As residents of Cumberland County, North Carolina, we all have a responsibility to protect our environment and conserve resources. One of the most impactful ways we can do this is through proper recycling. But with changing guidelines and varying rules across municipalities, it can be confusing to know exactly what can and can’t be recycled. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about recycling in Cumberland County.
Why Recycle?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand why recycling matters. Recycling helps:
- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills
- Conserve natural resources like timber, water, and minerals
- Prevent pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
- Save energy in manufacturing and transportation
- Create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change
By making recycling a habit, each of us can make a positive impact on our local environment and beyond. Now let’s look at what you can recycle in Cumberland County.
What Can Be Recycled
Cumberland County accepts a wide variety of recyclable materials through its curbside pickup and drop-off programs. Here are the main categories of accepted recyclables:
Paper Products
- Newspapers and inserts
- Magazines and catalogs
- Office paper and mail
- Phone books
- Paperback books
- Cardboard boxes (flattened)
- Paperboard boxes (cereal boxes, etc.)
- Paper bags
Metal
- Aluminum cans
- Steel/tin cans
- Empty aerosol cans
- Aluminum foil and trays (clean)
Glass
- Glass bottles and jars (all colors)
Plastic
- Plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2 plastics)
- Plastic tubs and containers (#1-#5 plastics)
- Plastic caps and lids
It’s important to note that all recyclables should be empty, clean, and dry. Rinse out food residue from containers before recycling. Remove plastic caps from bottles and recycle separately.
Special Recycling Programs
In addition to standard curbside recycling, Cumberland County offers several special recycling programs:
Electronics Recycling Electronics like computers, televisions, printers, and cell phones can be recycled at the Ann Street Landfill or any County Container Site. This keeps harmful materials out of landfills and allows valuable components to be reused.
Tire Recycling
Cumberland County accepts car, truck, and tractor tires for recycling Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 3:30pm at designated locations. You’ll need to fill out a simple Tire Certification Form when dropping off tires.
Appliance Recycling Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and air conditioners can be recycled through the county program. Be sure to remove doors from refrigerators and freezers before recycling for safety.
Shredding Services The county offers confidential document shredding for residents (not businesses) at the Ann Street Landfill on Tuesdays from 8am to 2:30pm for $0.35 per pound. This allows you to safely dispose of sensitive documents while ensuring the paper gets recycled.
What Cannot Be Recycled
To keep the recycling stream clean and efficient, it’s just as important to know what cannot go in your recycling bin. The following items should NOT be placed in curbside recycling:
- Plastic bags or film
- Styrofoam
- Food waste
- Clothing or textiles
- Diapers
- Medical waste or needles
- Yard waste or wood
- Electronics
- Batteries
- Light bulbs
- Ceramics or dishes
- Window glass or mirrors
- Waxed cardboard
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Paint cans
- Motor oil containers
- Hazardous waste
Many of these items can be recycled or disposed of through special programs, but should not go in your regular recycling bin. When in doubt, it’s better to throw an item in the trash than risk contaminating an entire batch of recyclables.
Tips for Effective Recycling
To make the most of Cumberland County’s recycling program and ensure your items actually get recycled, keep these tips in mind:
- Rinse containers: Remove food residue from jars, bottles, and cans before recycling.
- Keep items loose: Don’t bag your recyclables – place them loose in your bin.
- Flatten cardboard: Break down boxes to save space in your bin and recycling truck.
- Remove lids and caps: Separate plastic caps from bottles and recycle both.
- No shredded paper: Tiny paper shreds contaminate other recyclables. Use the county’s shredding service instead.
- Check the numbers: For plastic, only recycle items with the numbers 1-5 inside the recycling symbol.
- No tanglers: Keep cords, hoses, and other “tanglers” out of recycling as they jam sorting machines.
- Ignore the arrows: Just because an item has the recycling arrows doesn’t mean it’s recyclable in our local system. Stick to the accepted items list.
- When in doubt, throw it out: If you’re unsure if something is recyclable, it’s better to put it in the trash than risk contaminating recyclables.
- Reduce and reuse first: The best way to manage waste is to create less of it. Look for ways to reduce consumption and reuse items before recycling.
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Recycling Schedule and Locations
Curbside recycling in Cumberland County is collected every other week on an alternating A/B schedule. To find your collection day, visit the county website and enter your address.
If you miss your collection day or have additional recyclables, you can drop them off at one of the county’s Container Sites. There are 16 sites located throughout the county that accept recyclables and other waste. Visit the Solid Waste Management website for a full list of locations and hours.
The Future of Recycling in Cumberland County
As recycling markets and technologies evolve, Cumberland County is committed to improving and expanding its recycling programs. Some initiatives in the works include:
- Exploring options for glass recycling, which has become challenging in many areas
- Educating residents on proper recycling to reduce contamination
- Partnering with local businesses to increase commercial recycling
- Investigating new markets for hard-to-recycle materials
Residents can stay up to date on changes to recycling guidelines by following Cumberland County Solid Waste on social media or signing up for email notifications on the county website.
Conclusion
Recycling is a simple yet powerful way for Cumberland County residents to reduce their environmental impact. By understanding what can and can’t be recycled and following best practices, we can all do our part to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and create a more sustainable future for our community. Remember – when in doubt, check the county guidelines or reach out to Solid Waste Management for clarification. Together, we can make Cumberland County a leader in responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.