What We Collect
Organic waste collection is a cost-effective way to reduce waste, trim your garbage bill, and support our community. We collect food scraps, food-soiled papers, yard waste, and approved compostable packaging. We take this organic waste to Green Earth Technology. to be locally composted and turned into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that helps plants grow. Learn more about what can be put in your FoodPlus! bin with these downloadable residential sorting guides.
FoodPlus! coming to all Bellingham single-family customers in 2025
Starting in early 2025, all single-family homes (four units or less) in Bellingham will begin receiving organics collection as part of their standard waste service. Customers already receiving this service year-round will not be affected by the change. The new service will be rolled out one neighborhood at a time.
Serving Bellingham, Ferndale, and Whatcom County
FoodPlus! Yardwaste service is currently not available on Lummi Island.
Collection Options
Enjoy every-other-week pick-up of your 60-gallon Toter, no matter how often your garbage is collected.
Have extra materials? We’ll collect them on your regular pick-up day (extra charges apply).
- Loose debris: place in a paper bag or cardboard box beside your Toter
- Bulky debris: cut to four feet long, tie in a bundle (max. weight 50 lbs.), and set beside your Toter
Additional Services
Pack-out Service
Toter Cleaning
Collection Day Guide
Follow these guidelines to ensure the SSC truck can effectively reach your Toters.
Toter Curb Placement
Place your container at the curb with the handle facing toward the house.
Toter Distance
Keep at least three feet of clear space on all sides. Do not place your Toter near other garbage/recycling containers, trees, shrubs, utility poles, mailboxes, or vehicles.
Make sure all compostables fit in your container with the lid closed to avoid extra charges. Additional collection fees apply for overweight or overfull containers, as well as for compostables piled on top of or beside containers. Be sure to have your container in place the evening before your collection day to ensure you don’t miss the truck in the morning.
Extra FoodPlus! Yardwaste
Request an extra pick-up or bring additional materials to our Bellingham Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center.
Bellingham Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center
Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM
Closed 12PM – 1PM and major holidays.
Birch Bay Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center
Sundays, 9AM – 5PM
Closed major holidays.
Cedarville Drop Box Facility & Recycling Center
Saturdays, 9AM – 5PM
Closed major holidays.
Composting Process
FoodPlus! Yardwaste is composted into rich soil amendment at Green Earth Technologies in Lynden, and sold at local businesses in Whatcom County.
Learn about Green Earth Technology
Waste Wise Guide
Use the disposal guide to find out what you can and can’t put in your containers. Here are four common items people are often unsure about.
Waste Wise PortalPaper Cartons
OK to put in FoodPlus! Yardwaste, including frozen food, deli, bakery, and take-out containers.
Food Scraps
OK to put in FoodPlus! Yardwaste, including meat, dairy, fish, and shellfish scraps.
Pet Waste
Do not put in FoodPlus! Yardwaste. Secure in a sealed bag and place in the garbage.
Aseptic Food Cartons
Do not put in FoodPlus! Yardwaste. Example: non-refrigerated, shelf-stable cartons for soy milk or broth.
FoodPlus! Yardwaste FAQs
Quickly find answers to commonly-asked FoodPlus! Yardwaste questions.
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 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 or fill out our online form to 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
Waste Wise Guide
Learn what goes in the garbage, recycling, and FoodPlus! Yardwaste.
Search the Guide
Get Started
Sign up online, email us at info@ssc-inc.com, or call us at (360) 734-3490 to start your FoodPlus! Yardwaste services. We look forward to serving you.