Matthews
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
Remove lids and caps from plastic containers
Plastic, single-serve to-go containers with no food residue
METAL
- 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
- Plastic items (besides plastic bottles with necks)
- Plastic bags
- Shredded paper
- Ceramics, pots & pans
- Household glassware
- Paper plates, napkins
- Batteries
- Light bulbs
- Wire coat hangers
- Photos
- Food
- Scrap metal
- Auto parts
- Plastic wrap
- Clothing & textiles
- Televisions
- Electrical cords
- Garden hoses
- Ceramics
- Windows
- Mirrors
In addition, no hazardous waste or commercial medical waste may be put in the recycling containers. Critically Unacceptable Items include: Propane Tanks, Oxygen Tanks, Tires, Televisions, Scrap Metal & Hoses.
There are some items that are listed as recyclable but cannot be recycled in your personal bins. For example plastic bags. These can be recycled at your local grocery store.
Recycle Collection Tips
- Cardboard boxes should be no larger than 3’ x 3’
Items Banned by Law in NC Landfills that can no longer be accepted and must be taken to a Mecklenburg County Recycling center:
- Electronics (tvs, computers, printers, scanners),
- Used Motor Oil/Filters,
- Scrap,
- Tires,
- Antifreeze,
- Batteries (including car batteries),
- Oyster Shells,
- Wooden Pallets,
- Fluorescent Light Bulbs,
- Thermostats Containing Mercury,
- lumber,
- fencing,
- metal,
- building materials,
- dirt, rocks,
- contractor’s debris.
The following are links to the Foxhole Recycling Center and the Hickory Grove Recycling Center and may be contacted at the Solid Waste Information Line (980-314-3867). In addition to the county sites, motor oil, oil filters and car batteries can also be taken to Advanced Auto Parts or Pep Boys on Independence Boulevard (or any other location).
Multifamily-specific highlights. Check with your municipality for the latest guidelines.
The Town of Matthews contracts with Republic Services for garbage/recycling service for residents and small businesses and for yard waste and bulk pick up for residents. Contact Republic Services directly at 704-393-6900.
Learn more about recycling in your city.
For more information, please contact:
Republic Services directly at 704-393-6900.
https://www.republicservices.com/locations/north-carolina/matthews
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"
