Chatham County, NC
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How Do I Dispose of...?
"How do I dispose of..." is an online disposal guide. This information only applies to what can and cannot be disposed of at the Chatham County Collection Centers, Main Facility, and Household Hazardous Waste events. If you have curbside collection you should contact your private hauler to find out what you can and cannot put in their containers.
The recycling rules listed are for the Collection Centers. If you have curbside pickup, that is provided by a private hauler. However, you can follow all of the same rules we have listed, expect you would put your glass bottles and jars in your recycling bin as well. There is no need to separate glass bottles and jars at the curb.
If we cannot accept it and advise you to go to a facility that is not part of Chatham County Solid Waste & Recycling, we cannot guarantee they will accept the item. You should contact them directly for details.
REMEMBER- You must have a current decal to use any of the Collection Centers and show it to the attendant every time you use the center. You do not need a decal to use the Main Facility. For Household Hazardous Waste events you must be a resident of Chatham County, the hazardous waste must come from your household (no businesses), and you must show ID with a local address.
We will update information as needed, so check back from time to time to see if anything has changed. If you do not see the item you are looking for or have any questions, please contact the Main Office Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at (919) 542-5516 or email us anytime at recycle@chathamcountync.gov.
Expand/Contract Questions and Answers
Empty aerosol cans can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. The cans must be empty. If you have a current decal, there is a Scrap Metal container at each of the 12 Collection Centers.
If the aerosol can contains hazardous material, like spray paint, they must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required at HHW. Must show ID. For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Aluminum cans can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. Cans must be empty.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Another option, whether the aluminum cans are from a household or business, is to take them directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
Aluminum foil and trays can be recycled in the Scrap Metal container or can be disposed of along with household trash. They CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling container.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash and recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We CANNOT accept firearms and ammunition at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. It might be easiest to find someone who can use the ammunition.
Antifreeze CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.
If it is from a household, it should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check. Small appliances like dehumidifiers, vacuums, blenders, etc. should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Each of the collection centers has Scrap Metal containers. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the large appliance is from a business, you can bring them to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
Asbestos, in any form, CANNOT be taken to the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste. Contact the Main Office Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at (919) 542-5516 or email us anytime at recycle@chathamcountync.gov for disposal options.
The Mesothelioma Center has a lot of asbestos related resources, including a handling and disposal guide- https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/handling-disposing-asbestos/
Ashes CANNOT be taken to the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Ashes pose a fire hazard. Even after ashes have been sitting for days and weeks, they can cause a fire upon compaction.
Ashes may be accepted at a transfer station or landfill but you should call ahead as they have specific rules. There will be a charge based on weight.
Animal feed bags, chip bags, and other wrappers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Plastic bags CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They can be recycled through plastic film recycling programs, most commonly found at your local grocery store. Plastic bags need to be clean and dry to be recycled. Through the plastic film recycling program you can also recycle plastic film that comes wrapped around toilet paper and paper towels, dry cleaning bags, air pillows, bubble wrap, etc. Learn more about plastic film recycling and find locations- https://nextrex.com/
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Fluorescent light ballasts made prior to 1980 contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which is a hazardous material. Ballasts made after 1980 do not contain PCBs. Ballasts made after 1980, will be labeled, “No PCBs.” If you see this label on your ballast, they should be disposed of along with your household trash. If it is 90% metal, it can go in the Scrap Metal bin.
If your ballast is NOT labeled "No PCBs", or you cannot tell, assume that it has PCBs. These ballast should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Remove the ballast from the light fixture; the entire light fixture is not hazardous. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash and Scrap Metal to any of the 12 Collection Centers. There is also a Scrap Metal bin at the Main Facility.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
If it is from a household, metal drums/barrels must be cut in half and placed in the Scrap Metal container.
Plastic drums/barrels must be cut in half but CANNOT be recycled. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If it is from a household and you have a current decal, you can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it at the Collection Centers.
We CANNOT accept trash at the Main Facility or Household Hazardous Waste events.
If it is from a business, a metal drum/barrel it must be cut in half and can be placed in the Scrap Metal container at the Main Facility. A plastic drum/barrel should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Another option for metal drums, whether from a household or business, is to take them directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
If you have a current decal, you can bring auto (lead-acid) batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have a lead acid battery and they will direct you to the correct place.
We can also accept batteries at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required.
If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept lead-acid batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW.
Some auto repair stores (such as Advanced Auto, AutoZone, etc.) and metal recycling facilities may accept lead-acid batteries as well. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places may pay you for the batteries. Contact them directly for more information.
Household batteries may include alkaline, lithium, lithium-ion, cadmium, nickel, etc. If you have a current decal, you can bring household batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have batteries and they will direct you to the correct place. Do not tape batteries and remove them from any packaging.
We can also accept batteries at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required.
If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors (battery backups), hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
We CANNOT accept boats at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. They are too large for us to manage.
Contact a transfer station, landfill, or Construction & Demolition facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.
Paperback books can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container.
Hardcover books CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container and should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables and trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, box springs, etc. are accepted in the Bulky Items container. You will need to be able to unload it into a container. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. If you have curbside pickup contact your private hauler to see about disposal options. We do not accept trash at the Main Facility, including bulky items.
We CANNOT accept brick, concrete, and rock at the Collection Centers.
Clean brick, concrete, and rock, from a household or business, must be brought to the Main Facility. You must arrive by 3:30 pm. There will be a charge of $20 per ton, with a $2 minimum charge. You will need to weigh in and out on the scale.
Painted brick, concrete, or rock will need to go to a Construction and Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.
