wipe out waste guide 2011 / 2012

2011/2012

Wipe Out Waste!Wipe Out Waste!GUIDE BOOK

Everything You Need To KnowEverything You Need To Know

RECYCLINGRECYCLING

Who Can I Call?

InsideWhat’s

Visit Mecklenburg County’s Web site at

www.wipeoutwaste.com, or call one of these

numbers for assistance:

Business Recycling Infoline: 704.432.3200

Recycling Drop-off Centers/Yard Waste: 311

or 704.336.7600

Construction/Demolition: 704.432.0399

School/Recycling Program: 704.336.3777

Litter Prevention Program: 704.432.1772

Event Recycling: 704.432.1772

Recycling and Garbage Pickup Numbers

City of Charlotte: 311

or 704.336.7600

Town of Cornelius: 704.892.6031

Town of Davidson: 704.393.6900

Town of Matthews: 704.847.3640

Town of Mint Hill: 704.545.9726

Town of Huntersville: 704.875.6541

Town of Pineville: 704.714.9400

Unincorporated Areas of Mecklenburg County

If you live in an unincorporated area of Mecklenburg

County, you can take your garbage and recyclables

to one of the Full Service Recycling Drop-off Centers

(see map on page 9) or you can contract with a

private garbage/recycling hauler.

Who Can I Call? 2

Recycle It (City of Charlotte) 3

Re-think (Mecklenburg County Towns) 5

Apartments, Townhouses & Condominiums

(Multi-family Recycling) 8

Recycle Drop-Off Centers 9

Household Hazardous Waste 12

Tips 13

Business / Commercial Recycling 14

School Recycling 15

Composting 16

Grasscycling 18

Construction & Event Recycling 19

Waste Reduction Information 20

Litter Prevention 22

Citizen Involvement 26

A Word of Thanks 28

Contents

Pg. 2

Residential Recycling Collection (City of Charlotte)

Recycle It! and Curb It!

More InformationTo learn more about the Recycle It! program, visit http://recycleit.charlottenc.gov or call 311 (704.336.7600).

Recycle•it!

City of Charlotte Recycling Collection

The City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services provides residential recycling collection for residents on the same day as garbage and yard waste, but on an every-other-week schedule. To fi nd your collection day, visit http://recycleit.charlottenc.gov or call 311 (704.336.7600).

How to Recycle It!1. Prepare recyclables for collection:

• Rinse or wipe out food/liquid residue from containers.

• Remove lids/caps from bottles.• Cut (not fold) cardboard into 3-feet by 3-feet

sections or smaller.• Place all recyclables in your recycling rollout

cart.2. Place the rollout cart within 2 feet of the curb

and at least 3 feet away from other collection items (garbage rollout cart, yard waste and bulky items) and obstacles such as mailboxes, vehicles, telephone poles, etc. Do not block the sidewalk.

3. Place the rollout cart at the curb no later than 6:30 am on your scheduled collection day and remove it no later than midnight that same day.

Please Note: Residents who recycle using the red recycling bin instead of the recycling cart are allowed a maximum of two bins at the curb for collection. Solid Waste Services no longer provides additional/replacement red bins.

What Can Be Recycled• Aerosol cans • Aluminum cans• Cardboard (fl attened)• Glass bottles & jars• Juice boxes• Milk and juice cartons• Paper, junk mail & newspaper• Plastics # 1-5 & 7• Plastic bottles & jugs• Wide mouth plastic containers• Rigid plastics• Spiral paper cans• Metal food cans• Cereal & food boxes• Magazines & phonebooks• Paperback books

What Can NOT Be Recycled• Appliances*• Automobile Parts• Batteries• Bottle caps/lids• Ceramics• Clothing**• Garbage• Household Hazardous Waste*• Lightbulbs• Paper plates/napkins• Pizza boxes • Plastics # 6• Plastic bags• Plastic food trays/cups• Pots/pans• Shredded paper• Styrofoam• Takeout food containers• Water hoses• Wire hangers

*Items are accepted at the Mecklenburg County’s full service

recycling drop-off centers (see page 9).

