Coronavirus Has Changed The Rules Of Recycling In Mecklenburg County
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected just about every aspect of daily life. We can add recycling and yard waste to the list.
Improper recycling is causing problems in Mecklenburg County’s sorting process. The sorting is done mostly by people. What you put in your recycling container can directly affect the health and safety of the sorters and other solid waste workers.
Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management is asking residents to STOP placing yard waste in recycling containers. The City of Charlotte and Town of Matthews is not currently doing curbside yard waste collection in order to protect their workers. Yard waste and other items, such as clothing, microwaves, and vacuum cleaners are not recyclable in your curbside container.
Items that can be recycled in Mecklenburg County:
- Aluminum cans
- Bi-metal cans
- Cardboard
- Glass bottles
- Paper
- Plastic bottles with necks
However, if anyone in your home or business has tested positive for COVID-19, you must put recyclables in the garbage, NOT in recycling containers. Make sure you double-bag everything.
You can take yard waste to any of Mecklenburg County’s Full-Service Centers, but they’re requesting that you recycle grass clippings at home. For other yard waste, you can recycle up to two 32-gallon size bags for free. If you bring more, fees range from $8 for a pickup truck load to larger loads of $27 per ton.
While Mecklenburg County is under the “Stay at Home” order, Solid Waste Management Director Jeff Smithberger is asking the public to only come to Full-Service Centers if absolutely necessary. If you must go, please wear gloves and masks that follow the Public Health and CDC guidelines.
Mecklenburg County’s Full Service Recycling Centers will be closed for the Easter holiday weekend from Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12, 2020. You can find more information on recycling and yard waste disposal at WipeOutWaste.com.