Items like brick, concrete, and rock are banned from disposal landfills in North Carolina.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Rigid bulky plastics includes items such as laundry baskets, 5-gallon buckets, kitty litter buckets, pales, plastic toys, and coolers. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
We can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars in our Mixed Recycling program. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
We CANNOT accept firearms and ammunition at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. It might be easiest to find someone who can use the ammunition.
We can accept items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Items like cords and cables that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with your household trash. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Cameras and accessories CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
If a plastic bottle, tub, jug, or jar has a plastic cap or lid, put the cap or lid back on and place it in the Mixed Recycling container. If the caps and lids are on, they will get recycled. If the caps and lids are loose, they will not get recycled. Loose caps and lids should go in the trash.
A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If it is from a household and you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
We CANNOT accept trash at the Main Facility or Household Hazardous Waste events.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Cardboard can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. The boxes must be empty. Break boxes down to save space.
Pizza boxes CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling container. Cardboard needs to be clean and dry and pizza boxes typically have too much grease by the time they are thrown away. However, you can always tear off the lid and recycle that piece of cardboard. The rest of the pizza box must be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We can accept carpet and padding from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We CANNOT accept vehicles at the Collection Centers. They are too large.
There are several donation programs that accept vehicles for different causes. The following are provided as examples. We offer this list as a convenience only, and do not endorse any of these companies.
Contact a transfer station or landfill facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.
Another option is to contact a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
Cartons can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. Containers should be empty and dry. Put the plastic cap back on so it can be recycled. If it has an aluminum foil liner on the inside it CANNOT be recycled.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Items like CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, etc. CANNOT be accept in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
We can accept cell phones, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, etc. are accepted at the Collection Centers in the Bulky Items container. You will need to be able to unload it into a container. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. If you have curbside pickup contact your private hauler to see about disposal options. We do not accept trash at the Main Facility, including bulky items.
Chemicals CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.
Chemicals from a household should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Latex paint limit: Residents can only bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. If you have a 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, it will count as 1 gallon. Learn more about this new policy and latex paint. No decal is required. Must show ID.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
Chemicals from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
We can accept string lights in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
The Main Facility offers free Christmas tree recycling for several weeks after Christmas. Trees are accepted Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Only real trees can be accepted. All decorations, stands, and pots must be removed prior to disposing of the tree. The Main Facility does not accept trash.
After the three weeks, we will accept them for our normal yard debris charge of $20 per ton, $2 minimum. We will post the dates each year on our events calendar.
Artificial trees can be recycled in the scrap metal container at the Main Facility and Collection Centers . All decorations and lights must be removed. Therefore, pre-lit artificial trees cannot be placed in the scrap metal container and must be disposed of in the trash.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Clamshells are containers that have a hinged lid. These types of plastic, paper, and Styrofoam containers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
We offer a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. Please see "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.
We can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Gently used clothing and shoes can be placed in the Swap Shop at any of our 12 Collection Centers, if you have a current decal.
Residents without a decal or businesses are encouraged to donate gently used items to local thrift stores.
Clothing and shoes that are dirty, torn, or unable to be donated should be placed in the Green Zone container at any of our 12 Collection Centers. These materials will be recycled into rags, insulation, etc.
We also have a Green Zone container at our Main Facility. You do not need a decal to use the Main Facility.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. K-cups, Keurig cups, and coffee pods CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
While it is plastic, one recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Coleman fuel CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.
If it is from a household, it should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
Tanks CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. This includes Coleman, propane, helium, refrigerant, etc.
If it is from a household, it can be brought to the Main Facility or a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required. Must show ID at HHW events.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
Compostable containers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. Compostable containers are made of plant-based materials. They can be composted through a commercial composting facility. Otherwise, they should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
We can accept computers (desktop and laptop), televisions, printers, cell phones, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Chatham County has a Construction & Demolition (C&D) Recycling Ordinance. The C&D ordinance applies to any project that is 1000 square feet or greater, located in the unincorporated areas of the county. For more details about the ordinance, visit the C&D page.
The 12 Collection Centers accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. C&D waste from businesses must go to a C&D recycling facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contact them directly for more information. Businesses include contractors, builders, landlords, etc.
If you have a current decal, cooking oil from a home can be taken to four Collection Centers where it is collected for recycling. It can be taken to Bonlee, Cole Park, Pittsboro, or Siler City. There is no limit on amount, but it must come from a home.
If you DO NOT have a decal, it is a more convenient location, or it is from a business, you can bring cooking oil to the Main Facility.
Cookware and dishes CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container.
If they are still in good condition, consider placing them in the Swap Shop at the Collection Centers. Otherwise, they should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Metal coolers can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. It must be empty. There is a Scrap Metal container at the 12 Collection Centers and Main Facility.
Plastic coolers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They should be disposed of along with household trash.
Styrofoam coolers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. It should be disposed of along with your household trash. Alternatively, we offer a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. Please see "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables and trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility. We CANNOT accept trash at the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Items like cords and cables that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with your household trash. Visit electronics to learn more about our Electronics Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Large items like chairs, tables, couch, mattresses, etc. are accepted at the Collection Centers in the Bulky Items containers. You will need to be able to unload it into a container. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. If you have curbside pickup contact your private hauler to see about disposal options.
We can accept countertops from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Items with creosote CANNOT be taken to the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste. Contact the Main Facility for proper disposal options at recycle@chathamcountync.gov or (919) 542-5516.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam, cups CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
Alternatively, we offer a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. Please see "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Dead animals CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or transfer stations. If the animal is found in the right-of-way, contact the Department of Transportation which may be able to come and pick it up.
Otherwise you can throw it into the woods and let nature take its course.
Dehumidifiers should be disposed of along with your household trash. They do not has refrigerant and are not 90% metal, so CANNOT go in the Scrap Metal bin.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
If you have a current decal, you can bring diesel fuel to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have it and they will show you were to dispose of it. You will have to complete a form.
We can only accept diesel fuel from a home. There is a limit of 5 gallons in a 7-day period.
If you have more than 5 gallons we can accept it at a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal required. Must show ID.
If it is from a business, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
Glass doors and windows CANNOT be accepted in the Glass Recycling container at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. Needs to be disposed of along with household trash.
We can accept items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Drink pouches CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If it is from a household, metal drums/barrels must be cut in half and be placed in the Scrap Metal container.
Plastic drums/barrels must be cut in half but cannot be recycled. They should be disposed of along with your household trash. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If it is from a household and you have a current decal, you can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
We CANNOT accept trash at the Main Facility or Household Hazardous Waste events.
If it is from a business, a metal drum/barrel it must be cut in half and can be placed in the Scrap Metal container at the Main Facility. A plastic drum/barrel should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Another option for metal drums, whether from a household or business, is to take them directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check.
Each of the collection centers have a Scrap Metal container. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you can bring them to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
We can accept drywall/sheetrock from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Items like DVD/Blu-ray players, VCRs, and gaming systems CANNOT be accept in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with your household trash. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Electronic cigarettes are considered hazardous waste due to the batteries and nicotine. Both of which can cause fires.
They must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. No decal is required at HHW. Must show ID. Residents should separate the battery and nicotine cartridges from each other while storing and for disposal.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page. Organizations or schools collecting electronic cigarettes on a large scale, need to contact and private company for disposal options. Batteries and nicotine cartridges should NOT be stored together.Paper egg cartons can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container, since they are made of only paper.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Plastic egg cartons CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling container. They must be disposed of along with your household trash. In terms of plastics, we can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.Styrofoam CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling container. We accept Styrofoam for recycling ONLY at the Main Facility Monday - Friday 7 am to 4 pm. No decal is required at the Main Facility.
You can bring empty and clean Styrofoam packaging and food containers including foam cups, plates, take-out containers, egg cartons, and coolers. Food containers must be free of food and rinsed. We cannot accept packaging peanuts, dirty containers, stretched Styrofoam, or other types of foam.
All Styrofoam must be brought in a plastic bag and the bag tied. If it is too big to fit in a bag, then you need to break it down.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Electronic cigarettes are considered hazardous waste due to the batteries and nicotine. Both of which can cause fires.
They must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. No decal is required at HHW. Must show ID. Residents should separate the battery and nicotine cartridges from each other while storing and for disposal.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page. Organizations or schools collecting electronic cigarettes on a large scale, need to contact and private company for disposal options. Batteries and nicotine cartridges should NOT be stored together.We can accept computers, televisions, printers, cell phones, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Fire extinguishers CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.
If it is from a household, it can be brought to the Main Facility or a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required. Must show ID at HHW events.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options.
We CANNOT accept firearms and ammunition at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Contact the local Chatham County Sheriff’s Office but it may be best to simply find someone who can use the ammunition.
Flares CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers
Hand and road flares from a household can be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required. Must show ID at HHW events.
If it is a flare gun style, we cannot accept it. Contact the local Sheriff’s Office.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options.
We can accept flooring materials from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Flower pots CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or they are from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Fluorescent light ballasts made prior to 1980 contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which is a hazardous material. Ballasts made after 1980 do not contain PCBs. Ballasts made after 1980, will be labeled, “No PCBs.” If you see this label on your ballast, they should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If your ballast is NOT labeled "No PCBs", or you cannot tell, assume that it has PCBs. These ballast should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Remove the ballast from the light fixture; the entire light fixture is not hazardous. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Regular Lightbulbs
Regular lightbulbs should be disposed of along with household trash.
Fluorescent Lightbulbs
If you have a current decal, some fluorescent lightbulbs can be recycled at the Collection Centers. The centers can accept 1 to 4 foot fluorescent lightbulbs as well as small LED bulbs for recycling. They can also accept compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs, or the curly kind) for recycling at the centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring 1 to 4 foot tube bulbs and small LED and CFL bulbs for recycling to the Main Facility.
All other size and shape fluorescent lightbulbs can be recycled through our Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required for HHW. They can also be disposed of in the regular trash. Please let me attendant know if you have any fluorescent lightbulbs so they can show you the correct container to put them in.
Additional Options
Stores, such as Lowes Home Improvement, may accept fluorescent lightbulbs as well. Contact them directly for more information.
Businesses
If they are from a business, we CANNOT accept fluorescent bulbs at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events; those are only for households. Y will need to find a proper disposal option, as there is a state ban on fluorescent lights from businesses. For more information visit the NC Department of Environmental Quality website.
Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check.
Each of the collection centers have a Scrap Metal container. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you can bring them to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, etc. are accepted at the Collection Centers in the Bulky Items containers. You will need to be able to unload it into a container. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. If you have curbside pickup contact your private hauler to see about disposal options.
Gasoline and mixed gas CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.
If it is from a household, it should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
If you have a current decal, you can bring gear oil to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have it and they will show you were to dispose of it. You will have to complete a form.
We can only accept gear oil from a home. There is a limit of 5 gallons in a 7-day period.
If you have more than 5 gallons we can accept it at a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal required. Must show ID.
If it is from a business, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
Some gift wrapping can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. Wrapping paper, paper gift bags, boxes, and greeting cards can be recycled. Remove any ribbons or bows. Do not recycle anything that has a lot of glitter, glue, or is foil-like material.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business, you can bring your recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Drinking glasses CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or Glass Recycling containers. Place in the Swap Shop or donate elsewhere if in good condition; otherwise needs to be disposed of along with household trash.
