Refuse & Recycling

Who is eligible?

Town customers - all residents and businesses - are eligible for refuse pickup.

Town is not equipped to extend recycling and other special programs to multi-family and commercial accounts at this time. Other carriers, such as Lautenbach Recycling, are available. See program information and rules below.

What's My Schedule?

Program Information & Rules

Click on the appropriate tab below for more information. 

Printable FAQs & Flyers



  1. Plastic Film Collection
  2. Refuse
  3. Recycling
  4. Yard Waste
  5. Hazardous Waste

What is the Plastic Film Recycling Pilot Program?

In 2021, the Town and SC Johnson Company, a manufacturer of household brands, launched a one-year pilot study to offer curbside collection and recycling of plastic film to Friday Harbor residents. That program ended this October 2022. Overall, the study was a success! The data offered SC Johnson Company insight on ways to put recyclable materials (not accepted in the “blue bin”) back into the economy where they have the most benefit.

The Town and Lautenbach Recycling have now partnered to continue with the Plastic Film Recycling Program because of the overwhelming support shown by Town residents this past year.

Eligibility

Every single-family residence that currently receives garbage can pick-up is eligible to participate. Residents that choose to participate should continue recycling clean and dry plastic bags, plastic storage bags such as Ziploc® brand bags, plastic grocery and produce bags, dry cleaning bags, and other flexible plastic film by placing it in the “Plastic Film Only” recycling bin provided by the Town earlier this year. There is no additional charge for this service. If you do not have a bin or want to sign up for garbage pick-up, please call (360) 378-2810.

Collection Schedule

The 4th Wednesday of every month.

Pricing & Container Information

  • FREE
  • Plastic film bins are available.  Contact Town Hall if you did not receive yours.

How to Participate

  • Put clean and dry plastic bags and plastic film inside a plastic bag. 
  • When it is about the size of a soccer ball, tie the top of the outer bag in a knot. 
  • Put your bag of bags in your provided plastic film recycling bin.
  • Place your provided plastic film recycling bin at your curbside pick-up location by 9:00 a.m.

Materials Accepted in Your Plastic Film Only Bin
(All items must be clean and dry)

  • Bread bags
  • Grocery bags
  • Dry cleaning bags
  • Produce bags
  • Plastic newspaper wrapping
  • Food storage bags (including Ziploc®)
  • Plastic wraps around multi-packs of drink bottles, paper towels, diapers, etc.
  • Bubble wrap/air pillows (popped)
  • Plastic lining from cereal boxes
  • Plastic shipping envelopes (remove labeling)

Plastic Film Recycle Service DOES NOT Include

  • Multi-layer film (chip bags, pet food bags, etc.)
  • Pre-washed salad mix bags
  • Candy wrappers
  • Waxed paper containers
  • Polystyrene or foam containers
  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Food-soiled paper and cardboard
  • Diapers
  • Feminine products
  • Biodegradable or compostable bags
  • Aerosol cans

For more information or questions about our Plastic Film Recycle service, please call 360-378-2810.