Eco - Local Eco News

POSTED: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

Everything you need to know about recycling items from inside your home

Whatcom County recycling resources for your home: a room-by-room look

KITCHEN

Aluminum foil

Rinse clean and place in curbside recycling bin with aluminum cans.

Aluminum (cans)

Place cans in your curbside recycling bin with glass and plastics.

Alrite Recycling Center. 1900 Racine St. 734-3034.

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC) 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC) Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 354-3400.

Northwest Recycling, 1419 C St., 733-0100, 384-6313.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Recycling and Disposal Services, 4916 LaBounty Place, 384-8011.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Z Recyclers, 6129 Guide Meridian, 398-2161, 734-5986.

Large appliances

Recycle large broken appliances such as, washers, stove ranges, ovens and dishwashers, at Appliance Depot, 802 Marine Drive. 527-2646. Most items free, $25 charge for refrigerators and freezers.

Recycle most broken appliances for free at Bellingham Appliance Center. 3086 Northwest Drive. 714-8102.

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC) accepts some appliances. 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC) accepts some appliances. Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 354-3400.

Northwest Recycling, 1419 C St., 733-0100, 384-6313.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Sanitary Service Company accepts some appliances. 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Z Recyclers, 6129 Guide Meridian, 398-2161, 734-5986.

Small appliances

Recycle some small broken appliances, such as microwaves and toasters, for free at ReLectronics in Bellingham. Call to be sure your item is accepted. Some fees may apply. 1000 C St. 734-1235.

Assistance League of Bellingham, 1415 Cornwall, 738-2803.

Bring working appliances less than 5 years old to The Re Store, 2309 Meridian, 647-5921.

Recycle most broken appliances for free at Bellingham Appliance Center. 3086 Northwest Drive. 714-8102.

Cardboard, clean

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC). 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC). Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Lynden Christian Paper Depot. 503 Drayton, Lynden. 24-hour drop box.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 354-3400.

Northwest Recycling, 1419 C St., 733-0100, 384-6313.

Northwest Recycling Warehouse, 1515 Kentucky St., 734-2250.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Recycling and Disposal Services, 4916 LaBounty Place, 384-8011.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Cardboard (soiled)

Food-soiled cardboard, such as pizza boxes, can be recycled in the county's Food Plus! Recycling service. Cost for the 60-gallon bin varies depending on city of residence. Bellingham residents and BBR customers in Birch Bay, Semiahmoo and Blaine get biweekly service for $8 a month; Ferndale gets biweekly service for $10 a month; Everson, Nooksack, Sumas and Lynden get weekly service for $9 a month; and unincorporated areas get biweekly service for $10.70 a month.

Cleaning supplies

Recycle new or partially used containers for free at the Disposal of Toxics Facility. Keep labels fixed to containers. 3505 Airport Drive. 380-4640. Call ahead.

Flatware

Silverware in good condition should be donated to a local thrift store. If it is damaged beyond use and is made only of metal, place it in a box or paper bag with other scrap metals and place next to your curbside recycling bin.

Food scraps (and soiled paper-based materials such as juice boxes)

Sign up for the Food Plus! Recycling service to get a 60-gallon bin. Cost varies depending on city of residence. Bellingham residents and BBR customers in Birch Bay, Semiahmoo and Blaine get biweekly service for $8 a month; Ferndale gets biweekly service for $10 a month; Everson, Nooksack, Sumas and Lynden get weekly service for $9 a month; and unincorporated areas get biweekly service for $10.70 a month.

Glass containers

Clean and place in glass curbside recycling bins.

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC). 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC). Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 354-3400.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Recycling and Disposal Services, 4916 LaBounty Place, 384-8011.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Z Recyclers, 6129 Guide Meridian, 398-2161, 734-5986.

Plastic containers

Recycle all containers less than 1 gallon in your plastics curbside recycling bin. All colors and numbers with lids apply (includes "clamshell" fruit containers and plastic drinking cups).

Containers larger than 1 gallon or mixed plastics (items without lids) can be brought directly to SSC. Accumulate 30 gallons worth of mixed plastic in a large garbage bag and take to SSC for a $5 fee. 1001 Roeder Ave. 734-3490, 398-2025.

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC). 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC). Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Plastic film (saran wrap)

Accumulate 30 gallons worth of mixed plastic in a large garbage bag and take to SSC for a $5 fee. 1001 Roeder Ave. 734-3490, 398-2025.

Plastic grocery bags

Drop off at bins in any Haggen grocery store or Wal-Mart for free. All types and colors.