Eye glasses CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or Glass Recycling containers. Place in the Swap Shop or donate elsewhere if in good condition; otherwise needs to be disposed of along with household trash.
Glass windows or other pieces of glass CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling or Glass Recycling containers. Needs to be disposed of along with household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Only glass bottles and jars can be recycled in the Glass Recycling. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Can be placed in the Glass Recycling container. No full containers. Please rinse out. No caps, lids, or corks. ONLY glass bottles and jars; not anything made of glass.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Glass windows CANNOT be accepted in the Glass Recycling container at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. Needs to be disposed of along with household trash.
We can accept items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
- We CANNOT accept firearms and ammunition at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Contact the local Chatham County Sheriff’s Office but it may be best to simply find someone who can use the ammunition.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Hangers will get tangled in the machines that sort the recyclables. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Plastic hangers can be placed in the Swap Shop or disposed of along with household trash. Metal hangers can be placed in the Scrap Metal container.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Tanks CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. This includes Coleman, propane, helium, refrigerant, etc.
If it is from a household, it can be brought to the Main Facility or a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required. Must show ID at HHW events.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Items like hoses and ropes will get tangled in the machines that sort the recyclables. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Household Hazardous Waste Items CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.
Chemicals from a household should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Latex paint limit: Residents can only bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. If you have a 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, it will count as 1 gallon. Learn more about this new policy and latex paint. No decal is required. Must show ID. No decal is required. Must show ID.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
Chemicals from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
If you have a current decal, you can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Look for the sign or ask the attendant which container is currently being used. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
We CANNOT accept trash at the Main Facility or Household Hazardous Waste events.
Businesses are NOT permitted to use the Collection Centers. Households pay solid waste fess to be able to use the Collection Centers. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. A business is defined any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Ink cartridges CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or Electronics Recycling containers.
From a home:
Ink cartridges can be disposed of with your household trash. If you have a current decal, you can dispose of these items at any of the 12 Collection Centers.Some stores such as Best Buy, Office Max, Staples, Walmart, etc. have recycling or take-back programs. Contact them directly for details.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
From a business:
Businesses are NOT permitted to use the Collection Centers. Households pay solid waste fess to be able to use the Collection Centers. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. A business is defined any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc.Items like insecticides, Herbicides, and Pesticides CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.
If it is from a household, it should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.
We can accept items insulation from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Junk mail and other paper can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. K-cups, Keurig cups, and coffee pods CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
While it is plastic, one recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
If you have a current decal, you can bring kerosene to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have it and they will show you were to dispose of it. You will have to complete a form.
We can only accept kerosene from a home. There is a limit of 5 gallons in a 7-day period.
If you have more than 5 gallons we can accept it at a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal required. Must show ID.
If it is from a business, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. K-cups, Keurig cups, and coffee pods CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
While it is plastic, one recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Items like keyboards, mouse, and other computer peripherals that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with your household trash. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Used kitty litter can be disposed of along with your regular trash.
However, when bringing it to the Collection Centers we would ask that you let the attendant know you have kitty litter. You may be directed to either the compactor or bulky bin depending on how full the compactor is as kitty litter makes a big mess if it is at the end of the compactor.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Rigid bulky plastics includes items such as laundry baskets, 5-gallon buckets, kitty litter buckets, pales, plastic toys, and coolers. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
We can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars in our Mixed Recycling program. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
We can accept computers (desktop and laptop), televisions, printers, cell phones, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check.
Each of the collection centers has Scrap Metal containers. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the large appliance is from a business, you can bring them to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
Latex Paint
Beginning in 2021, residents will only be allowed to bring 20 gallons of latex paint to each Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Approximately 60% of the material brought to Chatham County's HHW events is liquid latex paint. It is the most costly item collected in total. Yet, latex paint is only hazardous when in a liquid form. This new paint limit will help Solid Waste & Recycling save our budget to handle more hazardous wastes.
Residents can bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. If you have a 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, it will count as 1 gallon. Feel free to combine partial cans of latex paint.
Latex paint can be safely dried out and put in with your regular trash instead of bringing it to an HHW event. It does not have to be completely solidified– more like a paste. When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.- To dry out latex paint, take off the lid and let it sit outside in a covered area.
- Add kitty litter, sand, or sawdust to speed up the process.
- There should not be any liquid that can run out. See the images below for the steps and final product.
When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.
Instead of drying it up, you can also paint something, then throw that item away once the paint is dry.
When completing a paint project, be sure to correctly estimate the amount of paint needed, so you do not have a lot leftover. If a contractor is painting for you, they should take excessive paint back with them, as it is their responsibility to dispose of it properly.
Please note– these suggestions only apply to latex paint. Other types of paint cannot be hardened and should be brought to an HHW event and do not have a limit.Oil-Based Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
Spray Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
Lawn mowers can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. You must remove the battery and any fuel from the lawn mower.
Each of the 12 collection centers has Scrap Metal containers. If you have a current decal, you can take lawn mowers to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the lawn mower is from a business, you can bring it to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
Another option, whether the metal is from a household or business, is to take it directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets.
If you have a current decal, you can bring auto (lead-acid) batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have a lead acid battery and they will direct you to the correct place.
We can also accept batteries at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required.
If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept lead-acid batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW.
Some auto repair stores (such as Advanced Auto, AutoZone, etc.) and metal recycling facilities may accept lead-acid batteries as well. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places may pay you for the batteries. Contact them directly for more information.
Fluorescent light ballasts made prior to 1980 contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which is a hazardous material. Ballasts made after 1980 do not contain PCBs. Ballasts made after 1980, will be labeled, “No PCBs.” If you see this label on your ballast, they should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If your ballast is NOT labeled "No PCBs", or you cannot tell, assume that it has PCBs. These ballast should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Remove the ballast from the light fixture; the entire light fixture is not hazardous. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash and Scrap Metal to any of the 12 Collection Centers. There is also a Scrap Metal bin at the Main Facility.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Regular Lightbulbs
Regular lightbulbs should be disposed of along with household trash.
Fluorescent Lightbulbs
If you have a current decal, some fluorescent lightbulbs can be recycled at the Collection Centers. The centers can accept 2 foot and 4 foot tube fluorescent lightbulbs as well as small LED bulbs for recycling. They can also accept compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs, or the curly kind) for recycling at the centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring 1 to 4 feet tube bulbs and small LED and CFL bulbs for recycling to the Main Facility.
All other size and shape fluorescent lightbulbs can be recycled through our Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required for HHW. They can also be disposed of in the regular trash. Please let me attendant know if you have any fluorescent lightbulbs so they can show you the correct container to put them in.
Additional Options
Stores, such as Lowes Home Improvement, may accept fluorescent lightbulbs as well. Contact them directly for more information.
Businesses
If they are from a business, we CANNOT accept fluorescent bulbs at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events; those are only for households. Y will need to find a proper disposal option, as there is a state ban on fluorescent lights from businesses. For more information visit the NC Department of Environmental Quality website.
Magazines can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, box springs, etc. are accepted at the Collection Centers in the Bulky Items containers. You will need to be able to unload it into a container. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. If you have curbside pickup contact your private hauler to see about disposal options. We do not accept trash at the Main Facility, including bulky items.
Should be properly disposed of through a medicine disposal program. Unused medication can be disposed of at Medication Drop Boxes, no questions asked. Drop boxes are located at:
- Pittsboro Police Department- 635 East Street, Pittsboro (919)542-3200
- Siler City Police Department- 312 North Chatham Avenue, Siler City (919) 742-5626
- Chatham County Detention Center- 627 Renaissance Drive, Pittsboro (919) 545-7802
Visit Chatham Drug Free for more information.
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office will be onsite to collect unused medication at some of our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events. Visit the HHW page for more details.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. The traditional, orange medicine bottles (pictured above) cannot be accepted in the Mixed Recycling. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
The orange bottles are a type of plastic that is not recyclable. When you squeeze it, the bottle will crack rather than crinkle.
If you have medicine bottles like Advil, Tylenol, etc., that have a neck smaller than the base, then yes, they are recyclable. We can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Each of the 12 collection centers has Scrap Metal containers. If an item is 90% metal it can go in the scrap metal bin, but we cannot accept tanks of any type.
If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. If you have a large amount of wire or metal you will need to bring it to the Main Facility. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck sized load in a seven day period to any of the Collection Centers. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the metal is from a business, you can bring metal to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
Another option, whether the metal is from a household or business, is to take it directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Mirrors cannot be placed in the Glass Recycling container. Mirrors need to be disposed of along with household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We CANNOT accept mobile homes/trailers at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. They are too large.
Contact a transfer station, landfill, or Construction & Demolition facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.
Another option for the metal is to take it directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
If you have a current decal, you can bring motor oil and filters to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have it and they will show you where to dispose of it. You will have to complete a form.
We can only accept motor oil and filters from a home. There is a limit of 5 gallons in a 7-day period.
If you have more than 5 gallons we can accept it at a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal required. Must show ID.
If it is from a business, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW.
Most auto repair stores (such as Advanced Auto, AutoZone, etc.) accept motor oil and filters. Contact them directly for more information.
Empty motor oil containers CANNOT be recycled because they had a hazardous material in them. They need to be thrown away in the regular trash.
Items like keyboards, mouse, and other computer peripherals that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with your household trash. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Paper towels, napkins, and tissues are a low grade of paper and it CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They need to be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Needles and sharps should be placed in a puncture proof container, like a plastic laundry detergent bottle. Once the bottle is full, dispose of it along with your household trash. DO NOT RECYCLE the plastic bottle full of needles/sharps.If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Newspapers and inserts can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Office paper can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Latex Paint
Beginning in 2021, residents will only be allowed to bring 20 gallons of latex paint to each Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Approximately 60% of the material brought to Chatham County's HHW events is liquid latex paint. It is the most costly item collected in total. Yet, latex paint is only hazardous when in a liquid form. This new paint limit will help Solid Waste & Recycling save our budget to handle more hazardous wastes.
Residents can bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. If you have a 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, it will count as 1 gallon. Feel free to combine partial cans of latex paint.
Latex paint can be safely dried out and put in with your regular trash instead of bringing it to an HHW event. It does not have to be completely solidified– more like a paste. When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.- To dry out latex paint, take off the lid and let it sit outside in a covered area.
- Add kitty litter, sand, or sawdust to speed up the process.
When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.
Instead of drying it up, you can also paint something, then throw that item away once the paint is dry.
When completing a paint project, be sure to correctly estimate the amount of paint needed, so you do not have a lot leftover. If a contractor is painting for you, they should take excessive paint back with them, as it is their responsibility to dispose of it properly.
Please note– these suggestions only apply to latex paint. Other types of paint cannot be hardened and should be brought to an HHW event and do not have a limit.Oil-Based Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
Spray Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Packaging peanuts cannot be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container or Styrofoam recycling program. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Some padded envelopes can be recycled, but not all. See below for a variety of padded envelope types.
Paper Envelopes
If the paper envelope is completely paper, it can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. If the paper envelope has a layer of bubble-wrap to help protect it, then it CANNOT be recycled.
Amazon, and others, have a padded paper envelope that has a layer of glue (instead of bubble-wrap), which can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. Look for this symbol on the packaging:
Plastic Envelopes
Plastic bags CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling container.
However, some of them can be recycled through the plastic film recycling program, most commonly found at your local grocery store. Visit Plastic Film Recycling to learn more about recycling and to find locations. Some examples include the Amazon padded envelope below. Look for the symbol below on the packaging.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables and trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Latex Paint
Beginning in 2021, residents will only be allowed to bring 20 gallons of latex paint to each Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Approximately 60% of the material brought to Chatham County's HHW events is liquid latex paint. It is the most costly item collected in total. Yet, latex paint is only hazardous when in a liquid form. This new paint limit will help Solid Waste & Recycling save our budget to handle more hazardous wastes.
Residents can bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. If you have a 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, it will count as 1 gallon. Feel free to combine partial cans of latex paint.
Latex paint can be safely dried out and put in with your regular trash instead of bringing it to an HHW event. It does not have to be completely solidified– more like a paste. When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.- To dry out latex paint, take off the lid and let it sit outside in a covered area.
- Add kitty litter, sand, or sawdust to speed up the process.
- There should not be any liquid that can run out. See the images below for the steps and final product.
When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.
Instead of drying it up, you can also paint something, then throw that item away once the paint is dry.
When completing a paint project, be sure to correctly estimate the amount of paint needed, so you do not have a lot leftover. If a contractor is painting for you, they should take excessive paint back with them, as it is their responsibility to dispose of it properly.
Please note– these suggestions only apply to latex paint. Other types of paint cannot be hardened and should be brought to an HHW event and do not have a limit.Oil-Based Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
Spray Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam cups CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Alternatively, we offer a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. Please see "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business, you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Most paper products can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container, including junk mail, office paper, magazines, newspapers and inserts, paperback books, paper rolls, cartons, and paper egg cartons/drink carriers.
One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility. Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Paper towels, napkins, and tissues are a low grade of paper and it CANNOT be recycled. They need to be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Any farmer or commercial applicator can recycle pesticide containers at the Main Facility.
The containers must be empty and triple-rinsed or pressure-rinsed to remove all residues. Booklets, caps, and other non-HDPE parts, such as metal handles and rubber linings, cannot be recycled and must be removed prior to disposal. The containers must have originally held an EPA registered pesticide labeled for animal health, agriculture, forestry, vegetative management, specialty pest control, or a non-EPA registered crop protection adjuvant, crop oil, surfactant, micronutrient, or fertilizer. The containers accepted can be up to 55 gallons in capacity.
Examples of containers that are ACCEPTED in the pesticide container recycling program:
Examples of containers that are NOT ACCEPTED in the pesticide container recycling program:
Pesticide Container Not Triple Rinsed Not a Pesticide Container Not a Pesticide Container Cannot Accept Drums/Barrels The North Carolina Pesticide Container Recycling Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and determines the rules for proper disposal.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Pizza boxes CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling container. Cardboard needs to be clean and dry and most pizza boxes have too much grease by the time they are thrown away. However, you can always tear off the lid and recycle that piece of cardboard. The rest of the pizza box must be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Plastic bags CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling container.
Plastic bags and wrap can be recycled through the plastic film recycling program, most commonly found at your local grocery store. Plastic bags need to be clean and dry. Visit Plastic Film Recycling to learn more about recycling and to find locations. Through these programs you can also recycle plastic film that comes wrapped around toilet paper and paper towels, dry cleaning bags, air pillows, bubble wrap, etc.
If they are dirty or you do not wish to take them to the grocery store, they must be disposed of along with household trash. If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are placed in the Mixed Recycling.
Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars have a neck smaller than the base, which includes items such as soda bottles, water bottles, laundry bottles, milk jugs, mayonnaise jars, etc. If you have a plastic spray bottle, remove the nozzle before recycling it. The nozzle will go in the trash.
Plastic tubs have a plastic lid that you can put back on after using like a sour cream tub, pimento cheese tub, humus, tub, etc. Large yogurt tubs that have multiple servings are recyclable. Individual yogurt containers, fruit, applesauce, etc. cannot be recycled because they do not have a plastic lid that can go back on.
All bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars must be empty; no food or liquid. If the caps and lids are on, they will get recycled. If the caps and lids are loose, they will not get recycled. Loose caps and lids should go in the trash.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam cups CANNOT BE RECYCLED in the Mixed Recycling container. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Alternatively, you can recycle Styrofoam at the Main Facility Monday - Friday 7 am to 4 pm. You can bring WHITE Styrofoam, including packaging, drink cups, to-go containers, etc. They must be free of food and dirt. NO PACKAGING PEANUTS.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Plastic spray bottles can be placed in the Mixed Recycling. Remove the spray nozzle before recycling it. The nozzle will go in the trash.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Plastic, paper, or Styrofoam to-go containers, including clamshells (containers that have a hinged lid) CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
We used to accept these types of materials, but in November 2019 removed them. We can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
We can accept items like PVC, sinks, toilets, tubs, etc. from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We can accept printers, scanners, and fax machines in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
We CANNOT accept tanks at the Collection Centers. This includes Coleman, propane, helium, refrigerant, etc.
If it is from a household, it can be brought to the Main Facility or a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required. Must show ID at HHW events.
For a complete list of items accepted visit HHW. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options.
If you have pumpkins to dispose of after fall or Halloween, there are a couple of options.
- Put it in a compost bin or pile. Should break it into smaller pieces first.
- Leave it in an outside area to decompose, like a wooded area. Breaking it into small pieces will help it break down faster.
- Find a collection event. The North Carolina Composting Council publishes a map each year.
Pumpkins that have been painted cannot be composted. Remove any candles or lights.
Learn more about backyard composting.
We can accept items like PVC, sinks, toilets, tubs, etc. from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. We CANNOT accept wooden speakers in the Electronics Recycling; those should be disposed of along with your household trash. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
We CANNOT accept tanks at the Collection Centers. This includes Coleman, propane, helium, refrigerant, etc.
If it is from a household, it can be brought to the Main Facility or a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required. Must show ID at HHW events.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options.
Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check.
Each of the collection centers has Scrap Metal containers. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the large appliance is from a business, you can bring them to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Rigid bulky plastics includes items such as laundry baskets, 5-gallon buckets, kitty litter buckets, pales, plastic toys, and coolers. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
We can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars in our Mixed Recycling program. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
We can accept drywall/sheetrock from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We can accept shingles from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Gently used clothing and shoes can be placed in the Swap Shop at any of our 12 Collection Centers, if you have a current decal.
Residents without a decal or businesses are encouraged to donate gently used items to local thrift stores.
Clothing and shoes that are dirty, torn, or unable to be donated should be placed in the Green Zone container at any of our 12 Collection Centers. These materials will be recycled into rags, insulation, etc.
We also have a Green Zone container at our Main Facility. You do not need a decal to use the Main Facility.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. We cannot accept any paper that is smaller than a standard size post-it in the Mixed Recycling. Shredded paper can be used in a compost bin or to line flower beds. Otherwise needs to be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We can accept siding from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Depending on the type of appliance it will either go in the Scrap Metal container or in along with your household trash.
Items that are 90% metal should go in the Scrap Metal. If it is an item such as an iron or vacuum, it can go in with your household trash. If you are unsure, ask the attendant.
You must have a current decal to use any of the 12 Collection Centers. If you do not have current decal you can bring Scrap Metal items to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept trash though.
If the items are from a business but can be recycled in the Scrap Metal bin, you can bring them to the Main Facility. Trash from a business needs to go to a transfer station or landfill.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. We CANNOT accept wooden speakers in the Electronics Recycling; those should be disposed of along with your household trash. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors can go in with your household trash.
If it is from a household and you have a current decal, you can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Look for the sign or ask the attendant which container is currently being used.
We CANNOT accept trash at the Main Facility or Household Hazardous Waste events.
If it is from a business, it should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We cannot accept soil, dirt, and sand at the Collection Centers.
Soil, dirt, and sand, from a household or business, must be brought to the Main Facility. Please call the office first to ensure the material will be accepted- 919-542-5516.
Must arrive by 3:30 pm. There will be a charge of $20 per ton, with a $2 minimum charge. You will need to weigh in and out on the scale.
Contaminated soil, dirt, and sand will need to go to a Construction & Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.
Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam cups CANNOT BE RECYCLED in the Mixed Recycling container. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
Alternatively, you can recycle Styrofoam at the Main Facility Monday - Friday 7 am to 4 pm. You can bring WHITE Styrofoam, including packaging, drink cups, to-go containers, etc. They must be free of food and dirt. NO PACKAGING PEANUTS.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business you will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. We CANNOT accept wooden speakers in the Electronics Recycling; those should be disposed of along with your household trash. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Latex Paint
Beginning in 2021, residents will only be allowed to bring 20 gallons of latex paint to each Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Approximately 60% of the material brought to Chatham County's HHW events is liquid latex paint. It is the most costly item collected in total. Yet, latex paint is only hazardous when in a liquid form. This new paint limit will help Solid Waste & Recycling save our budget to handle more hazardous wastes.
Residents can bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. If you have a 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, it will count as 1 gallon. Feel free to combine partial cans of latex paint.
Latex paint can be safely dried out and put in with your regular trash instead of bringing it to an HHW event. It does not have to be completely solidified– more like a paste. When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.- To dry out latex paint, take off the lid and let it sit outside in a covered area.
- Add kitty litter, sand, or sawdust to speed up the process.
When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers (current decal required) or put in with your curbside trash.
Instead of drying it up, you can also paint something, then throw that item away once the paint is dry.
When completing a paint project, be sure to correctly estimate the amount of paint needed, so you do not have a lot leftover. If a contractor is painting for you, they should take excessive paint back with them, as it is their responsibility to dispose of it properly.
Please note– these suggestions only apply to latex paint. Other types of paint cannot be hardened and should be brought to an HHW event and do not have a limit.Oil-Based Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
Spray Paint
Should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; simply throw them away. No decal is required for HHW. Must show ID.
Can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container. Cans must be empty. Please rinse out.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Another option, whether the steel cans are from a household or business, is to take them directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. We CANNOT accept wooden speakers in the Electronics Recycling; those should be disposed of along with your household trash. Visit electronics to learn more about our Electronics Recycling program.From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
These items CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling container. They will get tangled in the machines that will be sorting the recyclables. They should be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We can accept string lights in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
We accept Styrofoam for recycling ONLY at the Main Facility Monday - Friday 7 am to 4 pm. No decal is required at the Main Facility.
You can bring empty and clean Styrofoam packaging and food containers including foam cups, plates, take-out containers, egg cartons, and coolers. Food containers must be free of food and rinsed. We cannot accept packaging peanuts, dirty containers, stretched Styrofoam, or other types of foam.
All Styrofoam must be brought in a plastic bag and the bag tied. If it is too big to fit in a bag, then you need to break it down.
Styrofoam CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling container. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
Otherwise, Styrofoam must be disposed of along with your household trash. If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
If you are a business with a lot of large Styrofoam you can take it directly to the Dart Container Corporation in Randleman. They are located at 3219 Wesleyan Road, Randleman, NC 27317 and their phone number is (336) 495-1101.
We can accept cell phones, laptops, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
We can accept cell phones, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
We CANNOT accept tanks at the Collection Centers. This includes Coleman, propane, helium, refrigerant, etc.
If it is from a household, it can be brought to the Main Facility or a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal is required. Must show ID at HHW events.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options.
