Solid Waste Program to Monitor
Solid Waste
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to have garbage service?
Yes, Whatcom County requires the transportation and disposal
of solid waste by qualified providers. An exemption is allowed.
You can contact the County Public
Works Solid Waste Division at
(360) 676-7695 to see if you qualify for the exemption.
Can't I just burn my garbage?
Burning garbage is illegal and can be dangerous. Breathing
smoke from burning garbage can cause or worsen asthma, bronchitis
and emphysema and damage children's lungs. Burning plastic releases
many cancer causing agents into the air that you or your neighbors
breathe.
Can I burn my yard waste?
Burning yard waste is now illegal if you live in a city with
more that 5,000 people. Breathing smoke from any fire can worsen
serious lung conditions. Other opportunities such as reducing
the quantity of waste, shredding, composting and chipping are
options. Transfer stations and the City of Bellingham Clean Green
site will also take your yard waste.
What are the requirements for storing garbage?
Garbage must be stored in a rigid, durable container with
a tight fitting lid. This type of container prevents rodents
and insects from getting into the garbage and potentially spreading
diseases to your neighbors.
Where can I dispose of household hazardous wastes like paints,
solvents, cleaners, and gasoline?
The Disposal of Toxics Facility is located at 3505 Airport
Drive in Bellingham. The phone number is (360) 380-4640. They
can also provide information regarding other recycling opportunities.
Where can I dispose of used oil and antifreeze?
These items should be separated and stored in a sealed plastic
container with tight fitting lid and taken to:
- The Disposal of Toxics Facility, 3505 Airport Drive
- Birch Bay Lynden Drop Box, 4294 Birch Bay Lynden Road
- Nooksack Valley Disposal Drop Box, 250 Birch Bay Lynden Road
- Cedarville Drop Box, Cedarville Road, ¼ north of the
Mt. Baker Highway
- Water District #10, 1010 Lakeview Street
How do I dispose of waste needles that I generate in my home?
See recommendations
for disposal of residential sharps.
About the Solid Waste Program
The Environmental Health Division's Solid Waste Program
performs a wide variety of activities to monitor and assure
the proper handling and disposal of Solid Waste in Whatcom
County. For information on disposal of solid waste, please
visit Public
Works Solid Waste Division. Our activities include:
- Application review for new and expanded Solid Waste
Facilities
- Permit Issuance
- Routine inspections of permitted facilities
- Investigations of illegal dumping, garbage handling
and contamination associated with landfills
- Enforcement of SW Codes, e.g. WCC 24.06, WAC 173-304,
WCC 8.08
- Oversight at Biosolids Application Sites
- Homeowner education regarding composting, recycling,
proper disposal and handling of household hazardous wastes
and biomedical waste
- Education and oversight of generators, transporters
and treatment facilities of biomedical waste
Contact Information
Environmental Health Division
Solid Waste Program
509 Girard Street
Bellingham WA 98225
Phone: (360) 676-6724
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