Whatcom County residents have a free and easy option this Saturday, August 9, to safely dispose of old paint, cleaning chemicals, garden pesticides, and other household hazardous waste. The Disposal of Toxics (DOT) Facility near Bellingham International Airport at 3505 Airport Drive accepts these materials at no cost on the first Saturday of each month and on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The facility, operated by Whatcom County Public Works, is designed to keep toxic household products out of regular garbage bins and away from landfills, where they can leach into soil and groundwater. The service is free to Whatcom County residents, meaning there is no charge to drop off eligible materials.
What You Can Drop Off
The facility accepts a wide range of common household hazardous materials that residents often accumulate in garages, storage rooms, and sheds. Accepted items typically include latex and oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes; automotive fluids such as motor oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers with hazardous ingredients; household cleaners, degreasers, and solvents; and fluorescent bulbs and batteries.
Residents are encouraged to check the Whatcom County hazardous waste page for a complete list of accepted and excluded materials before making the trip. Some items, including compressed gas cylinders and certain electronics, may require separate disposal arrangements.
With dry summer conditions creating elevated fire risk across Whatcom County right now, safely storing or disposing of flammable chemicals takes on added urgency. Older paint cans, solvent-soaked rags, and partially used fuel containers in garages pose ignition risks during periods of high heat and low humidity like the county is currently experiencing.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Household hazardous waste that ends up in curbside trash can contaminate the waste stream, expose garbage workers to toxic materials, and ultimately leach chemicals into soil and groundwater at landfill sites. Whatcom County has worked for years to expand convenient disposal options as part of a broader effort to protect the county's water quality and natural environment.
The DOT facility near the airport handles tens of thousands of pounds of hazardous materials each year, diverting them from the general waste stream and ensuring they are processed or recycled by certified handlers. Paints, for example, are often consolidated and redistributed for reuse, while solvents and automotive fluids are sent to licensed processors.
The monthly Saturday opening is specifically designed for residents who cannot make it during weekday hours. For households doing end-of-summer garage cleanouts, the timing is ideal.
How to Get There
The Disposal of Toxics Facility is located at 3505 Airport Drive in Bellingham, adjacent to the Bellingham International Airport. Residents should bring materials in sealed, labeled containers when possible to speed up check-in. The facility is open the first Saturday of each month, as well as Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For those who miss this Saturday's drop-off, the next first-Saturday opening will be in September. Residents with questions about specific items or the facility's hours and location can visit the county hazardous waste program page or contact Whatcom County Public Works directly. The facility does not charge fees for residential drop-offs and no appointment is required.