**Items accepted by non-profi t organizations (Goodwill, Kidney

Foundation, etc.).

Pg. 3

Prep It! and Curb It!

More InformationTo learn more about how to Prep It!, visit http://curbit.charlottenc.gov or call 311 (704.336.7600).

Yard Waste Collection (City of Charlotte)Prep•it!

City of Charlotte Yard Waste Collection

The City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services provides yard waste collection every week on the same day as garbage and recycling collection.

Yard Waste Accepted for Collection• Grass• Leaves• Plants• Pruning• Shrubbery• Tree trimmings• Weeds• Other similar materials generated in the

maintenance of residential yards and gardens

Yard Waste NOT Accepted for Collection • Dirt and rocks• Treated lumber and wood• Tree stumps

How to Prep It!

1. Prepare yard waste for collection:• Trim limbs to no more than 5 feet in length.• Cut limbs and logs to no more than 4

inches in diameter.• Place leaves and grass clippings in untied

plastic bags or uncovered trash cans (not City-issued rollout carts).

2. Place yard waste within 2 feet of the curb and at least 3 feet away from other collection items (rollout carts and bulky items) and obstacles such as mailboxes, vehicles, telephone poles, etc. Do not block the sidewalk.

3. Place yard waste at the curb no later than 6:30 am on your scheduled collection day.

Pg. 4

Residential Recycling Collectionre•think

Town of CorneliusThe Town of Cornelius contracts with Republic Services to provide solid waste collection services to its residents. Currently, over eight thousand (8,000) households in the Town of Cornelius receive curbside recycling services. Republic Services will provide one recycling collection bin and one trash collection bin per single family household. Trash is collected weekly, but recycling is collected bi-weekly on the day of your trash pick-up. If residents prefer to have more than this, they must incur the charges themselves and this is the only time they would ever be billed directly.

Recycle Collection PolicyRecycling must be curbside by 6:00 am on your collection day items must be in the collection bin. Items that can be recycled included:• Metal cans (aluminum or steel) including soft drink,

beer & food cans. Please rinse cans out to prevent bugs and bees.

• Plastics 1-7 Except 6 (Styrofoam) including soda bottles, dish soap bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, rigid plastic tubs, toys, buckets and similar items.

• Paper including newspaper and inserts, magazines, junk mail, telephone books, brown paper grocery bags, copy paper and similar items.

• Cardboard includes corrugated containers, cereal boxes, shoes boxes, and other similar items.

Items that are not accepted include:• Plastic grocery bags, shredded paper, containers

for motor oil, anti-freeze, and paint, cardboard with food directly on the box (pizza box).

As of July 1, 2007, bulky waste pick up is no longer available to the citizens of the citizens of the Town of Cornelius. Residents can drop off bulk recyclables at the North Mecklenburg Recycling Center located at 12300 N. Statesville Road. If you need additional information call 311 or 704.892.6031 or visit www.cornelius.org.

Town of Davidson Recycling in the Town of Davidson is available to many Davidson single family households through a contract between the Town and Allied Waste. In addition to recycling, the contractor provides garbage, yard waste and bulk waste collection.

The collection schedule is as follows:

All garbage, recycling and yard debris is collected on Wednesday, with the exception of River Run, which has all collection on Friday.

Items that can be recycled include:

• ALL plastic containers – except #6 - styrofoam/ clamshells.

• Rigid plastics (toys, litter boxes and buckets). • Empty aerosol cans. • Milk cartons and juice boxes. • Aluminum cans. • Metal food cans. • Glass bottles & jars.• Cardboard (cut & fl attened into no larger than 3’ x 3’

sections).• Paper (books, magazines, phone books, brown paper

bags, newspapers, junk mail & mixed paper, but not shredded paper).

For a roll-out garbage cart or recycling bin or to report Service problems, call Allied Waste at 704-393-6900. For more information on the Town of Davidson’s collection schedule and policies, visit www.ci.davidson.nc.us.

