All communities experience problems with litter, and Bellingham is no different. Litter is any waste that has been incorrectly discarded, either intentionally or not. Types of litter can range from a plastic wrapper that falls out of a pocket, to wind-blown carboard on the street from an open recycling bin, to a couch left on the sidewalk, and more.
Not only is it unsightly, but litter is also costly to remove and harmful to people and the environment. Litter can spread disease, pollute waterways, clog water pipes to cause flooding, and create hazards for vehicles and pedestrians. And littering is against the law!
How does the City address litter concerns?
The City prioritizes cleaning up and preventing litter through a variety of methods, including:
- Removing hundreds of thousands of pounds of litter from public property each year, including from streets, sidewalks, waterways, and parks.
- Responding to litter and illegal dumping concerns we receive from the community.
- Banning single-use plastic in restaurants and lodging businesses and offering support to impacted businesses.
- Regularly cleaning roadways, bike lanes, and on-street parking in downtown Bellingham, Fairhaven, and Bellingham neighborhoods using street sweepers and other equipment.
How can you help?
Resources
Contact
For more information, please contact the Bellingham Public Works Department.