Pots and pans (good condition)

Assistance League of Bellingham, 1415 Cornwall, 738-2803.

Goodwill. 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store. First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest. 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

We Care. 3550 Meridian Suite #2, 647-5415.

Pots and pans (damaged)

Note: Even pieces with some plastic or Teflon can be recycled with metals. Call ahead.

Alrite Recycling Center. 1900 Racine St. 734-3034.

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC) 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC) Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 354-3400.

Northwest Recycling, 1419 C St., 733-0100, 384-6313.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Recycling and Disposal Services, 4916 LaBounty Place, 384-8011.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Z Recyclers, 6129 Guide Meridian, 398-2161, 734-5986.

Ziploc bags

Accumulate 30 gallons worth of mixed plastic in a large garbage bag and take to SSC for a $5 fee. 1001 Roeder Ave. 734-3490, 398-2025.

Cut off the plastic zip end, rinse and recycle with plastic bags at local Haggen or Wal-Mart stores.

LIVING ROOM

Clocks

The Clock Shop in Bellingham accepts some broken clocks and clock parts. Call 671-1218 to make an appointment.

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs)

Recycle expired, unbroken CFLs at Home Depot stores for free. Place each bulb in a plastic bag and deposit in the orange bins at the front of the store. 420 Telegraph Road. 715-0090.

Disposal of Toxics Facility. 3505 Airport Drive. 380-4640. Call ahead.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Exercise equipment (broken)

Most metal is salvageable. Separate plastic where possible and take metal to recycling stations. Call ahead.

Alrite Recycling Center. 1900 Racine St. 734-3034.

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC) 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC) Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 354-3400.

Northwest Recycling, 1419 C St., 733-0100, 384-6313.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Recycling and Disposal Services, 4916 LaBounty Place, 384-8011.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Z Recyclers, 6129 Guide Meridian, 398-2161, 734-5986.

Fluorescent lamps

Recycle for free at the Disposal of Toxics Facility. 3505 Airport Drive. 380-4640. Call ahead.

Furniture (good shape)

Arc of Washington State. Free pick-up at your door. 671-3344.

Assistance League of Bellingham, 1415 Cornwall, 738-2803.

Goodwill. 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store. First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest. 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

We Care. 3550 Meridian Suite #2, 647-5415.

Furniture (broken)

Broken furniture may be disassembled and some parts recycled at Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Knick-knacks

Assistance League of Bellingham, 1415 Cornwall, 738-2803.

Northwest Center has drop-off bins for shoes, clothing, bedding, toys, school supplies, books and knick-knacks around the county. Visit nwcenter.org for more information. Bins located at:

Fort Bellingham Market and Deli at 1383 Marine Drive.

Samish Chevron and Gas at 100 N. Samish Way.

North Lake Samish Shell station at 1215 N. Lake Samish Drive.

Baker Bear Grocery at 1706 Mt Baker Highway.

Rome Grocery and Deli at 2908 Mt Baker Highway.

Quick Stop gas station at 4895 Mt Baker Highway in Deming.

Crazy Bob's at 5927 Guide Meridian.

Intercontinental Foods at 4564 Guide Meridian.

Evergreen Ridge Apartments at 3451 Woburn St.

Kindercare Learning at 2320 Yew St.

I-5 Auctions at 4744 Pacific Highway.

Second Chance West at 4724 Pacific Highway.

Lamps

Recycle broken lamps or lamp parts at the Bellingham Appliance Center. 3086 Northwest Drive. 714-8102.

Television sets

Recycle broken TVs for free at Safe and Easy Recycling. 4131 Hannegan Road. 715-3279.

BATHROOM

Hardware

Bathroom hardware, such as knobs and towel racks can be donated to the RE Store. 2309 Meridian St. 647-5921. www.re-store.org

Makeup

Some makeup companies will accept used or empty containers for recycling. Contact companies directly for details.

Mercury thermometers.

Free drop off at the Disposal of Toxics Facility. 3505 Airport Drive. 380-4640. Call ahead.

Nail clippers

Place with scrap metal smaller than 24 inches in a box or paper bag and leave next to curbside recycling bins.

Soap bottles

Rinse plastic shampoo, conditioner, body wash and mouth-rinse bottles and place in curbside recycling bin with plastics.

Toilet paper rolls

Place cardboard in a separate bag or box and place next to curbside recycling bins.

Towels

Trim ragged ends and donate worn towels to the Whatcom Humane Society. Call 733-2080 for more information.

OFFICE

Backpacks (worn but useable)

Donate to the American Birding Association (ABA) at: ABA/Birders' Exchange; 4945 No. 30th. St. Suite 200; Colorado Springs, CO 80919. (800) 850-2473.

