Frequently Asked Questions

Carts & Recycling

How do I obtain a rollout recycling cart?

Each single family household is allowed one 96-gallon recycling cart for all its recyclables, no sorting needed. Call City Link by dialing 311 or 727-8000. You can also request a cart online by emailing the Citizen Service Desk or by visiting the Recycle Today page.

What if I have more recyclable materials than will fit in my recycling cart?

You have several options:

Flatten your recyclables to create more space in the cart.
Retain your excess recyclables for the next collection.
Take your additional materials to the free recycling drop-off center at the Hanes Mill Road Landfill.
Focus on another of the 3 R's of recycling! See if there are easy ways to first reduce or reuse items that you are throwing out or recycling.

Please note that recycling carts are serviced with automated collection trucks. Recyclables left beside the cart cannot be collected.

My recycling was missed. How do I report a missed pickup?

First, check to see if you were left a red non-collection courtesy notice explaining why the materials were not collected. If you did not find a notice, call the Recycling Hotline at 723-2784 (72-EARTH) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Please allow 24 hours for pickup.

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Product Specific Questions

What do the little numbers on the bottom of plastic containers represent or stand for?

The numbers on the bottom of plastic containers are resin identification codes and they indicate the type of plastic a container is made from. The codes are not intended to mean that a particular product is recyclable, which is why recycling programs identify what plastic products are acceptable and are not acceptable.

Can I bag my recyclables?

If you want to bag recyclables, you can do so in paper bags. However, avoid bagging recyclables in trash bags as they will likely be mistaken for trash in the recycling facility and won't get sorted.

What should I do with Styrofoam packing materials?

The UPS Stores at 380 Knollwood St., and 550 N. Liberty St., here in Winston-Salem will accept any clean packing materials for reuse. The styrofoam needs to be clean, otherwise the stores will not be able to reuse it. They will also accept bubble wrap.

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City Requirements

Is recycling required by law in Winston Salem?

No, it is a voluntary program. But a new state law, effective on Oct. 1, 2009, makes it illegal to dispose of plastic bottles in the trash; they must be recycled. Aluminum cans are also banned from the landfill from a prior law. See our Banned from the Landfill page for more information.

Is recycling yard waste required by law?

It is not required by law, but North Carolina State Law prohibits the disposal of yard wastes (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree limbs, etc.) in sanitary landfills. Therefore, the Sanitation Division operates two permanent leaf drop-off sites:

Overdale Yard Waste Facility - Accepts leaves from the general public as well as the city Sanitation crews throughout the year
Reynolds Park Road - Only accept leaves from city Sanitation crews during the leaf season

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What Can & Can't Be Recycled

What is not accepted for recycling?

The following items are not accepted:

Antifreeze containers
Books
Binders
Ceramics
Deli containers
Dishes
Drinking glasses
Hazardous waste containers
Light bulbs
Mirrors
Motor oil containers
Paint cans
Pesticide containers
Pizza boxes or other cardboard boxes that are contaminated with grease or food residue
Plastic bags
Plastic newspaper bags
Plastic wrap
Pyrex containers
Spiral notebooks
Styrofoam
Wide-mouth containers (margarine tubs, ice cream pails, etc.)
Window glass

If in doubt, please call 723-2784 (72-EARTH).

Why should I recycle?

Recycling has both environmental and economic benefits. Recycling reduces the amount of waste generated by your household, saves landfill space, and reduces the costs for landfill disposal. Also, recycling saves energy and natural resources (i.e., water, minerals, trees), reduces air and water pollution, and creates markets for recyclable materials.

Can bottle caps and lids be recycled?

Plastic bottle caps can be recycled, but lids to glass jars can not be recycled.

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What Happens to Recyclables

Where do Winston-Salem's recyclables go?

Recyclable materials are taken to a materials recovery facility (MRF), where they are separated, baled, and prepared for market. Ultimately, those recyclables will come back in the form of new products.

Does stuff put in recycling carts ever get thrown away?

Yes, unacceptable items, known as contamination, are taken to the landfill.

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Miscellaneous

If something is made from recycled paper or plastic, can it be recycled again?

Yes.

What are the top three simple steps I can take to reduce landfill waste and improve recycling in Winston-Salem?

Reduce first, then reuse, and finally recycle. Learn what is accepted in the program and then recycle everything that you can. Encourage others to recycle, whether at home, school, work, and on the go.

What would happen if everyone in Winston-Salem stopped recycling?

If everyone stopped recycling, there would be increased environmental problems, an increase in waste in the landfills, and the life of landfills would be reduced.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carts & Recycling

Product Specific Questions

City Requirements

What Can & Can't Be Recycled

What Happens to Recyclables

Miscellaneous

Sources

Quick Links