Pg. 5


Town of MatthewsThe Town of Matthews encourages all citizens and businesses to recycle. In addition to weekly garbage pick up and yard waste collection, curbside recycling is provided free of charge. Call us if you need our twenty-two gallon recycle bins. Small businesses (that are enrolled in the voluntary recycling program) and residents, have their recyclables collected once a week on the same day as their trash pickup.

Trash and recycling containers must be curbside by 6:30 am on your collection day. Recycling bins should be placed away from the garbage carts as they are picked up by separate trucks. Remember garbage carts should be placed with the handle facing your residence, so that the mechanical arm can pick up the cart easily using the bar facing the street.

Overfl ow items may be placed in clear plastic or paper bags and put next to or on top of the bins.

Items that can be recycled include:• ALL plastic containers - except #6 - styrofoam/clamshells.• Rigid plastics (toys, litter boxes and buckets).• Empty aerosol cans.• Milk cartons and juice boxes.• Aluminum cans.• Metal food cans.• Glass bottles & jars.• Cardboard (cut & fl attened into no larger than 3’ x 3’

sections).• Paper (books, magazines, phone books, brown paper

bags, newspapers, junk mail & mixed paper, but not shredded paper).

Note: Lids should be removed and all food and other residue should be washed out.

Non-acceptable items at this time are:#6 plastic containers, pizza boxes, bottle caps or lids, plastic bags, shredded paper, plastic food trays and cups, ceramics, pots & pans, glassware, paper plates, napkins, batteries, light bulbs, wire hangers, clamshells and Styrofoam. No hazardous or commercial medical waste may be put in the recycling containers.

Town of HuntersvilleCitizens of the Town of Huntersville that live in a single family house are provided with curbside solid waste services. The Town contracts its garbage collection and recycling services to a private contractor, Advanced Disposal. Residents are given a Green Can for Yard Waste collection, a Grey Can for Garbage collection and a Blue Can for Recyclables. Yard Waste and Garbage are collected weekly and Recycling is collected bi-weekly. All three containers are provided by the hauler.

Please remember the following when placing your recyclables curbside:

Since recycling is collected bi-weekly, recyclables are collected on designated pickup days during Recycling Week 1 or Week 2. Recycling must be curbside by 7:00 am on your collection day.

Items that can be recycled include:• Plastic containers, including soft drink, liquor

bottles, milk jugs and detergent bottles (all plastics acceptable except #6).

• Rigid plastics (toys, litter boxes & buckets).• Empty aerosol cans.• Milk cartons & juice boxes.• Cardboard (fl attened).• Glass bottles & jars: Clear, green and brown glass is

acceptable. Remove caps & lids and rinse out.• Metal cans (aluminum or steel), including soft drink,

beer & food cans. Rinse out cans.• Paper (newspaper, brown paper bags, magazines,

corrugated containers, junk mail, high-grade).

Recycling that does not meet the above criteria will be tagged as non-compliant. If brought into compliance, it will be collected at the next regularly scheduled pick-up date.

Residents can also drop off recyclables at the North Mecklenburg Recycling Center located at 12300 N. Statesville Road. Contact 311 for more information on the Center. If you need additional information please visit www.huntersville.org or call 704.875.6541.

Pg. 6


Town of PinevilleTrash and recycling collection in the Town of Pineville has recently changed. Large rollout containers are now used and recycling is collected every other week on Thursdays (except on holiday schedule). Household trash and yard waste are still collected weekly on Wednesdays (except on holiday schedule). Rollout containers should be placed at the curb no sooner than the night before pickup and removed from the curb by the evening of the pickup. A schedule of pickup dates for 2011 has been posted on the town’s website at: www.pinevillenc.net.

Items that can be recycled include:• ALL plastic containers - except #6 - styrofoam/

clamshells.• Rigid plastics (toys, litter boxes and buckets).• Empty aerosol cans.• Milk cartons and juice boxes.• Aluminum cans.• Metal food cans.• Glass bottles & jars.• Cardboard (cut & fl attened into no larger than 3’ x

3’ sections).• Paper (books, magazines, phone books, brown

paper bags, newspapers, junk mail & mixed paper, but not shredded paper).

