City Of Charlotte Cracking Down On Yard Waste

On Wednesday (5/5), the City of Charlotte announced a mandate requiring residents who receive city collection to use compostable paper bags or reusable personal containers no larger than 32-gallons for yard waste collection. The mandate goes into effect on Monday, July 5, 2021.

Basically, the city wants residents to stop using plastic bags because of the negative environmental impact. Since yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, small limbs, brush) tonnage across the city has increased by 30 percent since 2016, all of that plastic has been adding up.

The city is serious about this. Beginning July 5th, Solid Waste Services will no longer accept yard waste left at the curb in plastic bags. If you use plastic bags after that date, Solid Waste Services will leave a note reminding you of the change and provide a one-time courtesy collection. If you continue to use plastic bags, you could be subject to a minimum $150 fine per the Charlotte City Code.

You also have the option of disposing of your yard waste by taking it, in paper bags or reusable containers, to one of the four Mecklenburg County full-service recycling centers. Fees may apply at the recycling centers.

Fortunately, the paper yard bags and reusable containers are easy to find at local discount, hardware, and home improvement stores. I find using paper bags or garbage cans to be easier anyway because they don't flop over like plastic bags