Construction & Demolition Toolkit
Material Disposal Guide
APPLIANCES
APPLIANCES W/REFRIGERANTS
BATTERIES
CARDBOARD
CLEAN WOOD
ELECTRONICS
LAND-CLEARING DEBRIS
LIGHT BULBS
METAL
PAPER
PORCELAIN/TILES
SHEETROCK/ DRYWALL
SOLAR PANELS
TREATED/PAINTED WOOD
WINDOWS/PLATE GLASS
Construction and demolition waste contributes to a large portion of landfill waste in Whatcom County, highlighting the need for adequate resources.
Recycling construction and demolition waste can conserve natural resources, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and significantly reduce overall waste.
Proper management of this waste not only supports sustainable building practices, but also creates local jobs in recycling and repurposing industries. Our goal with this toolkit is to provide you with the resources to easily and efficiently recycle your waste.
How we can help:
- General questions and technical assistance
- Waste sorting signage
- Resources for contractors
Construction and Demolition Disposal Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How to reduce waste on your job site
- Commit: Designate a leader to oversee waste reduction and commit to waste minimization across the team.
- Set Up for Success: Identify materials to recycle, require subcontractor participation, and plan for waste management early.
- Choose Collection Method: Decide if recyclables will be source-separated, self-hauled, or sent via a third-party recycling hauler.
- Plan Site Logistics: Strategize dumpster placement, transport routes, and ensure trash and recyclables are paired on-site.
- Educate and Train: Ensure that all team members, including subcontractors, are regularly trained on waste protocols.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Track and assess the recycling program’s effectiveness, address issues, and celebrate successful waste reduction.
Click here for further information.
How do I get a construction waste drop box?
You can contact SSC, Lautenbach Recycling, or Z Recylers to receive roll-off recycling dumpsters for your job site.
What are the rules on using reclaimed lumber?
In Whatcom County, the use of reclaimed wood in construction is generally permitted, but it must meet the building code standards to ensure safety, structural integrity, and compliance with zoning and environmental regulations. For residential buildings, reclaimed wood can be used as long as it meets the International Residential Code (IRC) standards, which include requirements for structural strength, fire safety, and energy efficiency. Commercial buildings must follow the International Building Code (IBC), which also allows alternative materials if they are reviewed and approved by the Building Official, typically with documented support regarding the safety and stability of the material.
For more information, you can review the county’s guidelines:
www.codepublishing.com/WA/WhatcomCounty/html/WhatcomCounty15/WhatcomCounty1504.html
Who do I contact to transport a house?
You can visit Whatcom House Movers to find out more information on moving houses.
Local Waste Facilties
SSC – Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center
Phone: (360) 734-3490
Website: www.ssc-inc.com
Accepted materials: Cardboard, Paper, Treated/Painted Wood, Wood Pallets, Plastic Film, Metal, Appliances, Batteries, Porcelain/Tiles, Windows/Plate Glass
Bellingham Roader Ave Location:
Address: 1001 Roeder Ave, Bellingham, WA, 98225
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM
Cedarville Rd Location:
Address: 3463 Cedarville Rd, Bellingham, WA, 98226
Hours: Saturday 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Blaine:
Address: 4411 Carstan Ct, Blaine, WA 98230
Hours: Sunday 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Green Earth Technology
Address: 774 Meadowlark Dr, Lynden, WA 98264
Phone: (360) 354-4936
Website: www.greenearthtechnology.com
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 4:00PM, Saturdays 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Accepted materials: Land clearing debris
Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County
Address: 1825 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-2036
Website: hfhwhatcom.org
Hours: Monday 9:00AM – 5:00PM, Tuesday-Friday 9:00AM – 6:00PM, Saturday 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Accepted materials: Clean wood, Metal, Appliances, Appliances w/ Refrigerants, Porcelain/Tiles, Windows/Plate Glass, Solar Panels
Lautenbach Recycling
Address: 1515 Kentucky St, Bellingham WA 98229
Phone: (360) 757-4000
Website: www.lautenbachrecycling.com
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM
Accepted materials: Lead acid batteries, Cardboard, Metal, Appliances, Appliances w/ Refrigerants
Nooksack Valley Disposal – Lynden Drop Box Facility
Address: 250 Birch-Bay Lynden Rd, Lynden, WA 98264
Phone: (360)-354-3400
Website: https://www.nvd-inc.com/
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM, Saturday 9:00AM-12:00PM
Accepted materials: Asphalt, Concrete, Land-Clearing Debris, Cardboard, Paper, Clean Wood, Treated/Painted Wood, Wood Pallets, Sheetrock/Drywall, Plastic Film, Metal, Appliances, Appliances w/ Refrigerants, Batteries, Porcelain/Tiles, Windows/Plate Glass, Solar Panels
Recycling and Disposal Services Inc.
Address: 4916 LaBounty Dr, Ferndale, WA 98248
Phone: (360)-384-8011
Website: www.rdsdisposal.com
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:30AM – 5:30PM
Accepted materials: Asphalt, Concrete, Land-Clearing Debris, Cardboard, Paper, Clean Wood, Treated/Painted Wood, Wood Pallets, Sheetrock/Drywall, Plastic Film, Metal, Appliances, Appliances w/ Refrigerants, Batteries, Electronics, Porcelain/Tiles, Windows/Plate Glass, Light Bulbs, Solar Panels
Scrap-it
Address: 1526 Slater Rd, Ferndale, WA 98249
Phone:(360) 734-1112
Website: https://www.scrapitwa.com
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 4:30PM
Accepted materials: Metal, Appliances, Appliances w/ Refrigerants, Batteries
The RE Store
Address: 2309 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 647-5921
Website: https://re-store.org
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00PM – 6:00PM
Accepted materials:Clean wood, Treated/painted wood, Wood Pallets, Sheetrock/drywall, Coatings, Metal, Electronics, Porcelain/Tiles, Windows/Plate Glass, Light Bulbs
The Reuse Center
Address: 4215 Britton Rd, Bellingham, WA, 98226
Phone: (360) 733-1363
Website: www.reusecenter.net
Hours: Saturday 9:00AM – 2:00PM or by appointment during the week
Materials Accepted: Concrete, sheetrock/drywall, metal, paper, clean wood, treated/painted wood, appliances, appliances w/ refrigerants, windows/plate glass, lightbulbs, solar panels, reclaimed building materials, and some furnishings and equipment.
Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics
Address: 3505 Airport Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 380-4640
Website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3298/Hazardous-Waste
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 4:00PM, First Saturday of each month 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Materials accepted: Coatings, Batteries, Light bulps
Z Recyclers Inc
Address: 6149 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA 98264
Phone: (360) 398-2161
Website: https://zrecyclers.com
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM- 4:30PM
Materials accepted: Metal, Appliances, Appliances w/ Refrigerants, Batteries
Thank you to our partners:
This material is funded through a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Thank you to our program sponsors:
