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Residential Recycling Service
Residential curbside recycling collection is provided to all single-family residences and multi-family units (1-4 units) in our service area. Our service area includes Bellingham, Ferndale, Birch Bay and the majority of unincorporated Whatcom County. Stacking bin service is offered weekly for Bellingham customers and every-other-week for all other residential customers.
SSC accepts the following recyclable materials from residential and multi-family customers:
- mixed scrap paper
- newspaper
- glass bottles and jars (all colors)
- aluminum cans and foil
- tin cans
- plastic bottles and containers (all numbers and colors)
- cardboard
- vehicle batteries
- scrap metal
- used motor oil
- FOODPLUS! Recycling - Yard Debris/Food Scraps/Food-Soiled Papers (extra fee charged)
- electronics (extra fee charged)
See material preparation instructions below.
For rates or to place an order please call us at (360) 734-3490 or 398-2025.
Collection Schedule Information: Please set out containers by 6:30AM on your collection day or the evening before. SSC works all holidays. Please set out collection containers as usual. Collections may be missed due to weather or road conditions. If garbage and recyclables are collected on your next regularly scheduled pick-up, no credit will be given. For schedule changes please see current news or call our offices at (360) 734-3490 or 398-2025 for instructions.
Collection Calendars
To request a collection calendar, please fill out our contact form. |
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Drop-Off Plastic Recycling
SSC offers DROP-OFF RECYCLING for plastic film (bags, etc.) and larger plastic items like buckets and plant pots at our Bellingham Transfer Station, 1001 Roeder Avenue. Click here for more info on drop-off recycling options or call (360) 734-3490 for rates or questions. Routed commercial recycling collection for a variety of plastics is also available to commercial customers. Routed collection depends on your location, type(s) of plastic generated and quantity. Click here.
 Plastic Pots Drop-Off Flyer
Plastic Film Drop-Off Flyer
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FoodPlus! Recycling
FoodPlus! Recycling is SSC's all-in-one Toter™ service for recycling yard debris, compostable/biodegradable/food-soiled paper. FoodPlus! Recycling service started in June 2005 and is an expanded version of our original yard debris recycling service.
How much you recycle in your FoodPlus! Recycling Toter™ is up to you. FoodPlus! might be an all-in-one Toter™ recycling program but it is not all or nothing. If you prefer to just recycle yard debris and certain kitchen wastes like food prep scraps, pizza boxes and milk cartons - great. Or if you're ready to really be a super recycler add plate scrapings, moldy foods - even meat and dairy scraps. FoodPlus! is designed to be flexible so you can make it work for your household. Remember - every little bit counts. When you recycle with SSC you are supporting local businesses, reducing what is sent to the landfill and helping create new products made from recycled materials.
FoodPlus! Recycling pick-up is every-other-week on the same day of the week as garbage pick-up. Service is available to customers in Bellingham, Ferndale, Birch Bay and parts of unincorporated Whatcom County. Service includes the use of a wheeled, 60 gallon Toter™ with lid. Maximum Toter™ weight limit is 100 lbs. Extra charges apply for overweight Toters™.
To order FoodPlus! Recycling service or a pail call (360) 734-3490 or email ssc@ssc-inc.com. FoodPlus! Recycling is also available to commercial customers. Call Rodd Pemble, Recycling Manager at (360) 734-3490 or rodd@ssc-inc.com for details and rates. Food to Flowers! is our lunchroom composting program that is available to schools and other educational institutions.
FoodPlus! Recycling
YES! Recycle these materials -
- Food Scraps - ALL foods including meat, dairy, fish, seafood, shells and bones. Yes, this also means kitchen prep items like trimmings, peelings and egg shells, table scraps, leftovers and spoiled/outdated/moldy foods, paper coffee filters and grounds.
- Other Accepted Compostable Items - All compostable, biodegradable, food-soiled papers including pizza boxes, (waxed) paper milk/juice/ice cream/frozen food cartons, soy milk/rice milk/soup/broth/juice boxes (all sizes), paper deli/take-out cartons, paper tablecloths/napkins/towels/plates/cups, tissue paper, parchment/waxed paper/bags, cardboard bakery liners and, bio-plastic/corn/potato/bamboo items like cups, lids, plates, bowls and utensils.
- Yard Debris - grass clippings, garden trimmings, branches, leaves, weeds and seasonal greens like pumpkins, cornstalks, apples, garlands, swags, wreaths and grapevines. Larger branches are accepted - see details below.
NO! Please throw these items in the trash -
- Not Accepted - plastics* (incl. foil/plastic juice pouches), metal or foil or scrap metal, Styrofoam™, liquids, diapers, wet wastes, kitty litter, rocks, bricks, concrete, dirt, sod, root balls, tires, lumber, garden hoses or garbage.
- "Juice Boxes" are paper-based and are acceptable, but "Juice Pouches" are made with foil and plastic and are not acceptable.
Additional Toters™ are available. Same rates apply. Or customers can use their own containers, paper bags or boxes. NO PLASTIC BAGS PLEASE. Extra materials should be set out next to Toter™. Charge for extras apply. Please contact us for info.
Bulky material that will not fit in Toters ™ should be cut to 4 foot lengths, tied in bundles (max. weight 50 lbs.) and set next to Toter™. Charges for bulky material apply. Please contact us for more info.
Please place your FoodPlus! Toter™ out at the curb by 6:30 AM on your collection day (or the night before). DO NOT set kitchen pails out for pick-up.
FoodPlus! Recycling - Residential Flyer
FoodPlus! Recycling - Residential Recycling Reminders
FoodPlus! Recycling - Printable Decal 61
FoodPlus! Recycling - COMPOST Printable Decal 57
Do I need to use a liner bag?
No, but liners keep your containers clean and material contained. Line containers with biodegradeable bags only. For rates or to place an order please call us at (360) 734-3490 or 398-2025.
FoodPlus! Recycling - Approved Biodegradable Bag List
List of local retailers:
- Bay City Supply, 1250 Iowa St., 671-7400
- Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St., 734-8158
- Terra Organica (in the Bellingham Public Market), 1530 Cornwall Ave., 715-8020
- Participating Haggen stores
- Community Food Coop, 315 Westerly Road (Cordata) 734-8158
New Accounts: Designing the proper enclosure and setting up the right mix of garbage and recycling service is critical to reducing your costs. On-site evaluation and employee orientation services are also available at program start-up. For expert assistance, contact Account Services Manager Rodd Pemble at rodd@ssc-inc.com, or (360) 734-3490.
Toter™ Cleaning Tips
Hose out as needed and dump the water on your lawn or garden. To keep your Toter™ less messy to begin with, try placing newspaper, cardboard, a pizza box or some yard debris in the bottom of your Toter™ before filling.
Really messy? We offer steam cleaning ($10/Toter/cleaning). Toter™ will be picked-up day of collection and returned the next day. Call 734-3490 for details.
Wipe or spray the inside of the lid with vinegar to discourage fruit flies. Or wrap food scraps in paper before placing in your Toter™ or bury them under some yard debris.
Pails - Consider these tips for keeping your pail clean and fresh
Line your kitchen container with Biobags (available locally at Community Food Coop, Bay City Supply and Terra Organica) or newspaper or a used paper towel. Food scraps won't stick to the bottom. When full (or at least every other day), empty your pail into your FoodPlus! Toter™. Rinse if needed and start all over.
Wrap odorous materials (such as fish and shellfish) in newspaper and place directly in your FoodPlus! Toter™. Cover with yard debris. Really smelly? Wrap in paper and place in your freezer until pick-up day. |
FoodPlus! Kitchen Pail -
2 gallon, $8.75 each (yours to keep)
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Food to Flowers! Lunchroom Composting
FoodPlus! Recycling from SSC moved into local cafeterias in 2006 with the launch of Food to Flowers! - a food composting program at elementary schools in the Bellingham School District. A month-long pilot at three elementary schools - Alderwood, Lowell and Roosevelt - had students and staff sorting leftover food scraps and milk cartons for composting. In addition, custodians added grounds debris, paper towels from bathrooms and kitchen prep waste. "We're seeing about a 50% reduction in waste from lunchrooms from all three schools combined," said Brett Greenwood from the Bellingham School District.
The program is modeled after the educational Food to Flowers! school food recycling program in San Francisco. Major support for the program comes from Tetra-Pak, makers of gable-top, paper-based containers. "We are trying to reduce the amount of trash generated during meals at our schools. It is much more cost effective for the district to reduce trash through food recycling. Equally important, this is an environmental education opportunity for our community's children," said Greenwood.
Today, Food to Flowers! is available in many elementary, middle and high schools in the Bellingham, Mt. Baker, Meridian and Lummi school districts, plus numerous private schools and higher education institutions including Western Washington University. For more information on Food to Flowers! Lunchroom Composting or Food Plus! Recycling contact Rodd Pemble, SSC Recycling Manager at rodd@ssc-inc.com or 734-3490.
Food to Flowers! Curriculum - The Dirt On Composting
Food to Flowers! - Paper Towel Recycling Flyer
Food to Flowers 2x4 Ricky Recycle Banner
Food to Flowers 2x4 SSC Banner
Food to Flowers! "Pour Out Milk Here" Flyer
Food to Flowers! "Garbage Only" Flyer
Food to Flowers! Curriculum - Lesson: Compost Tag
Food to Flowers! Assorted Logos
Food to Flowers! Ricky Raccoon Logo
Food to Flowers! Kick-off Ideas
Food to Flowers! Family Letter
Food to Flowers! After Hours Flyer
Food to Flowers! How to Compost Flyer
Food to Flowers! K-5 Staff Resource Sheet
Food to Flowers! 6-12 Staff Resource Sheet
For more info visit our FAQ page.
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Where Does It All Go?
All materials collected in the FoodPlus! Recycling program are composted at Green Earth Technologies (GET) in Lynden. Composting is a natural process that break down organic materials and turns them into rich soil amendment. Compost from GET is available for sale in Whatcom County.
Use our Contact Form to sign up for the new FoodPlus! Recycling.
Pack Out Service: Ideal for weekend residents or those in neighborhoods where covenants prohibit leaving garbage and recycling containers out overnight. SSC driver takes the container to the truck, empties it and returns it to its designated storage location at your home. Available for a small charge per pick-up (not available in Bellingham).
Please note: Recycling containers are the property of SSC. Please label them with your address. DO NOT take them with you if you move. The customer is responsible for any theft, loss, or damage in excess of normal use of recycling bins. A replacement fee will be charged for lost or stolen recycling bins. SSC is not responsible for items left in, on, or near Toters™, cans, or bins. SSC cannot accept hazardous wastes, dead animals, or hot ashes.
Collection Schedule Information: Please set out containers by 6:30AM on your collection day or the evening before. SSC works all holidays. Please set out collection containers as usual. Collections may be missed due to weather or road conditions. If garbage and recyclables are collected on your next regularly scheduled pick-up, no credit will be given. For schedule changes please see current news or call our offices at (360) 734-3490 or 398-2025 for instructions. To request a collection calendar, please fill out our contact form.
For more info visit our FAQ page.
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Hazardous Waste
SSC does not accept hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous wastes, dead animals or hot ashes (hot ashes should never be placed in your Toter™ or can).
Examples of some types of common household hazardous waste include: paints, fluorescent lights, old gasoline, oil, solvents, antifreeze, asbestos (siding, shingles, floor adhesive, etc), pesticides/herbicides/other liquid chemicals.
To dispose of these types of wastes, please contact the Disposal of Toxics program at (360) 380-4640. The Disposal of Toxics program accepts a variety of household hazardous wastes from Whatcom County residents. Chemical wastes from Whatcom County businesses are also accepted with prior approval.
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Fluorescent, Compact Fluorescent and High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting
Fluorescent lighting, including regular tubes or compact tubes or bulbs (CFL’s), and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, contain mercury and cannot be thrown in the trash. For a current list of recycling locations, or for questions or more information, contact:
- Disposal of Toxics - 3505 Airport Drive – Bellingham
(360) 380-4640
When recycling fluorescent lighting, please deliver intact and packaged to avoid breakage (Tip: save original containers).
