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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.
Collection Schedule Information: Please set out containers by 6:30AM on your collection day or the evening before. SSC crews works all holidays that fall on weekdays. 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 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 only for plastic film (bags, etc.) and larger plastic items like plant pots and trays, buckets, hinged containers and “blister” type plastic packaging at our Bellingham Transfer Station and Recycle Center located at 1001 Roeder Avenue (Corner F&Roeder). Hours are Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM. Small recycling fee charged. Closed most major holidays. Click here for more info on drop-off recycling options or contact us at ssc@ssc-inc.com or (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. For more info on commercial collection Click here.
 SSC Drop Off Plastics Recycling Flyer
Plastic Film Drop-Off Flyer
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FoodPlus!
Food scraps, yard debris, compostable papers and bio-plastics are all composted into rich soil amendment through our award-winning FoodPlus! program. FoodPlus! is a cost-effective way to reduce waste, trim your garbage bill and support local businesses creating new products from recycled materials. All FoodPlus! materials are composted at Green Earth Technologies (GET) in Lynden. Compost from GET is available for sale in Whatcom County.
Service Area: Bellingham, Ferndale, Birch Bay, Blaine and parts of unincorporated Whatcom County. Currently, there is no FoodPlus! service on Lummi Island.
| Residential FoodPlus! Container Options |
Frequency |
Notes |
60 gal Toter®
Wheeled container, handle, lid |
Every-other-week |
Max. wt. 100 lbs.
Overweight charges apply.
Additional Toters® available.*
Regular rates apply.
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| 2 gal Kitchen Pail |
N/A |
Pail is optional. Small fee charged. Pail is yours to keep.
Please do not set kitchen pails out for pick-up.
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To order Foodplus! service and/or a kitchen pail click here. Note: FoodPlus! is also available to commercial customers. Food to Flowers! is our school service available to K-5 schools and other educational institutions.
*Or use your own container(s), paper bags or boxes for extra material. NO PLASTIC BAGS PLEASE. Set extra materials next to FoodPlus! Toter® for pick-up. Charges for extra materials apply.
Bulky Items: Bulky material that will not fit in Toters® should be cut to 4’ lengths, tied in bundles (max. weight 50 lbs.) and set next to Toter®. Charges for bulky material apply. Please contact us for questions.
Collection: Please set out containers by 6:30AM on your collection day or the evening before. SSC crews works all holidays that fall on weekdays. Please set out collection containers as usual. Click here for holiday collection schedule tips. Collections may be missed due to weather or road conditions. Click here for weather-related service tips. If garbage and recyclables are collected on your next regularly scheduled pick-up, no credit will be given. For schedule changes or service interruptions, click here or contact us during office hours at ssc@ssc-inc.com or (360) 734-3490 for instructions. Our offices are open Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Closed most major holidays.
SSC supports the efforts of the Grizzly Bear Outreach Project. If you live or work in outlying areas, check out these garbage and recycling storage tips.
Note: SSC supplied containers are the property of SSC. Please label them with your address. DO NOT take them with you if you move. Customers are responsible for any theft, loss or damage in excess of normal use of SSC containers. A replacement fee will be charged for lost or stolen SSC containers. SSC is not responsible for items left in, on, or near Toters® or garbage cans.
Pack Out Service: Ideal for weekend residents, those in neighborhoods where covenants prohibit leaving garbage and recycling containers out overnight or for customers who need assistance. SSC driver takes container to truck, empties it and returns it to its designated storage location at your home. Available to all customers for a small charge per pick-up.
Rates: For rates, please contact us or (360) 734-3490.
