Charlotte

Recycling Guidelines

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

PLASTIC

Look for plastic items labeled #1 - #5.

  • Bath Bottles- shampoo, conditioner, etc.
  • Beverage Bottles- water, soda, etc.
  • Jugs- detergent, cleaning supplies, etc.
  • Juice cartons
  • Plastic containers with necks only
  • Remove lids and caps from containers

Remove lids and caps from plastic containers

Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue

METAL

Look for tin, aluminum and other metal items

  • Aluminum cans
  • Empty aerosol cans
  • Tin and Steel cans

Tin, aluminum, steel, and empty aerosol cans

PAPER

Look for Paper items

  • Brown paper bags
  • Cardboard- flattened moving boxes, food boxes, etc.
  • Cartons- milk, juice, etc.
  • Mixed paper- computer paper, office paper, unwanted mail, newspaper, magazines, etc.

 

Paper can be recycled up to seven times, depending on the quality

Cardboard tubes from wrapping or toilet paper rolls

GLASS

Look for glass food jars and drink bottles

  • Bottles- beverage, food, etc.
  • Jars- beverage, food, etc.
Bottles and jars (remove lids or caps)
Clean and dry your glass bottles

Mixed Recycling: Plastic, paper, metal and glass can be comingled together in your single-stream recycling collection

Doorstep Recycling Collection
Place acceptable recyclables in a securely tied, see-thru bag, separate from your trash and place in your bin, outside your front door with your scheduled trash collection.

When in Doubt – Toss it Out
Please do not place any unacceptable items in communal recycling containers or in your household recycling bags. Remember, if recycling contains “contaminants” (non-recyclable items or containers not properly cleaned), the whole batch may be rejected and sent to a land fill. When in doubt – best to toss it out!

What can NOT be recycled

  • Food
  • Plastic bags and trash
  • Shredded paper
  • Wire hangers
  • Hoses
  • Car parts
  • Cords
  • Sharps
  • Ropes
  • Scrap metal
  • Plastic film & bubble wrap
  • Syringes
  • Solo cups & plasticware
  • Plastic food containers
  • Diapers
  • Ceramics or glassware such as Pyrex, flower vases, picture frames, etc. (if in good condition, donate if broken, trash can)
  • Pots and pans
  • Paper plates, cat litter, aluminum cooking pans, napkins
  • Clamshells or Styrofoam products
  • Hardback books
  • light bulbs (fluorescent and CFT go to Full-Service Recycling Center – all other bulbs can be disposed of in regular trash)
  • Windows
  • Mirrors
  • Do not put your recycled items in a plastic bag; it will not be recycled
  • Do not put batteries in a recycling cart (take to a full-service recycling center)

*Many of the unaccepted items above can be taken to retailers or any of the full-service recycling centers where they are recycled through separate systems

Recycle Collection Tips

  • All cardboard must be torn into pieces no larger than 13 x 18 inches before being put into curbside bins. Also, cardboard should not be folded
  • Recycling services are provided by the city

Multifamily-specific highlights. Check with your municipality for the latest guidelines.

  • The city of Charlotte provides garbage, recycling, and bulky waste collection services to multifamily properties
    (contracted to Waste Pro or North Carolina, Inc. started on July 1, 2018)
  • Dumpster Garbage Collection:
    • All garbage must be bagged
    • Ensure the collector has unobstructed access to the dumpster so service can be provided. If access is
      obstructed the driver will not be able to service, the dumpster
    • Please remove the obstruction to ensure service can be provided on the next scheduled collection day
  • Compactor Garbage Collection
    • All garbage must be bagged
    • Ensure the collector has unobstructed access to the compactor
      • If access is obstructed the driver will not be able to service, the compactor
    • Please remove the obstruction to ensure service can be provided on the next scheduled collection day
    • Ensure the compactor pad/location remains free of debris to the empty compactor may be returned to its
      location once serviced
  • Recycling Station Collection
    • Cart contents must be free of contamination (non-recyclable items)
    • Cardboard must be cut or torn into pieces that will fit loosely into the recycling carts
    • Overflow cardboard must be flattened, cut into pieces measuring 3’X3’ and neatly stacked/bundled in
      stacks no higher than 3’ tall and placed adjacent to the recycling carts
    • Ensure the collector has unobstructed access to the recycling station. If access is obstructed or the
      carts are contaminated, the driver will not be able to collect the recyclables
    • Please remove any contamination or obstruction to ensure service can be provided on the next scheduled
      collection day
    • Please contact Mavis Gan at [email protected] if you need additional
      recycling carts delivered to your community
  • The city of Charlotte Solid Waste Services does not provide yard waste collection service for multifamily
    communities with dumpsters or compactors
  • Yard waste may not be disposed of in dumpsters or compactors

Learn more about recycling in your city.

Learn more about recycling in your city.

Email [email protected] questions about educating residents on services that are provided by Solid Waste.

This information is not your official community or municipality guidelines. Recycling mandates may change based on the local processing capabilities and shifting markets. Contact your leasing office or local recycling agency to learn more or use the links under the “Recycling Resources"