Solid Waste Encourages Residents to Refresh their Recycling Knowledge this America Recycles Day

Recycling bins filled with empty water bottles.

America Recycles Day is Nov. 15 and the Mecklenburg County Solid Waste team is asking residents to make sure they know how to recycle right.

The Solid Waste Recycling Program processes over 100,000 tons of materials each year. That includes items collected curbside by local municipalities as well as items dropped off at full-service or staffed recycling centers.  

Six items can be recycled curbside:  

  • Plastic bottles and jugs with necks  
  • Cardboard  
  • Cans
  • Cartons (ex: milk, juice)
  • Paper
  • Glass bottles  

Special items that can’t be recycled curbside but are eligible for recycling are known as “enhanced recycling” and must be dropped off at a full-service or staffed recycling centers.

That includes lithium-ion batteries, one of the leading causes of fires at Solid Waste facilities when not properly disposed. Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries cannot be recycled curbside and should not be thrown in the trash.

Other “enhanced recycling” items that are accepted at a full-service or a staffed recycling center include:  

  • Textiles  
    • The program collects roughly 4,700 pounds of clothing, sheets, towels, pillows, and other textiles each month, which are donated, ground, or re-processed as rags or animal bedding.  
  • Books
    • Hard and softcover books are donated to local nonprofit Promising Pages or ground into mixed paper.
  • White rigid foam  
    • More than 80 tons of foam has been collected since the foam collection program began in 2023.  
  • Wood waste  
    • The program has collected almost 300 tons of untreated wood, wooden furniture, and pallets since 2023.
  • Food scraps
    • If it’s edible, it’s acceptable! These items are processed and turned into compost.  
  • Certain medical devices and equipment
    • These items are donated to area nonprofit Assist M.E., where they are given to local residents in need of devices who cannot afford them.
  • Old and broken bicycles
    • Repurposed as scrap metal or donated if in good condition.
  • Shredded paper
    • In addition to accepting shredded paper, Solid Waste also hosts regular shredding events, including one on Nov. 15 where residents can have sensitive documents securely destroyed.  

“Recycling is a community effort, and we want to help residents understand what can and cannot go in their curbside bins,” said Solid Waste Director Jeff Smithberger. “America Recycles Day is a great opportunity to learn about the many items that can be recycled here in Mecklenburg County and maybe even bring some things you no longer need down to one of our centers.” 

The Solid Waste team continually looks for ways to meet customer recycling needs. Based on customer feedback, they plan to expand the program to accept plastic bags and wraps in the coming weeks.

Students, residents, and businesses passionate about recycling can also become Wipe Out Waste Ambassadors. These community volunteers learn more about recycling efforts, as well as help spread the word about waste reduction.