Collecting plastic bags in your home? What a waste. Mecklenburg County recently announced plastic bags and wraps can be dropped off at full-service recycling facilities or the staffed drop-off center at William R. Davie Park. It’s all part of the county’s enhanced recycling program, meaning certain items must be dropped off in person to be recycled, rather than being placed in a bin.
Didn’t realize that’s new? It’s ok. Here’s everything you need to know about recycling in Charlotte.
Recycling cheat sheet
Plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum foil, cans, glass bottles and jars, paper cartons, cardboard, and writing material can be recycled curbside in Charlotte. There are some rules to keep in mind:
- Empty and rinse plastic, glass, and aluminum bottles and jars.
- Flatten cardboard.
- Caps can remain on plastic bottles.
- Disposable cups, to-go containers, pizza boxes, plastic wrap, and anything soiled by food should be kept out of recycling.
- Ceramics or glassware like Pyrex, picture frames, or vases are best donated or thrown in the trash.
Solution to pollution
Recyclables go in green rollout carts at residences. Items should be loose in the bin with the lid closed. Carts should be rolled to the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day, which can be found by address online. They are collected on a bi-weekly schedule by the City of Charlotte and processed by Mecklenburg County.
It’s easy being green
The City of Charlotte takes the guesswork out of recycling and will alert you about service changes. Just text your collection day to 73224 to receive collection updates, service changes, and other city information.
