Understanding North Carolina's Local Recycling and Donation Guidelines

One State, Many Rules • County-by-County Variations • E-Waste • Plastics • Certified Donation Centers

Wake • Durham • Mecklenburg • & Beyond
100

NC counties, 100 recycling programs

30%

Counties accept #3-7 plastics

2011

NC E-Waste Law enacted

85%

Donation rate (prepared items)

🗺️ North Carolina has no uniform statewide recycling program.

Instead, each county—and sometimes each municipality—sets its own acceptance policies, collection methods, and processing capabilities. What is recyclable curbside in Wake County may be landfill-only in Harnett. Understanding these local variations is essential for responsible disposal and maximizing diversion. This guide explains why rules differ, how to identify certified donation centers, and how to handle challenging materials like certain plastics and e-waste.

County-by-County: Three Examples

Wake County

Convenience Centers (10+ locations)

  • ✅ Accepts: #1, #2 plastics; glass; metal; cardboard; paper
  • ✅ Also: Electronics, scrap metal, yard waste, appliances
  • ❌ No: #3-7 plastics, shredded paper, hazardous waste
✅ Free for residents ❌ No #3-7
Durham County

Curbside + Transfer Station

  • ✅ Accepts: #1, #2 plastics; cartons; glass; metal
  • ✅ Limited #5: Accepted at transfer station only
  • ✅ E-waste: Free drop-off at Roadway Waste Facility
✅ #5 at transfer station ✅ Cartons accepted
Mecklenburg County

Curbside + Full-Service Recycling Centers

  • ✅ Accepts: #1, #2 plastics; glass; metal; cartons
  • ✅ Textiles: Drop-off at all recycling centers
  • ✅ E-waste: Foxhole, Hickory Grove, other centers
✅ Textile recycling ✅ Foam #6 (select locations)

Find your county: Visit NC DEQ's Recycling Program Directory or call your local solid waste department. Never assume—verify.

Why Some Items Need Special Handling

Plastics #3 – #7

Limited end markets, high contamination risk.

  • 🔴 #3 PVC: Pipes, siding—rarely recyclable
  • 🟡 #4 LDPE: Bags, film—store drop-off only
  • 🟢 #5 PP: Yogurt cups, lids—accepted in some counties
  • 🔴 #6 PS: Foam, rigid—very limited acceptance
  • ⚫ #7 Other: Mixed resins, bioplastics—landfill

Bottom line: If not listed as accepted, assume landfill.

E-Waste: Covered by NC Law

Computers, monitors, televisions banned from landfills.

  • ✅ Must be recycled through certified processors
  • ✅ Free drop-off at participating county facilities
  • ✅ Retail take-back: Best Buy, Staples (fees may apply)
  • ⚠️ Data security: Delete files; use certified data destruction

Violation: E-waste in trash can result in fines.

Certified Donation Centers: What to Look For

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Locations: Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, and more

Accepts: Furniture, appliances, building materials, cabinets, windows

✓ Donation receipts ✓ Pickup available

Salvation Army

Locations: Statewide

Accepts: Clothing, furniture, electronics, household goods

✓ Free pickup ✓ 501(c)(3)

Goodwill

Locations: Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Asheville

Accepts: Clothing, small furniture, books, media, housewares

✓ Senior helpline ✓ Job training

Dorcas Ministries

Location: Cary (Wake County)

Accepts: Furniture, appliances, clothing, housewares

✓ Local nonprofit ✓ Pickup fee

Certified = accountable. Look for organizations that are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, provide donation receipts, and clearly state their acceptance policies. Avoid unattended donation bins—they often receive unsellable items and shift disposal costs to charities.

Quick Reference: Common Items & NC Disposal

📦 Cardboard

Recyclable curbside in most counties. Flatten, keep dry. No pizza grease.

🥫 Glass

Accepted in most curbside programs. Some counties require separate bin. Rinse.

🛍️ Plastic Bags

Never curbside. Return to grocery store (Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Target).

🧴 Hazardous Waste

Paint, chemicals, oil, pesticides. County HHW facilities only—never trash.

📱 Tools to Navigate Local Rules

📲

Wake County "Waste Wizard"

Search any item—shows proper disposal path. Available as app and website.

🌐

NC DEQ Recycling Directory

County-by-county list of accepted materials, drop-off locations, and contacts.

📞

Local Solid Waste Hotline

Call your county's solid waste department—staff can answer specific questions.

Navigating Complex Disposal

When local guidelines are unclear, or you have mixed materials that don't fit standard categories, professional junk removal services provide expertise in sorting, donation, and compliant disposal.

Junk removal Find US Vercell App
North Carolina tip: Many counties offer periodic "hard-to-recycle" collection events for electronics, appliances, and bulky items. Follow your county's social media or sign up for email alerts.