FAQs • Oak Harbor, WA • CivicEngage

What do I do if my can is still full/has not been picked up?: If you see a truck and your roll cart hasn't been emptied, verify that it was the right truck. We have three different routes that may drive by your house so check your neighbors' roll cart just in case. If you are sure that it was missed, was it behind a car or obstructed in some way, was the lid up, did you have it out on time? If it was any of these, fix the problem and check if we have picked up across the street. If not, run it across the street for it to be picked up. If we have picked up across the street you will need to call Oak Harbor Utilities at 360-279-4530 and there might be a return trip fee to return to your house depending on the situation. We do make mistakes and will resolve most situations the best we can.

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Solid Waste Division - Residential Roll Cart

1. Can we mark our roll cart?: To a point. You can place stickers or ribbons to mark your roll cart. Do Not Paint or permanently etch your roll cart. The roll cart is still the City of Oak Harbor property. Any permanent damage will be charged accordingly. Stickers are removable as well as ribbons or string. It is recommended that you mark your roll cart if you live in a multi-unit establishment to prevent your neighbors from accidentally grabbing your roll cart.

2. I would like to rent a temporary dumpster, what are the prices?: Our temporary dumpsters come in 1,2,3,4 and 6 (see commercial pictures for a visual). For larger projects, you can also rent a 20-yard container. Make sure that you have a location off the city right-of-way (off sidewalks or the street) free of overhead obstructions and on level ground. View the Dumpster and Rollcart Charges (PDF).

3. Is there a place to dispose of old refrigerators/mattresses/large items?: Call Utilities at 360-279-4530 for a price quote on curbside service or you may self-haul to the Island county dump. For directions visit Google Maps.

4. It is damaged.: Call utilities at 360-279-4530 and we will swap it out for a replacement.

5. My rollcart was not emptied all the way.: The trucks mechanical arm may have squeezed the can too tight. There might have been an item in the can that stuck or plastic bags cause a vacuum in the can and remain. Dislodge the items and call Oak Harbor Utilities office at 360-279-4530 for a re-dump free of charge.

6. What do I do if I have extra garbage?: If your trash will not fit inside your roll cart you will need to pre-purchase the blue, City of Oak Harbor extra garbage bags. They can be purchased in the Oak Harbor Utilities office, Safeway, Haggen, and Saar's Marketplace. Please place your filled "extra garbage" bag next to your roll cart on your regular collection day.

7. What do I do if my can is still full/has not been picked up?: If you see a truck and your roll cart hasn't been emptied, verify that it was the right truck. We have three different routes that may drive by your house so check your neighbors' roll cart just in case. If you are sure that it was missed, was it behind a car or obstructed in some way, was the lid up, did you have it out on time? If it was any of these, fix the problem and check if we have picked up across the street. If not, run it across the street for it to be picked up. If we have picked up across the street you will need to call Oak Harbor Utilities at 360-279-4530 and there might be a return trip fee to return to your house depending on the situation. We do make mistakes and will resolve most situations the best we can.

8. What do I do with my yard waste?: Large amounts of Yard Waste can be self-hauled to Island County Dump or Mailliard's Landing. For basic yard upkeep, you can sign up for the Yard Waste 95 Gallon Rollcart Program (PDF).

9. What I do if I need to change the size of my rollcart?: Call the City of Oak Harbor Utilities at 360-279-4530.

10. What time does my garbage need to be out?: Garbage, recycling, and yard waste will need to be out at 7 am on your established garbage day. Our shift starts at 7 and ends around 2:30. Any time between your can may be picked up. Routes change, trucks have problems and the staff will change daily. To be sure of pick up, have all roll carts out by 7 am

11. Where can I get rid of tires or large amounts of metal or an appliance?: Most of our Junkyards will take large amounts of metals and tires and you can also take them to the island county dump. Visit the Island County Solid Waste page for more information.

12. Where can I recycle oil or household chemicals?: Visit the Island County website to recycle chemicals and cooking oil. You can place used motor oil next to your recycle bin and we will recycle it. Please Do not throw any of these in the garbage?

13. Why does my lid have to be closed?: Closed lids reduce litter and vermin from invading our neighborhoods. We have established a pre-paid extra garbage bag system. By keeping lids closed we have increased efficiency in dumping roll carts. The cans that overflowed spilled out onto the street when dumped causing the drivers to stop and clean up best they can, losing time and still causing a mess. Windy days caused the extra trash to blow around the areas. Crows, seagulls, and other vermin will drag material out and spread it through the area. Also, why are you paying for the same size roll cart as your neighbor that is balancing extra garbage on their can causing a mess that will likely blow into your yard for you to clean up. Using the pre-paid extra garbage bags lets you be responsible for your own garbage. The blue bags can be purchased from Oak Harbor Utilities office, Safeway, Haggen, and Saar's Marketplace for $4.85 each.