Batteries (rechargeable: nickel-cadmium or lithium batteries found in calculators, cameras, phones)

Drop off for free at the Disposal of Toxics Facility. 3505 Airport Drive. 380-4640. Call ahead.

Batteries (alkaline: such as A, AA, AAA).

Bring to Wal-Mart for free recycling. 4420 Meridian St. 647-1400.

Bring to the Western Washington University campus bookstore for free recycling.

Purchase an iRecycle battery kit from www. batteryrecycling.com. The kit is $34.50 and includes FedEx shipping costs for up to 12 pounds of batteries and other hand-held electronic waste.

CDs, DVDs (scratched/broken/unwanted).

Donate audio and video material in good condition to your local library.

Mail broken or scratched CDs and DVDs to "The Compact Disc Recycling Center of America; 68H Stiles Road; Salem, NH 03079."

Trade CDs still in good condition with other music-lovers on zunafish.com.

Computer hardware (LCD monitors, towers, laptops)

Recycle LCD monitors for free at ReLectronics in Bellingham. 1000 C St. 734-1235. Non-LCD monitors are accepted for a $15 fee.

Recycle all monitors, laptops and computer towers for free at Safe and Easy Recycling. 4131 Hannegan Road. 715-3279.

Computer accessories (mice, keyboards, cables)

Recycle for free at ReLectronics in Bellingham. 1000 C St. 734-1235.

Crayons

Recycle broken crayons with the National Crayon Recycling Program. Leave crayons in their sleeves and send to: Crayon Recycling Program; 721 Village Road; Pelican Lake, Wisconsin 54463. You can also purchase recycled crayons from the company. For more information, visit www.crazycrayons.com or call (800) 561-0922.

Electronics (broken)

Recycling locations may charge a fee (usually by weight). Call for details.

Safe and Easy Recycling. 4131 Hannegan Road. 715-3279; 1770 Front St, Lynden.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Relectronics, 2422 E. Bakerview, 734-1235.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Envelopes (with plastic windows)

Recycle with paper in curbside recycling bins.

Film canisters

Take to film-processing centers for reuse.

Recycle with plastics in curbside bins.

Glossy magazines

Recycle with paper in curbside recycling bins.

Glue bottles

Clean empty bottles and bring to Wal-Mart for recycling. 4420 Meridian St. 647-1400.

Keys

Place scrap metal smaller than 24 inches in a box or paper bag and place next to curbside recycling bins.

Newspaper

Recycle newspaper in your curbside recycling bin.

Donate newspaper (no glossy ads) to the Whatcom Humane Society. Call 733-2080 for more information.

Birch Bay Recycling (operated by SSC) 4297 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, 371-7111, 734-3490.

Cedarville Recycling (operated by SSC) Cedarville Road (off Mt. Baker Highway), 592-5383, 734-3490.

Lynden Christian Paper Depot. 503 Drayton, Lynden. 24-hour drop box.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 354-3400.

Northwest Recycling, 1419 C St., 733-0100, 384-6313.

Northwest Recycling Warehouse, 1515 Kentucky St., 734-2250.

Point Recycling and Refuse, off Johnson Road, Point Roberts, 945-1516.

Recycling and Disposal Services, 4916 LaBounty Place, 384-8011.

Regional Disposal Company, 1524 Slater Road, 384-1057.

Sanitary Service Company, 1001 Roeder Ave., 734-3490, 398-2025.

Packaging materials

The Post Office no longer accepts packing peanuts and there are no recycling drop-off bins in Whatcom County. Call the Peanut Hotline at (800) 828-2214 or visit loosefillpackaging.com to find a Washington state drop-off location that is convenient for you.

Phone books

Place with mixed-paper in curbside recycling bins.

Plastic storage containers

Donate to the Whatcom Humane Society. Call 733-2080 for more information.

Donate to Goodwill, Value Village, thrift stores or Arc of Washington.

Printers

Safe and Easy Recycling accepts most broken electronics free or for a small fee by weight. A printer, for example, can be recycled for between $1.50 and $3. 4131 Hannegan Road. 715-3279.

Printer cartridges

Recycle for free at ReLectronics in Bellingham. 1000 C St. 734-1235.

Recycle ink-jet cartridges at Wal-Mart for free. 4420 Meridian St. 647-1400.

School supplies

Allied Arts Education Project. 1418 Cornwall, 676-8548.

BEDROOM

Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows).

Community Service for the Blind. Free pick-up at your door. (800) 472-2244.