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Electronics Recycling
Many electronic products - like computers, TV's and telephones - contain parts that can be harmful to the environment. These items don't belong in the garbage. Recycle old or non-working electronics instead.
Curbside |
Bellingham customers only |
Special Pick-Up |
All SSC customers |
Drop-Off |
1001 Roeder Avenue Transfer Station – Anyone |
All items collected are responsibly recycled or reused.
Electronics Recycling - Residential Info
For more info visit our FAQ page.
For questions or to schedule a pick-up contact us.
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Confidential Data Shredding
Mobile • Secure • Recycled
Call (360) 734-3490 or email ssc@ssc-inc.com to schedule service
Our mobile shredding service is available to both residential and commercial customers. Service is available on a regular (weekly, every other week or monthly), occasional or as-needed schedule. From a small shoebox to a large storage unit - no amount is too big or too small.
Confidential data shredding is ideal for:
Lenders
Employers
Doctors
Automobile Dealers
Insurers
Government Agencies
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CPA's
Title Companies
Landlords
Mortgage Brokers
Dentists
Law Offices |
Our mobile, state-of-the-art shredding truck shreds on-site while you watch. We provide a convenient and affordable way to protect yourself, your employees and your company from identity theft and confidently recycle your confidential data.
Shredded paper is recycled through Northwest Recycling (NWR) - another locally-owned and family-operated business. Recycled paper is baled and shipped to mills regionally and overseas for manufacture into new paper products.
Confidential Data Shredding Info Flyer
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Container Options
Confidential Data Toters™
Two-wheeled cart with secure (lockable) lid. For scheduled service, we provide as many Toters™ as you need at no charge. You provide lock(s). For annual or seasonal service, Toters™ arrangements are made on a case by case basis. Toters™ meet Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, are durable and easy to transport. Color: Granite
64-gallon Toter™
Dimensions: 31" x 24" x 43" (approx.)
Capacity: Up to 200 lbs. of material |
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32-gallon Toter™
Dimensions: 24" x 20" x 40"
Capacity: Up to 100 lbs. |
Standard Cardboard Box
Use your own storage box and reuse it. |
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Acceptable Materials
- Paper Files
- Microfiche/Microfilm
- Audio and Video Media
- VHS Tapes
- Computer Disks
- Magnetic Media
- Computer Hard Drives (contact us (360) 734-3490 for rates)
- X-Rays
- Other materials (contact us (360) 734-3490 for options)
Staples, paper clips, fasteners and spiral notebooks OK. Please remove ringed binders from paper loads intended for recycling. All paper data is shredded and recycled. Other data is shredded and recycled as markets allow or destroyed and disposed.
Rates
Our rates area based on volume, frequency, type(s) of materials recycled or destroyed and the service(s) provided.
We can provide fixed rates and/or one-time quotes. Please contact us - (360) 734-3490 or ssc@ssc-inc.com
Benefits of shredding with SSC
Compliant with the following regulations:
Superior Staff
All SSC shredding staff are given overviews of the HIPAA, Gramm /Leach/Bliley and Privacy Act regulations and are required to attend regular safety meetings for on-going training in equipment use and maintenance, safe route operations, DOT updates and discussion of other pertinent safety related issues. In addition, all employees are uniformed, professionally licensed drivers who are subject to extensive background checks and have signed a Confidentiality Agreement.
 We are members of, and abide by, the code of ethics set forth by the NAID - the National Association for Information Destruction
A signed Certification of Destruction is provided upon request.
Shredding service charges are included on your regular SSC bill - one bill saves you time and money. To set up an account or sign up for our auto-pay option, click here.
SSC is locally-owned and family-operated, and proud business member of the Better Business Bureau, Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sustainable Connections.
For questions or more information see our FAQ page or contact us – (360) 734-3490 or ssc@ssc-inc.com
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Junk Removal
Got junk? You call - (360) 734-3490 - we haul. From your home, garage, shop, yard or office, we can haul it all.
