Toward Zero Waste for Residents
Single-Family Residents
Single Stream Recycling
All recyclable materials go into one
large tote for easier recycling. Items
must be empty, clean, and dry to avoid
contamination and ensure that they
get recycled. Recycling is an easy way
to reduce waste, conserve resources,
and protect the environment.
Why Compost
Composting is an important way to
minimize food waste, divert organics
from landfills, and help decrease our
collective climate footprint. Organic
waste is taken to Green Earth
Technology in Lynden, WA to be
converted into useable, sellable
compost product.
Last Stop Landfill
Unfortunately, not everything can be recycled or composted. Keeping our recycling and composting streams free from contamination is essential to ensure they can be properly recycled and repurposed. Unsure how to dispose of something? Check out WasteWise, an online waste and recycling portal.
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Bellingham Single-family SSC Service Rates
Properly using Foodplus! Compost can help reduce landfill pickups and save money. Check out the rates below to see your potential savings!
* Figures above do not include taxes and fees. SSC bills every other month, so your statement will reflect two months of service. Residential rates are subject to change and are different in all jurisdictions (Bellingham, Ferndale, unincorporated Whatcom County). Customers will need to check with SSC to get exact rates for their area.
Multifamily Residents
Are you a resident, owner, or property manager of a multifamily dwelling? We have resources to help streamline and improve waste sorting for your complex. See below for a free downloadable and printable sorting guide and waste sorting posters.
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Resources to help add FoodPlus!
Are you a resident of a multifamily complex? Do you want access to FoodPlus! curbside composting but are struggling with where to start? Lucky for you Western Washington University’s Center for Off Campus Living has put together great waste stream resources. This includes a template letter for property managers on this very topic! This template could work for all residents, not just students.
Additional Resources
Got Bags?
Bagging your compost can help reduce mess, odors, and pests. While bags are not required, if you choose to use them, please ensure they are certified compostable. Alternatively, you can use paper bags or line your indoor compost bin with newspaper.
Waste Sorting Posters
Proper Waste Sorting in Bellingham | A Sustainable Connections x LiveBellinghamNow Special
In The News
Bellingham Herald: Bellingham residents required to use curbside compost bins for organic waste starting in 2025
Thank you to our partners:
This material is funded through a grant from the Washington Department of Ecology.
Thank you to our program sponsors:
