Small Actions, Big Impact: Celebrate America Recycles Day

Group of kids school volunteer charity environment

Friday, Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day, a nationwide campaign to spotlight the importance of recycling and increase awareness of ways to reduce waste.  

Not only is it a day to get informed, it’s a day to take action. Solid Waste and Recycling, a division of Mecklenburg County’s Land Use and Environmental Services Agency, has several initiatives to make recycling and waste reduction easy for residents.

Free Mulch and Compost  

Spruce up your garden with some free compost and mulch—repurposed from yard waste right here in our area! Mecklenburg County residents can get a free cubic yard of compost and brush mulch on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Materials will be available for pick-up at the Hickory Grove, Compost Central and Foxhole Recycling Centers.  

Paper Shredding  

Get rid of your sensitive documents at a free and secure paper shredding event at the Compost Central Recycling Center on Nov. 16. Residents can bring up to three bankers boxes of materials for secure shredding. Registration is required in advance.  

Electronics Take Back  

Old but working electronic devices such as laptops, cell phones, and computer monitors will be accepted at the Compost Central Recycling Center. Residents can drop their items off on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon.  

Enhanced Recycling  

The average Mecklenburg County resident generates 10 pounds of waste each day. Reduce your impact on the landfill by taking your items to an enhanced recycling center instead. At full-service recycling centers, residents can recycle items such as:  

  • White Rigid Foam
  • Hardback and Softcover Books
  • Shredded Paper
  • Textiles
  • Food Wastes
  • Clean Wood and Furniture
  • These items are accepted all year round!

Become a Wipe Out Waste Ambassador  

Are you particularly passionate about reducing waste in our community? Consider becoming a Wipe Out Waste Ambassador, a free networking and educational program for Mecklenburg County community volunteers. Ambassadors get access to trainings, as well as help spread the word about recycling.