Appliances, furniture, mattresses, electronics, yard debris, remodeling/demolition waste, etc. Low prices.
No minimum charge! Weekend pick-up available. For questions, more info or to schedule a pick-up contact us at (360) 734-3490
or by email at ssc@ssc-inc.com.
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Three Stack Recycling Bins
Three stacking bins (red, white, blue) 12 gallons each
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Preparing Your Recyclables
Recycle the following materials by placing them in the marked stacking bins.
Moderate quantities of extra materials can be placed next to the bins in an open box or paper sack. For larger quantities or home business-generated materials, please call our office at (360) 734-3490. |
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Mixed Paper Only - White Bin
Do not place in plastic bags
Yes:
- Old mail, magazines, catalogs
- Envelopes, stationery, labels, cartons & bags
- Computer, fax, copy & note paper
- Shoe & cereal boxes (discard liners and flatten)
No:
- Paper towels, plates, napkins or dirty or soiled papers
- Wax or plastic-coated papers (i.e. milk, juice or frozen food containers)
- Plastic, foiled paper, tissue paper or carbon paper
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Newspaper Only - Red Bin
Do not place in plastic bags
Yes: Clean newsprint, inserts, ads
No: Plastic delivery bags or rubber bands |
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Cans, Glass & Plastic Containers Only - Blue Bin
Do not place in plastic bags
Yes:
- Glass Bottles and Jars. All colors. Labels & caps OK. Remove caps. Place loose in bin or Toter™.
Rinse bottles and jars clean. Avoid breaking glass. Bottles must be removed from 6-pak and 1/2 case boxes, etc. and
placed loose in bin or Toter™.
- Aluminum Cans, Tin Cans and Foil. Remove tin can labels and recycle with scrap paper.
Rinse all cans and foil clean. FLATTEN.
- Plastic Containers
- Bottles, Jugs, Caps & Rings
- Cups, Jars, Tubs Pails, Buckets & Lids
(max. bucket size - 1 gal. with metal handles removed) All colors and numbers. Labels OK. Remove lids and caps. Rinse CLEAN and recycle loose or nested together.
FLATTEN bottles - especially bottles half-gallon size or larger.
Recycle plastic containers used for these types of products:
Beverages, dairy products, deli foods, sauces/condiments, cooking oils, soaps, detergents, cleaners (kitchen, laundry & garage), snack foods, frozen foods, storage/freezer-type containers, hair/body care, health/medicine, single-serve cold beverage cups/lids, hot beverage lids, caps and rings.
PLEASE FLATTEN BOTTLES - ESPECIALLY HALF-GALLON SIZE OR LARGER
Flattening bottles saves room in your recycling bin and on our recycling truck - allowing us to collect more
recyclables and make fewer trips to the recycling center. This conserves fuel, saves time and money and reduces
our impact on the environment. Thank you for your cooperation.
No:
- Window glass, windshields, light bulbs, mirrors, fluorescent tubes, ceramics or Pyrex, insulation
- Oil filters, air filters, aerosol cans
- Plastic pumps, tableware, utensils, toys
- Styrofoam™, thin foam sheets, foam rubber
- Plastic containers that held potentially hazardous products such as motor oil, antifreeze, paints, pesticides, etc.
To recycle larger quantities or other materials please contact us (add link to email:
ssc@ssc-inc.com).
Plastic Container Recycling Flyer |
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Additional Plastics
Additional Plastics (pots, trays, hinged, containers, bags, tarps and more) accepted for DROP-OFF RECYCLING ONLY at Bellingham Transfer Station. Click here for more info.
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Plastic Pots Drop-Off Flyer
Plastic Film Drop-Off Flyer
Stacking Bin Recycling Reminders (English)
Stacking Bin Recycling Reminders (Spanish)
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Recycle these materials by placing them neatly next to stacking bins.
Vehicle Batteries - Car, truck, motorcycle and boat batteries. Store in a box or bag. No cracked, leaking or household batteries accepted. Leave battery caps on.
Scrap Metal - Steel, copper, aluminum and brass. Maximum 35 lbs. per pick up. Maximum length 24 inches. Store in a box or bag. No plastic pipe.