For tips and more info visit our FAQ page.
| ALL FOODS/FOOD SCRAPS |
ALL COMPOSTABLE
BIODEGRADABLE
FOOD-SOILED PRODUCTS
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YARD DEBRIS |
- Fruit/Vegetable Scraps, Peels, Trimmings
- Spoiled/Outdated Foods
- Dairy Scraps (such as yogurt, cheese, sour cream, ice cream, milk)
- Paper Coffee Filters, Coffee Grounds
- Eggshells
- Leftovers / Table Scraps
- Dough Scraps (wrap or bag in PAPER)
- All Meat, Fish, Shellfish Scraps (including bones and shells)
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- Pizza Boxes
- Paper Milk/Juice Cartons
- Ice cream/Frozen Food Cartons
- Paper Deli/Take-Out Cartons
- Napkins/Paper Towels/Tablecloths
- Paper Plates, Bowls, Cups
- Parchment/Waxed Paper
- Paper Bags
- Pet Food Bags (wax paper-no plastic / foil)
- Bakery Boxes / Paper Liners
- Wax-coated Cardboard Boxes
- Biodegradable/Eco Dishware / Utensils / To-go Containers
- (Ex. Corn, Potato, Bamboo)
- Tissue Paper
- Gift Wrap (no foil)
- Gift Bags (remove handles)
- Latex Gloves
- Small Wood Scraps
- Paper Vacuum Cleaner Bags/Dust
- Fabric Scraps, Thread
- Dryer Lint
- Corks (real, not plastic)
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- Grass Clippings
- Garden Trimmings/Weeds
- Leaves/Branches
- Floral Trimmings, Houseplants
- Expired Floral Arrangements
- Waxed Floral Paper
- Seasonal Greens (Pumpkins, Cornstalks, Hay, Gourds, Garlands, Wreaths, Swags, Etc.)
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FoodPlus! Recycling - Residential Flyer
FoodPlus! Recycling - Printable Decal 61
FoodPlus! Recycling - COMPOST Printable Decal 57
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FoodPlus! Kitchen Pail -
2 gallon, $8.75 each (yours to keep)
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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 crews works all holidays that fall on weekdays. 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 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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Lighting Recycling and Disposal
The following types of lighting products contain mercury and cannot be thrown in the trash:
Fluorescent lighting, including regular and low-mercury or "green" tubes, compact tubes or bulbs (CFL’s), ballasts, High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, UV lamps and mercury-bearing devices. See below for recycling and disposal options:
SSC – Bellingham Recycling Center & Transfer Station - 1001 Roeder Avenue (corner F & Roeder)
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) ONLY are accepted for recycling. No charge. Bulbs accepted during business hours only. When recycling CFL bulbs, please deliver intact and packaged to avoid breakage (Tip: save original containers). Check in at front. Please press buzzer to left of door for assistance. Open Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Closed most major holidays. (360) 734-3490 or ssc@ssc-inc.com.
To recycle, or properly dispose of, other types of lighting, such as fluorescent tubes, ballasts, High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, UV lamps, and mercury-bearing devices, or for questions or more information about recycling and proper disposal options for lighting, check out these resources:
US EPA Mercury Spill
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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 residential and commercial recycling customers. Commercial recycling customers (outside city limits). Contact us at ssc@ssc-inc.com or (360) 734-3490 to schedule pick-up. |
Special Pick-Up |
All SSC customers. Contact us at ssc@ssc-inc.com or (360) 734-3490 to schedule pick-up. |
Drop-Off |
SSC’s Bellingham Recycling Center & Transfer Station – 1001 Roeder Ave (F&Roeder) – Public drop-off during regular business hours only (Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM). Closed most major holidays. Check in at front for assistance. Cash, check, debit and major credit card accepted or charge it to your SSC account. |
All electronic items collected are delivered locally to Safe & Easy Recycling and responsibly recycled or reused. For more information on electronics recycling in Washington State visit E Cycling Washington.
Electronics Recycling List and Info (Residential and Commercial)
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
Our mobile shredding service is available to both residential and commercial customers. Service is offered 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.
For on-site, mobile shredding at your location contact us at (360) 734-3490 or ssc@ssc-inc.com to schedule service.
