Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal keeps our homes and community free of disease and toxic materials that can harm your health. We ensure that garbage, recyclables, and other solid waste is properly managed by residents and businesses.
- Find out how to dispose of hazardous waste from your home or business.
- Learn about services for recycling and garbage.
- Get information on how to manage yard waste.
- To file a complaint about garbage, hazardous waste, or other solid waste issues, call us at 360-778-6000 or email us.
- Learn more about free support to local businesses through our PPA Program.
-
Garbage & Recycling
Learn how and where to dispose of household trash.
-
Litter and Adopt-A-Road
Starting in July of 1998, with grant monies from the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Whatcom County Solid Waste Division has taken part in a program to help clean up litter from our trails and county roads. Find out how to get involved with Adopt-A-Road to clean up litter and keep Whatcom County looking beautiful.
-
Hazardous Waste
Learn how to safely store and dispose hazardous waste from your home or small business.
-
Needles & Sharps Disposal
Get information on how to safely dispose used sharps and biomedical waste.
-
Yard Waste
Learn about the different ways to manage your yard waste.
-
Solid Waste & Environmental Outreach
ind out how to properly dispose of garbage, recycling, hazardous waste, and more.
-
WCHCS Tire Recycling Event
Whatcom County Health and Community Services is hosting two free tire recycling events in September and October. Learn more about the event here.
Rules & Regulations
Whatcom County code 8.10 and 24.06 outline the rules for solid waste in Whatcom County. Whatcom County residents and businesses must manage their garbage so that it does not become a nuisance. This includes keeping garbage contained in a solid, waterproof container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent wind or animals from scattering it. Chemicals, like automotive fluids or yard care products, should also be stored so that they will not contaminate the ground or water.
Whatcom County’s Solid Waste Programs are guided by the Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan, approved by Department of Ecology. This plan details all local existing solid waste handling facilities and 20-year estimates for needed future solid waste facilities. The plan also provides detailed information on recycling programs, waste reduction, reuse strategies, and schedules for program implementation.
Our Solid Waste Program monitors and ensures that solid waste is properly handled and disposed of in Whatcom County. We:
- Review applications and permits for new and expanded solid waste facilities.
- Inspect solid waste handling facilities.
- Enforce local and state solid waste rules and regulations.
- Investigate illegal dumping, garbage handling and contamination associated with landfills.
- Oversee Biosolids Application Sites.
- Oversee of biomedical waste generators, transporters and treatment facilities.
- Provide information about composting, recycling, and proper disposal and handling of household hazardous wastes and biomedical waste.
Committees
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is a citizen committee that oversees programs and policies related to solid waste disposal in Whatcom County. Committee members represent local residents, businesses, waste management industry, and elected officials.
The Solid Waste Executive Committee (SWEC) is a composed of the County Executive and the mayor of each city in Whatcom County. SWEC meets at least once a year to review and approve budgets, polices, and plans for solid waste management in Whatcom County.