City of Bellingham Municipal Code

9.12.060 - SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLABLES COLLECTION CHARGES - PAYMENT - LIENS

A. Billing for solid waste and recyclables collection and disposal service shall be monthly or every other month, bills for such service to be mailed by the city or the city's contractor, to the owner, occupant or tenant for each single-family dwelling unit, similar to bills for the water service in the city, or in connection with water bills.

B. 1. The charge for weekly residential collection and disposal service for each single-family dwelling unit is $27.46 per month for containers of 60-gallon capacity; and $41.01 for containers of 90-gallon capacity. For low-income senior citizens and disabled persons who qualify, the charge for regular weekly residential garbage collection and disposal service for each single-family dwelling unit is $23.43 per month for containers of 60-gallon capacity, and $35.76 for containers of 90-gallon capacity.

2. The charge for bi-weekly residential collection and disposal service for each single-family dwelling unit is $14.99 per month for containers of 60-gallon capacity; and $23.82 per month for containers of 90-gallon capacity. For low-income senior citizens and disabled persons who qualify, the bi-weekly rate for residential collection and disposal service for each single-family dwelling unit is $12.62 per month for containers of 60-gallon capacity; and $20.22 per month for containers of 90-gallon capacity.

3. The charge for monthly residential collection and disposal service for each single-family dwelling unit is $8.38 per month for containers of 60-gallon capacity; and $14.65 per month for containers of 90-gallon capacity. For low-income seniors and disabled persons who qualify, the monthly rate for residential collection and disposal service for each single-family dwelling unit is $6.82 per month for containers of 60-gallon capacity; and $11.87 per month for containers of 90-gallon capacity.

4. Notwithstanding the foregoing charges, upon due application to and approval by the city's contractor, a resident may elect to dispose of solid waste in a 30-gallon container (maximum) once a month at a rate of $5.81 per month.

5. (a) Charges above shall entitle the owner, occupant, or tenant to the collection and disposal of 1 container per service level and weekly collection of recyclable material.

(b) For any bag or bundle in excess of 1 container per service level, there shall be an additional charge of $4.75 for each bag or bundle.

(c) The term "bag" shall mean plastic sacks designed to store solid waste with sufficient wall strength to maintain physical integrity when lifted by the top. Total weight of a bag and its contents shall not exceed 50 pounds per 30 gallons of capacity. The term "bundle" shall mean tree, shrub and brush trimmings or similar materials securely tied together forming an easily handled package not exceeding 4 feet in length or 50 pounds in weight.

(d) For any toter filled above the top so that the lid does not close, or if the toter weighs more than 100 pounds for a 60 gallon toter or 150 pounds for a 90 gallon toter or 65 pounds for a customer supplied can, there shall be an additional charge of $4.75.

6. All materials shall be deposited at curbside or alleyside prior to collection and shall be placed in containers provided by the city's contractor.

7. Low-income senior citizens and disabled persons may qualify for the aforesaid reduced rates only upon application to and approval by the City Finance Director, or his/her designate. The Finance Director is hereby directed to prepare applications and promulgate regulations controlling the issuance of such authorizations. A senior aged 62 or older or a disabled person with a household income of $23,000 or less in 2003 (adjusted annually thereafter for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers for Seattle, Tacoma, Bremerton) is entitled to have the reduced rates.

8. A restart service fee of $5.00 will be charged if the service was stopped for failure to pay on a delinquent account.

9. A redelivery fee of $10.00 will be charged if toters are repossessed due to a delinquent account. The fee is due prior to or at time of redelivery of the toter.

10. A return fee of $10.78 will be charged if the customer fails to have the toter or can(s) available for scheduled pickup and the customer requests the truck return for pickup.

11. If payment is made by check or auto-payment and the bank refuses to honor the payment, the customer will be charged a fee of $10.00.