Drop-off option: Secure shredding available at our Bellingham Recycling Center & Transfer Station at 1001 Roeder Ave (F&Roeder) during regular business hours. Hours are Monday - Friday from 8AM - 5PM. Closed most major holidays. Check in at front. Press buzzer at door to left for assistance. Cash, check, credit card accepted or charge it to your SSC account.
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 Hauling
Got junk? You Call – We Haul. From your home, garage, shop, yard or office, we can haul it all. Appliances, furniture, mattresses, electronics, yard debris, remodeling/demolition waste, and more. Low prices. No minimum charge! Weekend pick-up available.
Curbside Pick-up: For single bulky/large item pick-up, schedule curbside pick-up on your garbage collection day. Available to residential and commercial customers. Service must be scheduled in advance. Place item out next to garbage Toter®. Extra charges apply based on item size and quantity.
For questions or to schedule pick-up, contact us or call (360) 734-3490.
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Recycle Your Cycle – Used Bicycle Recycling Project
SSC now accepts used bicycles through its Recycle your Cycle program at no charge. Collected bikes are donated to The Hub Community Bike Shop.
To donate your used bicycle, visit SSC’s Bellingham Recycling Center & Transfer Station at 1001 Roeder Avenue (F&Roeder) for drop-off. Hours are Monday-Friday 8AM – 5PM. Closed most major holidays. Check in at front and press buzzer to left of door for assistance. Donated bikes must be able to be repaired and ridden – at a minimum. Bikes beyond repair can be recycled as scrap metal.
SSC is a "bike-friendly" business, active Whatcom SmartTrips employer and long time supporter of Bike to Work and School Day. Our employees log over 30,000 SmartTrips miles per year – many of them by bike! SSC is also a proud sponsor of WWU's Cycling Team. For questions or more info, visit our FAQ section or contact us at ssc@ssc-inc.com or (360) 734-3490.
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Three Stack Recycling Bins
Three stacking bins (red, white, blue) 12 gallons each
A set of Three Stack Recycling Bins was provided to all residences at the launch of the curbside recycling program. Recycling bins are the property of SSC and should stay at the residence where they were originally delivered. Please do not take them with you if you move. Customers are responsible for any theft, loss or damage in excess of normal use of recycling bins. A replacement fee is charged for lost or stolen recycling bins, or for customers wishing extra recycling bins. Please contact us to inquire about the status of your account if you are a new resident and do not have recycling bins at your home.
Three Stack Recycling Bins replacement sets are $30 delivered. Individual bins are $10 per bin and can be picked up in person or delivered. A one-time charge for replacement or extra bins can be added to your bill. Extra or replacement bin(s) are yours to keep. Order here.
Three Stack Recycle Bins may also be purchased in person at SSC during regular business hours. Cash (US Dollar), check or credit card accepted – or bill it to your SSC account.
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Three Stack Recycling Bins Self-Hauler
Three Stack Recycle Bins Self-Hauler $35 each – delivered. One-time charge added to my bill. The self-hauler is mine to keep.
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Preparing Your Recyclables
Recycle the following materials by placing them in the marked stacking bins. Max. 35 lbs. per bin.
Moderate quantities of extra materials can be placed next to recycling bins in an open box, basket or paper sack. Additional recycling bins are available for purchase. Order here. You may also purchase a standard size plastic garbage can (30-32 gallon) and label it for recycling Aluminum and Plastic Containers ONLY. Use your recycling bin to recycle glass bottles and metal cans. For extra large quantities or home business-generated materials, please contact us or call our offices (360) 734-3490.
Recycle/Garbage Collection Information
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Scrap Paper Only - White Bin
Drivers cannot take recyclables in plastic bags for safety reasons – use a sturdy paper sack, small plastic tub or cardboard box no larger than a standard curbside bin for extras.
Reminder: Stack corrugated cardboard next to bins or Toters® for recycling.
Yes:
- Mail, magazines, catalogs
- Envelopes, stationery, labels, paper sacks, phone books, paperback books and manuals
- Computer, copy/office paper (all colors), carbonless paper, file folders, poster paper
- Paperboard cartons (ex. Cereal boxes, mac n’ cheese boxes, shoe boxes, gift boxes). Discard liners/packing material. Flatten.