Pick-up of large, bulky items such as furniture or old appliances must be scheduled directly with Signature Waste. New residents wishing to establish service and current residents with service issues should also call Signature Waste directly at 704-714-9400. Tree limbs should be bundled and no longer than 3 feet. Leaves and other yard debris can be bagged in clear or colored bags. If using a colored bag, leave it loosely tied so the contents can be verifi ed. Household hazardous waste items such as tires, oil, paint cans, batteries, and propane tanks will not be picked up, nor will construction materials, which must be removed by the contractor.

Town of Mint HillCitizens in the Town of Mint Hill contract directly with the solid waste service provider for collection of garbage and recyclables. Once contracted, the citizen receives a ninety-six (96) gallon roll-out cart for garbage from the service provider along with a sheet that informs the citizens of all the solid waste services that will be provided. Upon request, the Town of Mint Hill will provide citizens with one recycle bin per single family home. Collection is provided once a week for garbage and recycling.

Please follow these rules when recycling in the Town of Mint Hill:Bins should be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m. the morning of your pickup.

Items that can be recycled include: • ALL plastic containers – except #6 - styrofoam/ clamshells. • Rigid plastics (toys, litter boxes and buckets). • Empty aerosol cans. • Milk cartons and juice boxes. • Aluminum cans. • Metal food cans. • Glass bottles & jars.• Cardboard (cut & fl attened into no larger than 3’ x 3’

sections).• Paper (books, magazines, phone books, brown paper bags,

newspapers, junk mail & mixed paper, but not shredded paper).

If you need additional information please visit: www.minthill.com or call 704.545.9726 or 704.376.9359.

Town of Pineville

Town of Mint Hill

Matthews (cont’d)The town has launched a voluntary recycle program for small businesses that are eligible to receive garbage collection in Matthews. It is provided at no cost to participating businesses. For more information about recycling in Matthews or if your container needs to be replaced due to damage or if you need free additional recycling bins (limit of 2), call us at 704-847-3640, visit www.matthewsnc.com, or email the Public Works Department at: [email protected].

Pg. 7

Multi-family Household Recyclingre•think

Apartments, Townhouses and Condominiums

Many apartment and condo complexes offer recycling and provide large bins for you to deposit your recyclables. When you are ready to drop them off at the designated recycling station at your complex, simply place the materials into the container labeled recycling.

Important note: To accommodate the needs of multi-family recycling, guidelines have been modifi ed slightly from curbside customers.

In Charlotte, if you have any questions about apartment and condominium recycling or about containers, please call the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Information Center at 311. If you live in one of the surrounding Mecklenburg County Towns, please contact your local municipality for recycling options in your area. The contact information can be found on page 2.

What Can Be Recycled• Aerosol cans • Aluminum cans• Cardboard (fl attened)• Glass bottles & jars• Juice boxes• Milk and juice cartons• Paper, junk mail & newspaper• Plastics # 1-5 & 7• Plastic bottles & jugs• Wide mouth plastic containers• Rigid plastics• Spiral paper cans• Metal food cans• Cereal & food boxes• Magazines & phonebooks• Paperback books

What Can NOT Be Recycled• Appliances*• Automobile Parts• Batteries• Bottle caps/lids• Ceramics• Clothing**• Garbage• Household Hazardous Waste*• Lightbulbs• Paper plates/napkins• Pizza boxes • Plastics # 6• Plastic bags• Plastic food trays/cups• Pots/pans• Shredded paper• Styrofoam• Takeout food containers• Water hoses• Wire hangers

*Items are accepted at the Mecklenburg County’s full service

recycling drop-off centers (see page 9).

**Items accepted by non-profi t organizations (Goodwill, Kidney

Foundation, etc.).

Pg. 8

Recycling Drop-off Centersre•think

N. Mecklenburg Recycling/Yard Waste Ctr.12300 N. Statesville Rd. (Call 311 or 704-336-7600)

West Mecklenburg Recycling Ctr.8440 Byrum Drive (Call 311)

Hickory Grove Recycling/Yard Waste Ctr. 8007 Pence Road (Call 311)

Foxhole Recycling/Yard Waste Ctr.17131 Lancaster Highway (Call 311)

Compost Central5631 West Blvd. (Call 704-588-9092)

Park Road Park Recycling Ctr.5300 Closeburn Rd.

