Moving Out? Pack it Out!

​Please be a good neighbor by properly donating, selling, recycling, disposing of or otherwise removing your unwanted furniture and other belongings when you move out. Items that are left outside, even with a “free” sign, are rarely picked up by someone who needs it. Instead, these items become litter that is hazardous to pedestrians, traffic and wildlife. Protect our community and environment by using the following resources when you move. ​

Many organizations in Bellingham accept gently used items for donation. Some of these organizations even offer free pickup services from your home. Please contact an organization or check their website before donating to make sure your items can be accepted.

WWU Furniture Fest

Western Washington University (WWU) Furniture Fest is a program that collects gently used furniture items throughout the summer, cleans them up and then gives them to students for free. Students and community members may drop off gently used accepted items during designated drop-off times on scheduled days.

More Donation Options

  • Habitat for Humanity Whatcom County accepts a variety of building materials and home goods.
  • The RE Store accepts building materials, solid wood furniture, and some other items.
  • Ragfinery accepts clean fabrics, yarns, lace, linen, and other materials that can be upcycled.
  • Lydia Place accepts some items for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County.
  • The Whatcom Humane Society accepts some pet and cleaning supplies.
  • Goodwill accepts a wide range of items, including gently used furniture, clothing, electronics and more.
  • Value Village accepts small furniture and appliances, clothing, electronics and more.

In addition to hosting a garage sale or selling items to friends or neighbors, you can sell items on online marketplaces like crai​gslist​ and Facebook Marketplace. WWU students can join the WWU and Bellingham Buy/Trade/Sell Facebook group.

Always practice caution when meeting an online stranger in person. Meet in a public, visible place and bring a friend. The Bellingham Police Department offers two “Safe Exchange” parking spots in front of their building in downtown Bellingham at 505 Grand Avenue. These parking spots provide a safe place for individuals to meet to buy or sell items online.

WasteWise

Use Whatcom County’s WasteWise tool to learn how to properly recycle or dispose of hundreds of items locally.

Recycling and Disposal Services

Below are some recycling and disposal services located in Whatcom County:

  • Sanitary Service Company (SSC) provides residential and commercial curbside recycling and disposal service in Bellingham, under contract with the City.
    • SSC offers curbside pick-up for a fee for junk and bulky items, including appliances, furniture, mattresses, electronics, remodeling debris, yard waste and more.
    • You can also drop off loads of recycling at one of SSC’s recycling centers for a fee.
  • Recycling & Disposal Services, Inc. (RDS​)​ is open every day. They accept loads of recycling, garbage, yard waste, and more for a fee. They also accept some electronic items free of charge for the E-Cycle Washington program.
  • Green Earth Technology composts food scraps, grass clippings, brush or other yard waste at their facility for a fee.
  • Ridwell is a paid service that picks up hard-to-recycle items such as lightbulbs, batteries, plastic film and threads.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste can be properly disposed of at the Disposal of Toxics Facility. Hazardous waste includes automotive products, fluorescent lights, lawn and garden chemicals, oil-based paint products, mercury thermometers and more. ​​

Additional Resources

Contact Information

Contact ​​​​​​​askPW@cob.org​ with questions or concerns. ​

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