Motor Oil - Store in a one gallon or smaller, sealed, non-breakable container like a plastic milk jug (do not use bleach or water bottles). Mark container "Oil." Do not mix with water, brake fluid, antifreeze, debris, paint thinner or other solvents.
Cardboard - Corrugated cardboard and brown paper bags. Remove packing materials. Flatten and bundle. No Styrofoam™, plastic packing or wax-coated boxes.
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Understanding Your Bill
Sanitary Service Company, Inc. (SSC) provides your residence with garbage and recycling collection service. You pay us to collect these materials.
The recycling credit or recycling charge is determined by market prices for recyclables from the previous year. It is reviewed and adjusted annually. Market prices for recyclables go up and down just like prices for other commodities, such as lumber and gasoline.
On your bill, you will see:
- Actual cost of collecting your garbage
- Actual cost of collecting your recyclables
- The value (less any processing charges) of recyclables sold (shown as a recycling credit or recycling charge)
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) reviews and approves our rates (except for residents in the cities of Bellingham and Ferndale) to ensure you are paying a fair price for the service you receive and fair value for your recyclables. The recycling credit or recycling charge that appears on your bill is adjusted annually to reflect market conditions of the previous year.
Market prices for recyclables go up and down just like prices for other commodities, such as lumber and gasoline. Following a year of high (or positive) market values, your recycling credit will increase. Following a year of low (or negative) market values, your recycling credit will decrease and may become a charge.
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Current Recycling Market Conditions
Sanitary Service Company, Inc. (SSC) provides your residence with recycling collection services. You pay us to collect your recyclables, such as newspapers, bottles and cans. These materials are sold and the value we receive (if any) from the sale of these materials is applied to your collection bill in the form of a recycling credit or recycling charge. The sale of these recyclables helps lower your overall bill.
The recycling credit or recycling charge is determined by market prices for recyclables from the previous year. It is reviewed and adjusted annually. Market prices for recyclables go up and down just like prices for other commodities, such as lumber and gasoline. In 2008, market prices for recyclables decreased from 2007 prices, resulting in us being charged more than what it costs to process the materials. The 2008 charge of $0.38 per month will decrease effective July 1, 2009 to a charge of $0.15 per month. For customers billed every three months, this will show as a recycling charge of $.45 ($0.15 x 3 months).
Although we continue to pay to have your recyclables processed, it is still less expensive than disposing of these materials as garbage. Please do not let this market downturn discourage you from recycling. We are confident markets will strengthen in the future and prices will go up.
| Recycling Credit/Recycling Charge History |
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| 1996 | Recycling Credit | $0.26/month |
| 1997 | Recycling Charge | $0.83/month |
| 1998 | Recycling Charge | $0.46/month |
| 1999 | Recycling Charge | $0.62/month |
| 2000 | Recycling Credit | $0.26/month |
| 2001 | Recycling Credit | $0.27/month |
| 2002 | Recycling Charge | $0.62/month |
| 2003 | Recycling Charge | $0.24/month |
| 2004 | Recycling Charge | $0.22/month |
| 2005 | Recycling Charge | $0.16/month |
| 2006 | Recycling Charge | $0.21/month |
| 2007 | Recycling Charge | $0.32/month |
| 2008 | Recycling Charge | $0.38/month |
| 2009 | Recycling Charge | $0.15/month |
You can help keep your bill low by recycling as much as possible and buying products made from recycled materials. Increasing demand for products made from recycled materials helps strengthen recycling markets. By recycling, you also reduce the amount of garbage you generate and help conserve valuable resources. |
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Want to lower your garbage bill?
One step toward lowering your garbage bill is to recycle all you can. By recycling, you can reduce the amount of garbage you generate, which means less garbage you have to pay to dispose of. To save money, you can switch your service to less frequent collection (ie. every other week instead of weekly) or reduce the size of your garbage container and lower your bill.
Another way to help lower your garbage bill is to buy recycled products. Increasing demand for products made from recycled materials helps strengthen markets. Many products are now available that are made from recycled materials. Help yourself, our community and the environment - recycle all you can.
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