Red tulips in the garden

FAQs

Quickly find answers to commonly-asked questions.

Containers

Do you offer replacement containers (garbage, recycling and/or FoodPlus! Yardwaste)?

If your SSC containers were lost or stolen or you need additional containers, you may order more. Fees may apply. Please contact us to place an order or order more.

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. SSC is not responsible for items left in, on, or near garbage Toters® or garbage cans.

My SSC container is damaged. Can it be repaired?

Please contact us or schedule a repair online.

Billing

Why are rates not listed online?

 Rates are subject to change and are based on a variety of factors, including the location of your home or business. Please contact us for rate information. 

Do you provide service on holidays?

SSC crews work all holidays that fall on weekdays. Customers with a collection day that falls on a holiday should set out materials the night before for pick-up. Collection times on holidays may be earlier than normal. 

The Bellwether Way office and Drop Box Facility & Recycling Centers are closed most major holidays. The Bellwether Way office is closed to visitors all hours. Visit our News page for a yearly list of holiday closures. Download our mobile app on your phone’s app store (search Sanitary Service Company) to view your collection calendar, use the waste wizard, and sign up for notifications.

Do you offer a senior rate or discount?

If your SSC containers were lost or stolen or you need additional containers, you may order more. Fees may apply. Please contact us to place an order or order more.

A senior rate is offered to qualified residential customers in Bellingham. To see if you qualify, contact the City of Bellingham Finance Department at 360-778-8010. For additional questions, please contact us.

Can I cancel or put a hold on my service?

Yes. You may adjust your service at any time including putting a hold on service(s) (min. one month). There is no charge for stopping or starting service. Options:

Login to your online account

Complete a Service Request Form

Call us at (360) 734-3490

What is your policy for service delays and disruptions?

During times of unsafe road conditions, you may experience service delays or disruptions. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our team members and the public. SSC is committed to providing service to the best of our ability in areas that can be safely accessed. If we cannot collect material on your regular service day due to unsafe road conditions, please see the schedule below for your next collection. We will take twice the usual garbage or FoodPlus! Yardwaste at no extra charge:

Garbage: Collected the following week (inc. every-other-week and monthly customers). Use plastic bags for extra garbage.

Recycling: Collected on your next regularly scheduled day. Please place extra material next to recycling bins in an open cardboard box or plastic container (basket, bucket, etc.) no larger than a curbside recycling bin.

FoodPlus! Yardwaste: Collected on your next regularly scheduled day. Please place extra bulky yard waste (branches, etc.) next to your FoodPlus! Yardwaste toter. For smaller yard debris, food scraps or compostable packaging, please bag in a thick paper bag designed for yard debris or a compostable bag.

NOTE: Sudden Valley Customers: Visit http://suddenvalley.com/ for specific information for your community.

If you cannot wait until your next regularly scheduled pick-up, we will accept garbage and recycling, including extra material as detailed above, at no charge at one of our three Transfer Stations in Bellingham, Birch Bay, or Cedarville. 

Residential Recycling

How do I prevent windblown litter from my recycling bin or container?

 If possible, avoid putting recycling bins out on windy days and wait for your next pick-up. We will collect extra materials in bin or box no larger than SSC bins. If set out for collection, consider these suggestions:

Stacking bins – set singly on the ground. 

Tub-style bins – nest inside each other.

Recycling Toters® and Dumpsters – Close lids securely.

Cardboard – Flatten boxes, place on ground with a bin on top. 

Commercial Recycling

How do I prevent windblown litter from my recycling bin or container?

 If possible, avoid putting recycling bins out on windy days and wait for your next pick-up. We will collect extra materials in bin or box no larger than SSC bins. If set out for collection, consider these suggestions:

Stacking bins – set singly on the ground. 

Tub-style bins – nest inside each other.

Recycling Toters® and Dumpsters – Close lids securely.

Cardboard – Flatten boxes, place on ground with a bin on top. 

Do you accept plastic film for recycling?

Yes, plastic film (bags, wrap, etc.) from homes and businesses is accepted at our Bellingham Drop Box Facility and Recycling Center

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