Built Environment

How the Built Environment Impacts Health

The built environment encompasses all physical aspects of community living, from homes and buildings to open spaces, streets, and sidewalks. Access to parks, walkable neighborhoods, bike routes, and essential sanitation services all contribute to clean, safe, and accessible communities. Improving the built environment makes a community safer and more accessible,  reduces the risk of injuries, and promotes physical activity, which are essential components for community well-being¹.

Note: WCHCS acknowledges the limited number of built environment indicators currently available. We are committed to establishing additional and relevant indicators for future updates to this online data platform. Thank you for your patience as we work to enhance our access to data resources and provide more comprehensive insights into community well-being.

Curbside Solid Waste Disposal

Why this is important: Solid waste includes recyclables, yard waste, hazardous chemicals, and typical household and commercial trash. Disposing of this waste in landfills or by incineration poses significant environmental risks, including pollution and harm to ecosystems². Recycling or composting some of this waste can mitigate these impacts. Properly disposing of solid waste is vital for safeguarding human health and the environment while also fostering community well-being.

Definition: Percent of households with curbside solid waste disposal service for garbage/recycling and/or organic/yard waste

Trend: The percent of households in Whatcom County with curbside waste disposal service has not been changing significantly since 2019

Geography: Available data for this indicator do not allow for comparisons to Washington State.

Disparities: Available data for this indicator do not allow for visualization or analysis by subpopulation.

Learn more:

• Toward Zero Waste, Sustainable Connections.
• Waste Wise Guide, Sanitary Service Company.
• What are the trends in wastes and their effects on human health and the environment? US Environmental Protection Agency, 2023.

Note: The WCHCS data team thoroughly evaluated various indicators for assessing the built environment and found none sufficiently meaningful in measuring population-level health. Currently, only one indicator is published here because it is the closest information available. We are collaborating closely with our local community partners to develop improved measurement, data collection, and reporting strategies. We aim to introduce additional indicators on the built environment over time.

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