Due to the changing markets in the recycling industry, Mecklenburg County has launched a Recycling Right campaign to increase awareness of proper recycling. WipeOutWaste.com carries current information on what can and cannot be recycled in your roll out bin and locations of full-service convenience centers and what can be collected at them.

Some people are confused as to what can actually be recycled curbside, and it’s difficult to know all of the rules; as examples, clam shell containers and car parts are frequent violations. Further, while a lot of packaging has the recycle logo on it, it doesn’t mean it’s able to be recycled in curbside pickup.

Putting excessive amounts of inappropriate items in bins can mean the whole load has to go to the landfill and the county having to pay twice to “get rid” of our waste—once to process it at the Materials Recovery Facility and then again to take it to the landfill.

Currently, only clean (no food residue) paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles that have a neck (if applicable, with the cap on the bottle) can be recycled curbside. Also, consider buying items in bulk, less packaging; choose metal containers over plastic and glass and cardboard egg cartons instead of Styrofoam or plastic; be more mindful of consumption; do more reusing, and refuse non-recyclable containers.

 

For more information, visit WipeOutWaste.com or consult the Wipe Out Waste Guide at Tinyurl.com/WipeOutWasteGuide.