We can accept computers, televisions, printers, cell phones, surge protectors, hard drives, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, radios, and speakers in the Electronics Recycling. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a home:
9 Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other 3 Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.
Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers. A comprehensive list of options can be found at www.p2pays.org.
Gently used clothing and shoes can be placed in the Swap Shop at any of our 12 Collection Centers, if you have a current decal.
Residents without a decal or businesses are encouraged to donate gently used items to local thrift stores.
Clothing and shoes that are dirty, torn, or unable to be donated should be placed in the Green Zone container at any of our 12 Collection Centers. These materials will be recycled into rags, insulation, etc.
We also have a Green Zone container at our Main Facility. You do not need a decal to use the Main Facility.
We can accept tile and ceramic materials from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Tires from a home can be taken to the any of the 12 Collection Centers, if you have a current decal. There is a limit of 4 tires in a 6-month period and they must be removed from the rim. The tires need to be 20 inches across or less. You will have to complete a form.
If you have more than 4 tires or tires larger than 20 inches, you can bring them to the Main Facility. No decal is required and there is no limit on the number of tires. They must be removed from the rim. You will need to weigh in and out on the scale, but there is no charge.
If the tires are from a business, we CANNOT accept them at the Collection Centers. You must bring them to the Main Facility. There is no limit on the number of tires. They must be removed from the rim. You will need to weigh in and out on the scale, but there is no charge.
If you have over 100 tires you need to call ahead to to Main Facility to make sure there is enough room- (919) 542-5516.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Paper towels, napkins, and tissues are a low grade of paper and it cannot be recycled. They need to be disposed of along with your household trash.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Plastic, paper, or Styrofoam to-go containers, including clamshells (containers that have a hinged lid) CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling. They must be disposed of along with your household trash.
We used to accept these types of materials, but in November 2019 removed them. We can only accept plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
If you have a current decal, you can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal or it is from a business, you will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.
Can be placed in the Mixed Recycling container.
If you have a current decal, you can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, you can bring your household recyclables to the Main Facility.
Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. If a business has a large load of recycling you may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor. You must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.
Visit recycling to learn more about our Mixed Recycling program.
We can accept items like PVC, sinks, toilets, tubs, etc. from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ten Collection Centers accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We CANNOT accept mobile homes/trailers at the Collection Centers. They are too large.
Contact a transfer station, landfill, or Construction & Demolition facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.
Another option for the metal is to take it directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
If you have a current decal, you can bring transmission fluid to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know you have it and they will show you were to dispose of it. You will have to complete a form.
We can only accept transmission fluid from a home. There is a limit of 5 gallons in a 7-day period.
If you have more than 5 gallons we can accept it at a Household Hazardous Waste event. No decal required. Must show ID.
If it is from a business, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options.
Businesses are NOT permitted to use the Collection Centers. Households pay solid waste fee to be able to use the Collection Centers. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. A business is defined any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc.
If you have a current decal, you can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Look for the sign or ask the attendant which container is currently being used. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck sized load in a seven day period to any of the Collection Centers. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
We CANNOT accept trash at the Main Facility or Household Hazardous Waste events.
Businesses are NOT permitted to use the Collection Centers. Households pay solid waste fess to be able to use the Collection Centers. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. A business is defined any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Electronic cigarettes are considered hazardous waste due to the batteries and nicotine. Both of which can cause fires.
They must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. No decal is required at HHW. Must show ID. Residents should separate the battery and nicotine cartridges from each other while storing and for disposal.
For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with your regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.
If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page. Organizations or schools collecting electronic cigarettes on a large scale, need to contact and private company for disposal options. Batteries and nicotine cartridges should NOT be stored together.We CANNOT accept vehicles at the Collection Centers. They are too large.
There are several donation programs that accept vehicles for different causes. The following are provided as examples. We offer this list as a convenience only, and do not endorse any of these companies.
Contact a transfer station or landfill facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.
Another option is to contact a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets. Contact them directly for more information.
Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check.
Each of the collection centers has Scrap Metal containers. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the large appliance is from a business, you can bring them to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
Glass windows CANNOT be accepted in the Glass Recycling container at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. Needs to be disposed of along with household trash.
We can accept items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
We can accept treated wood, untreated wood, lumber, and broken pallets from residents doing home construction projects themselves. If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.
The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), you will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.
Wooden pallets are banned from NC landfills so we CANNOT accept whole wooden pallets at the Collection Centers.
Wooden pallets, from a household or business, should be brought to the Main Facility. Must arrive by 3:30 pm. There will be a charge of $20 per ton, with a $2 minimum charge. You will need to weigh in and out on the scale.
Wooden pallets can also be taken to a Construction & Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.
If an item is 90% metal it can go in the Scrap Metal container. Otherwise, it should go into the Bulky Bin.
If you have a current decal, you can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck sized load in a seven day period to any of the Collection Centers. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.
If you DO NOT have a current decal, or the equipment is from a business, you can bring it to the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.
Another option, whether it is from a household or business, is to take it directly to a metal recycling facility. For example, N.C. Recycling is located in Siler City and Lee Iron and Metal is in Sanford. These places will pay you based on weight and current metal markets.
Yard waste is banned from NC landfills so we CANNOT accept yard waste at the Collection Centers.
Yard waste, from a household or business, should be brought to the Main Facility. Must arrive by 3:30 pm. There will be a charge of $20 per ton, with a $2 minimum charge. You will need to weigh in and out on the scale.
Yard waste includes:
- grass clippings
- trees
- limbs
- stumps- with no excess of dirt
- wood- untreated, unpainted
- wood pallets- untreated, unpainted
Bamboo cannot be disposed of in the yard waste area and will be directed to a different location for disposal.