Arc of Washington State. Free pick-up at your door. 671-3344.

Assistance League of Bellingham, 1415 Cornwall, 738-2803.

Goodwill. 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store. First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest. 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

We Care. 3550 Meridian Suite #2, 647-5415.

Donate worn-out blankets to the Whatcom Humane Society. 733-2080.

Books

Donate books, audiobooks and videos to your public library.

Bellingham: 210 Central Ave., 778-7323.

Blaine: 610 Third St., 332-8146.

Deming: 5044 Mt. Baker Highway, 592-2422.

Everson: 104 Kirsch Drive, 966-5100.

Ferndale: 2222 Main St., 384-3647.

Lynden: 216 Fourth St., 354-4883.

Lummi Island: 2144 So. Nugent Road, 758-7145.

Maple Falls: 7509 Mt. Baker Highway, 599-2020.

Point Roberts: 1487 Gulf Road.

Sumas: 451 Second St., 988-2501.

Recycle soft-cover books in your curbside paper recycling bin. Remove hard covers.

Northwest Center has drop-off bins for shoes, clothing, bedding, toys, school supplies, books and knick-knacks around the county. Visit nwcenter.org for more information. Bins located at:

Fort Bellingham Market and Deli at 1383 Marine Drive.

Samish Chevron and Gsa at 100 N. Samish Way.

North Lake Samish Shell station at 1215 N. Lake Samish Drive.

Baker Bear Grocery at 1706 Mt Baker Highway.

Rome Grocery and Deli at 2908 Mt Baker Highway.

Quick Stop gas station at 4895 Mt Baker Highway in Deming.

Crazy Bob's at 5927 Guide Meridian.

Intercontinental Foods at 4564 Guide Meridian.

Evergreen Ridge Apartments at 3451 Woburn St.

Kindercare Learning at 2320 Yew St.

I-5 Auctions at 4744 Pacific Highway.

Second Chance West at 4724 Pacific Highway.

Candles.

Donate new and used candles to Church on the Street. 901 W. Holly St. Bellingham, WA. 98225. 756-2043. Open Monday-Saturday.

Cell phones.

Donate phones with chargers to the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Service center at 1407 Commercial St. Call 671-5714 first.

Drop off bins are located at Wal-Mart stores.

Relectronics. 1000 C St. 734-1235.

Clothing (and accessories)

Blue Skies for Children. 1901 N. State St., Suite B, 756-6710.

Northwest Center has drop-off bins for shoes, clothing, bedding, toys, school supplies, books and knick-knacks around the county. Visit nwcenter.org for more information. Bins located at:

Fort Bellingham Market and Deli at 1383 Marine Drive.

Samish Chevron and Gsa at 100 N. Samish Way.

North Lake Samish Shell station at 1215 N. Lake Samish Drive.

Baker Bear Grocery at 1706 Mt Baker Highway.

Rome Grocery and Deli at 2908 Mt Baker Highway.

Quick Stop gas station at 4895 Mt Baker Highway in Deming.

Crazy Bob's at 5927 Guide Meridian.

Intercontinental Foods at 4564 Guide Meridian.

Evergreen Ridge Apartments at 3451 Woburn St.

Kindercare Learning at 2320 Yew St.

I-5 Auctions at 4744 Pacific Highway.

Second Chance West at 4724 Pacific Highway.

Goodwill. 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store. First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest. 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

We Care. 3550 Meridian Suite #2, 647-5415.

Clothing (formal wear)

Donate to Bellingham's YWCA program that gives prom dresses to low-income students. 734- 4820. 1026 N. Forest St.

Eyeglasses (prescription or sunglasses)

Drop them off at Lenscrafters at the Bellis Fair Mall and they will be donated to international clinics. 676-5665.

Send donations directly to New Eyes for the Needy. Details at eyesfortheneedy.com/impact/recycle.html.

Hangers (plastic)

Accumulate 30 gallons worth of mixed plastic in a large garbage bag and take to SSC for a $5 fee. 1001 Roeder Avenue, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. 734-3490, 398-2025.

Hangers (wire)

Return them to your dry cleaners.

Recycle in a plastic bag next to your curbside recycling bins for free.

Musical instruments (broken, used or new)

Donate to Created to Worship, a music store at Church on the Street located at 901 W. Holly St. 756-2043.

Shoes

Donate gently worn shoes to Soles 4 Souls, a non-profit organization that provides shoes for needy people all over the world. Visit www.soles4souls.org for more information. There are two participating stores in Whatcom County where shoes can be dropped off.

