WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Our quality of life in Northwest Washington is closely related to our air quality. We can all help protect our air in some way, and not burning garbage is one of those ways.

Burning garbage is illegal throughout Washington state, wherever you live. State law prohibits the outdoor burning of solid waste, including all household garbage and trash.

But it still happens on a regular basis in the Northwest Clean Air Agency’s jurisdiction (Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties). Through the first 9 months of 2026, NWCAA compliance staff responded to dozens of complaints that people were burning prohibited materials.

Here’s a complaint we received in January:

“The neighbor burns garbage continuously. He built an extension off his building to conceal what he is burning, however the smoke is visible and so are the particles and debris that come down to my place. You can smell the burning plastics.”

So, the message is clear – don’t burn garbage.

That seems like a simple concept. But over the years, NWCAA staff have come across all kinds of oddities beyond burning household trash – including people burning old hot tubs, derelict boats, and old motorhomes.

Key facts about illegal garbage burning in Washington:

  • Burn barrels are illegal. The use of burn barrels has been prohibited statewide since 1976 because they create toxic, unhealthy smoke that damages air quality and people’s health. Whatever potentially harmful toxics are in the garbage produces smoke that is not filtered in any way.
  • Prohibited materials include paper, cardboard, plastics, construction debris, treated wood, petroleum products, plastics, rubber, metal, dead animals, asphalt, and other items that release toxins or odors when burned.
  • Penalties can include fines of hundreds of dollars or more. Evidence of burned garbage is often sufficient for a penalty to be issued. For example, in 2025 one garbage-burning incident resulted in a $1,100 penalty.

What to do instead of burning garbage:

  • Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, and plastic.
  • Compost food and yard waste.
  • Use a garbage collection service or haul waste to a landfill.

NOT burning trash:

  • Reduces harmful smoke in your area all year.
  • Avoids sparking unsafe fires.
  • Protects the air we all breathe, ourselves, our families, and our communities.
  • Follows longtime Washington law.

Remember, if someone is burning garbage near you, you can file a complaint with NWCAA. Here are your options: