Construction & Demolition Toolkit

 

 

Material Disposal Guide

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How to reduce waste on your job site
  1. Commit: Designate a leader to oversee waste reduction and commit to waste minimization across the team.
  2. Set Up for Success: Identify materials to recycle, require subcontractor participation, and plan for waste management early.
  3. Choose Collection Method: Decide if recyclables will be source-separated, self-hauled, or sent via a third-party recycling hauler.
  4. Plan Site Logistics: Strategize dumpster placement, transport routes, and ensure trash and recyclables are paired on-site.
  5. Educate and Train: Ensure that all team members, including subcontractors, are regularly trained on waste protocols.
  6. 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

 

 

Electra

Website: https://goelectra.io

Accepted materials: Solar Panels

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:

 

Whatcom County Health and Community Services logo

Thank you to our program sponsors:

Lautenbach Industries
Sanitary Service Company
Mt. Baker Care Center & Summit Place Assisted Living
Gear Aid