Recycling

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Chatham County Solid Waste & Recycling has many recycling programs to provide opportunities for residents and businesses to reduce the amount of waste they dispose of in the landfill.

With all recycling programs it is really important to make sure you are recycling the correct items. To learn more about what is accepted in our Mixed Recycling and Glass Recycling programs, scroll down. Learn more about our Electronics Recycling, Construction & Demolition Recycling, and recycling options for events and businesses.

If you have any questions about recycling please contact Shannon Culpepper, Recycling and Education Specialist at shannon.culpepper@chathamcountync.gov or 919-545-7874.

Mixed Recycling

The Collection Centers and Solid Waste & Recycling Main Facility accept most recyclables together in the Mixed Recycling- aluminum cans, steel cans, cardboard, paper, and plastic bottles tubs, jugs, and jars. Glass bottles and jars are accepted separately for recycling.

These recycling rules are for the Collection Centers. If you have curbside pickup, that service is provided by a private hauler. However, you can follow all of the same rules, 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.

Items Accepted in the Mixed Recycling

Click on the heading below to learn more about each category. You can download a PDF flyer version of the information found below.

Aluminum Cans

Steel Cans

Cardboard Boxes

Paper

Accepted Junk Mail Accepted Magazines Accepted Mixed Paperboard Accepted Toilet Paper Roll

Accepted Newspapers Accepted Office Paper Accepted Paperback Books Accepted Cartons

Junk mail, magazines, paperboard boxes, paper rolls, newspaper, office paper, and paperback books CAN be placed in the Mixed Recycling. Paper cartons can be recycled as long as they do not have an aluminum liner and are empty and clean.

No paper smaller than a standard size Post-it can be recycled. No shredded paper.

No need to worry about plastic labels, paperclips, staples, etc. Those small items will be removed in the recycling process.

Plastic Bottles, Jugs, Jars, & Tubs

accepted plastic beverage bottles Accepted Plastic Laundry Bottle Blue and White Spray Cleaner Bottle No Nozzle

Accepted Plastic Milk Jug Accepted Plastic Jar unaccepted plastic tubs

Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars CAN be 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. For example, large yogurt tubs that have multiple servings CAN be recycled. 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.

Glass Bottles & Jars

At the Collection Centers and Main Facility we have a separate recycling program for glass bottles and jars. When glass is collected along with other recyclables, it is harder to recycle the glass. Keeping the glass separate makes it easier to be recycled and increases its value.

If you have curbside pickup, that is provided by a private hauler who picks recycling up at your house, you should put your glass bottles and jars in your recycling bin. There is no need to separate it at the curb.

Mixed Glass Bottles and Jars

Only glass bottles and jars CAN be placed in the Glass Recycling. They should be empty and clean. No caps, lids, or corks.

Glass recycling is only for bottles and jars; it is not for everything made of glass. No windows, windshields, light bulbs, cooking dishes, etc.

When in doubt, throw it out! If you are not 100% sure an item can be recycled, do not include it. Hold onto it until you can find the answer or throw it away.

Recyclables need to go in the bins or carts loose. If you put your recyclables in a bag or box, empty the bag or box into the recycling bin.

The above lists the most common items that can and cannot be recycled. Looking for a different item? Visit our online disposal guide for details on how to dispose of these and many other items.

How do I Dispose of Logo If you do not see guidance for your item on the "How Do I Dispose of…" guide, 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.

Are you looking for someone to talk about recycling, waste management, or waste reduction efforts? Or just want to learn more about programs and services offered? Chatham County Solid Waste & Recycling is able to offer a variety of educational opportunities anywhere in the county. We have presentations, activities, and lessons available for all ages and types of audiences! Learn more about our Education Programming.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions about decals, the solid waste fee, or Collection Centers, visit the frequently asked questions.

If you have any questions about recycling please contact Shannon Culpepper, Recycling and Education Specialist at shannon.culpepper@chathamcountync.gov or 919-545-7874.