private property. Property owners are responsible for cleanup.
- Sanitary Service Company (SSC) provides residential garbage, recycling, and organic waste services under contract with the City. Please contact SSC directly for questions about your service.
- View Bellingham Municipal Code Ch. 9.12 – Garbage Collection to learn more about garbage collection requirements in Bellingham.
Business waste and pollution prevention
Please visit our Pollution Prevention for Businesses webpage to find pollution prevention resources for businesses.
SSC does not accept hazardous or dangerous waste. This includes:
- Paints and solvents
- Fluorescent lights
- Oil, gasoline, and antifreeze
- Asbestos
- Pesticides and chemicals
To dispose of hazardous waste, visit the Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics Facility.
Sharps and medication disposal
- Sharps – Visit the Whatcom County Health Department website to learn how to properly dispose of needles and sharps.
- Medications – Learn how to safely dispose of medications to protect our waterways.
We partner with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership to make downtown cleaner and more welcoming.
Covered waste bins
We replaced the open garbage and recycling bins in downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven with covered bins that reduce wind-blown litter and prevent leachate – a contaminated liquid produced when garbage and rainwater mix – from entering waterways.
Street and alleyway cleaning
Downtown roadways, bike lanes, and on-street parking areas are cleaned by City street sweepers twice a week. Alleys are deep cleaned monthly with pressure washing and litter pickup.
Our Volunteer Litter Cleanup Program is for community members interested in organizing volunteer cleanups to help keep our City sidewalks, rights-of-way, and parks free of litter. Learn how to participate.
We clean up abandoned homeless encampments on public property to protect public health and safety. Learn about the services that the City offers and supports for people experiencing homelessness.
The City no longer offers the seasonal “Clean Green” program, but there are many year-round options:
- SSC FoodPlus! – Required for single-family homes in Bellingham
- Cascade Compost & Soil
- Recycling & Disposal Services
- Nooksack Valley Disposal
- Compost at home – Learn how from WSU Whatcom County Extension
- Whatcom County Yard Waste Information
Resource recovery
In areas where we removed waste, we work to restore the area by stabilizing or re-planting the site and installing temporary barriers.
Report an Issue
Resources
- Moving Out Resources
- Whatcom County WasteWise Tool
- Bellingham Residential Recycling and Waste Collection Services FAQ
Contact
For more information, please contact the Bellingham Public Works Department.
