Whatcom County contracts with several community partners to support waste reduction and recycling efforts. 

Pollution Prevention Assistance Program (PPA)

The Pollution Prevention Partnership is comprised of representatives from cities, counties, and health districts. Funding assistance is provided by the Department of Ecology and allows the program to provide free hands-on-assistance to Small Quantity Generators (typically small businesses and organizations) who wish to improve their practices by reducing impacts to human health and the environment. This is accomplished through technical assistance visits that are designed to reduce or eliminate hazardous waste and pollutants at the source. A local pollution prevention specialist will meet with your organization to evaluate current activities and practices. They will discuss concerns, observations, solutions, and work directly to help solve common challenges around dangerous wastes, stormwater, solid waste, and spill prevention. This collaborative process limits liability, reduces risk, and improves work environments. If you would like to learn more about this program, contact your local specialist at [email protected].

Visit Ecology’s PPA page to learn more about the PPA program. They have links and a map so that people can contact their local specialists. Their website also includes some more basic information about the history of the PPA program, the types of services they offer and some basic information about the areas where they can help businesses stay in compliance and save money.

If you would like to learn more about this program, or to request a technical assistance visit, complete our Request a Technical Visit form.

Youth Waste Reduction and Recycling Education Program

RE Sources provides waste reduction and recycling educational programming to students throughout Whatcom County. Programming includes creating Green Teams in elementary schools, providing waste education to teachers, and outreach to youth organizations. 

For more information about the Youth Waste Reduction and Recycling Education Program, contact RE Sources.

Commercial Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Food Waste Recovery Program

Through their Commercial Waste Reduction and Recycling Program, Sustainable Connections supports businesses with waste reduction and recycling efforts. They provide waste audits and assessments, and action plans for businesses to reduce the amount of waste they produce.

The Food Recovery Program aims to reduce food waste by recovering extra food from restaurants or other businesses that serve food that may have otherwise been thrown away. Sustainable Connections provides this to agencies all over Whatcom County, ensuring that it doesn’t go to waste.

For more information about the Commercial Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Food Waste Recovery Program, contact Sustainable Connections. 

 Master Composter/Recycler Program

Washington State University Extension provides Master Composter/Recycler program for residents who are interested in increasing their composting and recycling skills. Program participants receive in-depth education on home composting, soil science and waste and resource management.

For more information about the Master Composter/Recycler Program, contact WSU Extension.