Finish Line: 1 Bellis Fair Parkway, 527-9699 (until Sept. 16).

Soles Obsession Footwear: 105 3rd St., Lynden, 392-8659 (year-round).

Northwest Center has drop-off bins for shoes, clothing, bedding, toys, school supplies, books and knick-knacks around the county. Visit nwcenter.org for more information. Bins located at:

Fort Bellingham Market and Deli at 1383 Marine Drive.

Samish Chevron and Gsa at 100 N. Samish Way.

North Lake Samish Shell station at 1215 N. Lake Samish Drive.

Baker Bear Grocery at 1706 Mt Baker Highway.

Rome Grocery and Deli at 2908 Mt Baker Highway.

Quick Stop gas station at 4895 Mt Baker Highway in Deming.

Crazy Bob's at 5927 Guide Meridian.

Intercontinental Foods at 4564 Guide Meridian.

Evergreen Ridge Apartments at 3451 Woburn St.

Kindercare Learning at 2320 Yew St.

I-5 Auctions at 4744 Pacific Highway.

Second Chance West at 4724 Pacific Highway.

Goodwill. 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store. First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest. 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

We Care. 3550 Meridian Suite #2, 647-5415.

CHILD/BABY ROOM

Baby/premie clothes

Mother Baby Center. Call 647-1544 or email info@motherbabycenter.org for details.

Goodwill. 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store. First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest. 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

We Care. 3550 Meridian Suite #2, 647-5415.

Car seats

Donate to Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Donate to the Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Diapers (cloth or new disposable)

Donate to Mother Baby Center. Call 647-1544 or email info@motherbabycenter.org for details.

Nursing wear

Donate to Mother Baby Center. Call 647-1544 or email info@motherbabycenter.org for details.

Toys

Goodwill. 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army. 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350; 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village. 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store. First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest. 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

We Care. 3550 Meridian Suite #2, 647-5415.

Northwest Center has drop-off bins for shoes, clothing, bedding, toys, school supplies, books and knick-knacks around the county. Visit nwcenter.org for more information. Bins located at:

Fort Bellingham Market and Deli at 1383 Marine Drive.

Samish Chevron and Gsa at 100 N. Samish Way.

North Lake Samish Shell station at 1215 N. Lake Samish Drive.

Baker Bear Grocery at 1706 Mt Baker Highway.

Rome Grocery and Deli at 2908 Mt Baker Highway.

Quick Stop gas station at 4895 Mt Baker Highway in Deming.

Crazy Bob's at 5927 Guide Meridian.

Intercontinental Foods at 4564 Guide Meridian.

Evergreen Ridge Apartments at 3451 Woburn St.

Kindercare Learning at 2320 Yew St.

I-5 Auctions at 4744 Pacific Highway.

Second Chance West at 4724 Pacific Highway.

PET ITEMS

Cat/dog food

The Whatcom Humane Society operates a Food Bank for low-income families with pets. They accept opened food bags for donation. Call 733-2080 for more information.

Cat litter

Donate litter to the Whatcom Humane Society. 3710 Williamson Way, and 1661 Baker Creek Place. Call 733-2080 for more information.

Leashes/collars

Gently used collars and leashes can be donated to the Whatcom County Humane Society. 3710 Williamson Way, and 1661 Baker Creek Place. Call 733-2080 for more information.

GENERAL

Hazardous material should always be disposed of properly. In many cases, drop-off centers find ways to reuse the materials or will ship them off to other centers to be recycled.

Many food wrappers can be recycled through TerraCycle Inc. The company asks for groups, such as churches or schools, to register with the company as collectors of a certain product, such as yogurt cups, chip bags or candy bar wrappers. Visit terracycle.net/brigades to find out what products have openings.

Join the Yahoo! group Freecycle.org (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BellinghamWAFreecycle/) to exchange or donate items in the Bellingham area.

If you don't see an item listed in the resource, remember that most items in good condition, such as furniture, appliances, house wares, toys, baby furniture, clothing and accessories, can be donated to local thrift shops. Call ahead to confirm.

Goodwill: 1115 E Sunset Drive, # 105. 738-0483.

Salvation Army: 1515 Birchwood Ave. 733-1350.

Salvation Army: 317 Front St, Lynden. 354-2860.

Value Village: 3990 Meridian St. 733-2333.

Second Chance Thrift Store: First St. and Drayton, Lynden. 318-9333.

Project Hope Chest: 205 S. B.C. Ave, Lynden. 354-4673.

Natasha Johnson is a Bellingham freelance writer. She suggests contacting the Recycling Hotline at 676-5723 to ask about specific items.