County logistics make annual curbside large‑item pickup unlikely, PRCAC told

Committee members discussed repeated requests for a large‑item curbside pickup and reported that Whatcom County Health Department and Public Works have told PRCAC that a curbside program is unlikely because of equipment, staffing and logistical constraints.

The chair said that a prior outreach to Jennifer Hayden at the health department did not succeed in producing a workable curbside model and that county operations lack sufficient equipment for an island‑scale service. Members explored alternatives including thoughtful drop‑off events, targeted grant uses from the solid‑waste tax for specific cases (hoarder cleanups, elderly assistance), or contracting a local vendor for one‑off collection days, but cautioned each approach has cost and logistical limits.

The committee agreed staff should continue to investigate feasible models and potential county or grant programs that could subsidize targeted cleanups rather than a broad annual curbside pickup.