Will Fourth of July change trash pickups in Whatcom County? See schedules
For backyard barbecues to pool parties, summer get-togethers can generate a lot of garbage.
That’s especially true for the Fourth of July.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4.
Many businesses and government offices are observing the federal holiday on Friday, July 3.
How will Independence Day impact trash pickups in Bellingham and other parts of Whatcom County?
Here’s what to know:
Who handles trash pickup in Bellingham and Whatcom County?
The Sanitary Service Company collects garbage, recycling and organic waste including food scraps and yard debris in Bellingham, Ferndale, Birch Bay and Blaine, according to its website.
Trash collection days depending on where you live in Bellingham, Ferndale and other areas, according to the Sanitary Service Company.
You can search for your address online to “set up service alerts or to find out when your garbage, recycling and FoodPlus! Yardwaste will be collected,” the waste removal company said.
You should place your containers at the curb the night before your pickup day.
How will Independence Day impact trash in Bellingham?
Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, Sanitation Service Company said it’s observing the holiday on Friday, July 3.
“All collection routes will run on schedule” on Friday, the company said in a June 26 Facebook post.
“Customers with Friday collection should set out materials the night before to ensure pick-up,” Sanitation Service Company said in post on its website. “Collection times on holidays may be earlier than usual.”
In other words, if your trash is normally picked up on Friday, you can expect to see a garbage truck on your block.
Sanitation Service Company said it will close its Bellweather Way office and Bellingham transfer station from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, through Friday, July 3.
In addition, the waste collection service’s Cedarville transfer station will be closed Saturday, July 4.
Will my garbage be picked up July 4 in Lynden? Nooksack?
Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling collects trash and recycling in Everson, Lynden, Nooksack and Sumas, according to its website.
The company collects recycling and garbage on a biweekly basis.
“We pick up on all holidays,” including the Fourth of July, Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling said on its website.
Customers should put their bins on the curb the evening before their usual collection day to ensure waste is picked up.