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1. How do I know what week to put out my cart?

You can look up your rollout recycling and garbage collection days by address online through the Winston-Salem Collects tool. This tool is also free to download to your phone through the Google Play and Apple app stores. Residents without access to a computer or cell phone can call CityLink at 311 and a CityLink agent will provide their collection information.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. How can I get a replacement for my cart that is missing or damaged?

Call CityLink 311.

6. The recycling truck usually comes by my house late in the day. Why do I have to have my cart at the curb by 6 a.m.?

Route schedules may change due to employee changes, weather conditions, or other factors. Late set-outs may delay your pickup until your next collection day.

7. Should I put my recycling cart out when it's raining?

Yes.

8. What if I cannot roll my cart to the curb?

Households where no one is physically able to roll out the cart, but want to participate in rollout recycling, can call City Link 311 and make arrangements for a crew to service their cart. These households will have to compete a Rollout Recycling Exemption Form (PDF) certifying that no one in the home is physically able to roll out the cart, and print and mail it in.

9. I'm moving. What should I do with my recycling cart?

Each cart is assigned to a particular address and the city retains ownership of the cart. If you move, leave the cart for the next resident to use. If there isn't a cart at your new residence, call City Link at 311 or 727-8000.

10. I live in a multifamily complex with a recycling station. Will I receive an individual cart for my unit?

No. Residents in a multifamily with a recycling station must take their recycling to the station. If your multifamily complex does not have a recycling station, the complex manager should email Derek Owens, the city’s recycling coordinator, to arrange for a station.

11. What do I do with my old green recycling bin?

You may keep the bin and use it for something else. If you want, you may recycle your bin by putting it in your cart once rollout recycling starts.

12. What if I want to turn my green bin in?

Call CityLink 311 and request a pickup.

13. I understand that there is a computer chip in the cart. What is it for?

The carts come with unique radio frequency identification (RFID) chips. The chips may eventually be used with short-range scanners mounted on the collection trucks to keep track of the carts and provide collection data. However, this is not currently part of the program.

14. I own a commercial business. Can I recycle through the city?

Recycling is available to qualifying small businesses. Businesses that receive once-a-week hand collection of garbage qualify to participate in the Small Business Curbside Recycling Program. Businesses (including churches and non-profit organizations) that are ineligible for the city's program are: 

1. Those that use a dumpster for garbage collection 
2. Those located in the Central Business District receiving hand collection of garbage six days a week