Bellingham, WA: bulky pickup & disposal rules
Bellingham City contracts Sanitary Service Company (SSC) for household solid waste; bulky couches, mattresses and appliances need a separately arranged special pickup/haul and price confirmed with SSC.
Quick answer
Bellingham City contracts Sanitary Service Company (SSC) for household solid waste; bulky couches, mattresses and appliances need a separately arranged special pickup/haul and price confirmed with SSC.
Who qualifies
This applies to a Bellingham customer in SSC’s City service system. SSC also serves areas elsewhere in Whatcom County, where service terms and taxes may differ; check the street address and customer account.
Furniture, mattresses and appliances
SSC offers one-time junk hauling and other large-object services in addition to standard garbage and recycling carts. Confirm a specific mattress, appliance, electronics item or load with SSC before agreeing to service. A recycling drop box may be more suitable for self-hauled items.
Before setting anything out
Call SSC at 360-734-3490, describe all items and obtain the special service date and price. Ask whether the operator will collect directly from the curb or requires a designated staging point. Do not place unsupported items beside the garbage cart and expect free removal.
What not to put in the bulky pile
Dangerous chemicals, flammables, paint, batteries and other hazardous materials require Whatcom County disposal-of-toxics routes. For covered electronics such as televisions, computers and monitors, check Washington State’s E-Cycle Washington recycling locator; many covered devices qualify for free recycling. Do not assume SSC will collect or accept electronics in ordinary bulky waste. Ask SSC about any paid handling it offers for items not covered.
Where to take other large items
SSC operates a Bellingham Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center; visit its current site for hours and accepted materials. Whatcom County and Washington State recycling systems list approved hazardous or electronics drop-offs.
Local service facts checked — October 2026
The City expressly directs service questions to SSC; large-item service is not a free automatic weekly curbside allowance.
For paint, chemicals, batteries and other hazardous materials, use Whatcom County disposal-of-toxics guidance. Covered electronics have separate Washington E-Cycle programs; confirm eligibility before drop-off.