The Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Department is encouraging residents to improve their recycling habits as America Recycles Day approaches on November 15. The department processes over 100,000 tons of recyclable materials each year, including those collected at the curb by municipalities and items dropped off at staffed recycling centers.
Residents are reminded that only six types of items can be recycled through curbside collection: plastic bottles and jugs with necks, cardboard, cans, cartons such as milk or juice containers, paper, and glass bottles.
Items not eligible for curbside recycling but accepted at full-service centers are categorized as “enhanced recycling.” One focus is on lithium-ion batteries, which have been identified as a significant cause of fires when improperly disposed of. These batteries must not be placed in curbside bins or regular trash.
Other materials accepted for enhanced recycling include textiles—about 4,700 pounds per month—which are either donated or processed into rags or animal bedding. Books collected are donated to local nonprofit Promising Pages or processed as mixed paper. Since 2023, more than 80 tons of white rigid foam and nearly 300 tons of untreated wood and wooden furniture have been collected.
Food scraps that are still edible can also be brought to these centers to be turned into compost. Certain medical devices and equipment are given to Assist M.E., a nonprofit that distributes them to residents who cannot afford new devices. Old bicycles may be recycled as scrap metal or donated if they remain in good condition.
Shredded paper is accepted both at the centers and during special shredding events; one will take place on November 15 for secure document destruction.
“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.”
Based on customer feedback, the Solid Waste team plans to expand its program soon by accepting plastic bags and wraps for recycling.
Community members interested in promoting waste reduction can become Wipe Out Waste Ambassadors. These volunteers receive training about local recycling programs and share information with others throughout the county.
Mecklenburg County’s schools enrolled a total of 153,537 students during the 2022-23 academic year (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). During this period enrollment declined slightly by 0.4% compared to the previous year (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
