​What Can and Can't be Recycled Curbside!

While Mecklenburg County has a robust recycling program, there are still things you should NEVER put in your CURBSIDE recycling cart .  These non-recyclable items, listed at the bottom of this page, are accepted at any of our FULL-SERVICE DROP-OFF CENTERS  as waste.  For your CURBSIDE recycling cart, just the listed acceptable items please!  

We strive to recycle many items; however we do not accept everything that displays the recycle symbol. Mecklenburg County DOES NOT follow the plastic numbering system, as many products are incorrectly numbered.  Always refer to the acceptable list below for acceptable item types.

Remember, When in Doubt, Leave it Out!

If is not on the above list, that means it is not recyclable in your Curbside Recycling.

So, we still see that you are reading here, and want more information?  OK read below for some frequently improperly recycled items.

DO NOT PLACE THE ITEMS (Listed Below) IN CURBSIDE AND COUNTY RECYCLE CENTERS:

There are thousands of unacceptable items, and we can't list them all, but here are some of the more frequent "improper-wishful" items.  PLEASE resist the urge to recycle these in your Curbside Recycling......

• No Plastic Bags, No Plastic Wrap, or Plastic Film please resist the urge...  (Take to stores such as Harris Teeter or Walmart)
  
• Do not put your recycled items in a plastic bag, we simply cannot recycle the bagged items.  
  
• No Ceramics or glassware such as Pyrex, flower vases, picture frames etc. -  (If in good condition, please donate. If broken, please place in the trash can.)
  
• No Pots & Pans (Take that to a Full Service Recycling Center for special processing)
  
• No Glassware (same as ceramics)
  
• No Paper Plates, Diapers, Cat Litter, Aluminum Cooking Pans, Napkins (trash can)
  
• Do not put Batteries in a recycling or trash cart. (Take to a full service recycling center)
  
• No Light Bulbs (Fluorescents and CFL's go to Full Service Recycling Center. All others go to trash can.)
  
• No Wire or Plastic Hangers (Take back to the cleaners or donate to a recycling clothing store, such as Goodwill)
  
• No Clamshells or Styrofoam products  (trash can)
  
• No Plastic Food Trays or Paper/Styrofoam/Plastic Cups (trash can)
  
• No Shredded paper (trash can) - The shredded paper falls through the screening equipment and contaminates the glass we collect. Some stores may accept shredded paper.
  
• No Hardback books.   Even if you remove the hard cover, the spine of the book does not allow the separation equipment to accommodate the paper.  (see next bullet)
  
• Our Compost Central location at 140 Valleydale Drive has a specific bin where we collect books for recycling.
  
• Our Compost Central location at 140 Valleydale Drive has a specific bin available for shredded paper. 
  
• Needles should not be placed in curbside recycling container! Secure the needles in either a duct taped sharps container or a rigid plastic, such as a laundry detergent container and in your curbside trash container.
  

• Our Compost Central location at 140 Valleydale Drive has a specific bins where we collect books for recycling.