- Staples, paper clips, file folder clips OK
No:
- Paper towels, tissues, plates, napkins, tissue paper **
- Wax or refrigerator/freezer cartons (ex. milk, juice or frozen food containers) **
- Thermal receipts (waxy), fax paper (thermal), carbon paper
- Paper with foil or plastic (ex. foil gift wrap, (TYVEK) postal envelopes)
** These products are compostable and accepted in our FoodPlus! Recycling service. Click here for details. To sign up for FoodPlus! click here.
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Newspaper Only - Red Bin
Do not place in plastic bags
Yes: Clean newsprint, inserts, ads, masking paper and masking tape. Roll or fold masking paper up tight. NO plastic or strapping tape.
No: Plastic delivery bags or rubber bands |
If windy, please put top layer of newspaper in a paper bag to prevent litter.
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Bottles, Cans and 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.
- Aerosol Cans (recycle with scrap metal – see below). Non-hazardous, aerosol cans ONLY. Aerosol cans must be EMPTY - no pressure or contents left in can. Leave cap on (if you have it). Place in a cardboard box with any other scrap metal. Set next to recycling bins or recycling Toters® for collection. Hazardous product aerosol cans or cans that are not empty must be taken to Disposal of Toxics for safe disposal. For more info call (360) 380-4640 or visit www.co.whatcom.wa.us/publicworks/solidwaste/construction/toxics.jsp.
Aerosol Can Bin Label
- 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 and air filters
- 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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Drop Off Plastic Recycling Flyer
Plastic Film Bag Flyer
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Recycle these materials by placing them neatly next to recycling 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, brass and aerosol cans. Maximum 35 lbs. per pick up. Maximum length 24 inches. Store in a box or bag. No plastic pipe.
Aerosol Cans – Non-hazardous, aerosol cans ONLY. Aerosol cans must be EMPTY - no pressure or contents left in can. Leave cap on (if you have it). Place in a cardboard box with any other scrap metal. Set next to recycling bins or recycling Toters® for collection. Hazardous product aerosol cans or cans that are not empty must be taken to Disposal of Toxics for safe disposal. For more info call (360) 380-4640 or visit www.co.whatcom.wa.us/publicworks/solidwaste/construction/toxics.jsp.
Aerosol Can Bin Tag
License Plates - For info about recycling old or expired Washington State license plates see our FAQ section or click here.
Used Motor Oil - Used motor oil ONLY. Do not mix with anything else. Store in a one gallon (or smaller), sealed, non-breakable container. Clean plastic milk or water jugs work great. Do not use bleach, detergent, or antifreeze containers. Screw on threaded lids tightly. Seal “pop top” style lids with duct tape. Mark container “Oil.” Set next to recycling bins (residential) or recycling Toters® (multi-family) for collection. Commercial customers should contact us for options. For questions, or to recycle larger quantities, contact us at (360) 734-3490 or ssc@ssc-inc.com.
Oil & Water Don’t Mix – Separating Oil from Water
- Let the oil / water mix stand. The oil will float to the top.
- Pour off oil into an approved container (see above). Seal and label as instructed above.
- Soak up any contaminated water and dispose of in the garbage
Used motor oil is also accepted for recycling at our Cedarville Transfer Station and Birch Bay Transfer Station. For hours and directions, click here.
Used Motor Oil Flyer
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 2010, market prices for recyclables increased from 2009 prices, resulting in us being charged less than what it costs to process the materials. The 2010 debit (charge) of $0.58 per month will decrease effective July 1, 2011 to a credit of $0.24 per month. For customers billed every three months, this will show as a recycling credit of $0.72 ($0.24 x 3 months).
| 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 |
| 2010 | Recycling Charge | $0.58/month |
| 2011 | Recycling Credit | $0.24/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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