Uptown Recycling Ctr.11th St. Between Tryon and College St.

McAlpine Creek Park Recycling Ctr.8711 Monroe Rd.

Rozzelles Ferry Road Recycling Ctr.5800 Rozzelles Ferry Road

Renaissance Park Recycling Ctr.1536 Tyvola Road

William R. Davie Park4635 Pineville Matthews Rd

Davidson Recycle Ctr.Jackson Street, Davidson, NC

Blythe Landing15901 Highway 73, Huntersville, NC

Reedy Creek Park Recycling Ctr.2900 Rocky River Rd.

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Pg. 9


Rigid Plastics

NEW

Empty Aerosol Cans

NEW

Milk & Juice CartonsJuice Boxes

NEW

Plastic Bottles & Jugs except #6

NEWNEW

Wide-Mouth Plastic Containers

NEW

Glass Bottles & Jars Cereal & Food Boxes Magazines & Phone Books

Cardboard Boxesflattened

Aluminum Cans

Paperback Books Junk Mail, Mixed Paper & Newspaper

Metal Food Cans

RECYCLING

Items Banned from Disposal in Landfi lls

Did you know that you can’t throw these items in your trash? It’s the law. As provided in General Statues, the following materials are banned from being disposed of in landfi lls:

• used oil• yard trash• white goods• antifreeze• aluminum cans• whole scrap tires• lead-acid batteries• motor vehicle oil fi lters• oyster shells• wooden pallets (except in

construction & demolition)• recyclables rigid plastic

containers that have neck smaller than the body of the container and that accept a screw top, snap cap, or other closure. (The prohibition on disposal of recyclable rigid plastic containers in landfi lls does not apply to rigid plastic containers that are intended for use in the sale or distribution of motor oil.)

Effective April 1, 2011: computer equipment.

Pg. 10


Full Service Drop-off CentersFull Service Drop-off Centers are funded through the residential solid waste fee. Mecklenburg County residents can bring the following materials to these Drop-off Centers. There are limitations on what businesses are allowed to drop-off (see below). These Drop-off Centers have full-time staff available to assist you Monday-Saturday 7am to 4 pm.

Items accepted:• Household garbage.• Appliances (limit 4). *Please contact

Metals & Tire Recovery Center, 704.336.7759.

• Tires (4 limit per visit -- fee for tires on rims). *Please contact Metals & Tire Recovery Center, 704.336.7759.

• Scrap aluminum & metal (bed frames, swing sets, etc.).

• Foam rubber (carpet padding). • Electronics - computers & TV. • Paper: Newspapers, magazines,

catalogs, junk mail, telephone books, white & colored offi ce paper and fl attened cardboard.

• Plastic containers 1-5 & 7, glass jars & bottles and metal cans.

• Cooking grease in containers.• Mecklenburg County offers free

Household Hazardous Waste (chemical) disposal to residents living in Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville.

• Chemicals brought in are collected and evaluated for recycling, treatment, or proper disposal by a licensed county contractor. By disposing of household hazardous waste properly, citizens help to protect our water supply and our natural resources.

Items accepted (cont’d):• Motor oil, antifreeze/transmission

fl uid & oil fi lters (5 gallon limit per visit).

• Batteries – lead acid (car), household, Ni-Cad, rechargeable.

• Paint and oil cans. • Fire extinguishers.

Self Service Drop-off CentersSelf Service Drop-off Centers are not staffed but offer fl exibility as to when you can drop off your recyclable materials. These Drop-off Centers will accept all items listed under Residential Recycling. Please reference page 3 for a list of items that Can and Cannot be recycled.

Commercial Recycling Drop-off CentersCommercial Recycling Drop-off Centers, there are over 80 locations throughout Mecklenburg County. These recycling Drop-off Centers are available to any Mecklenburg County business or resident at no cost. These Drop-off Centers will accept all items listed under Residential Recycling, see page 3. To locate the closest Drop-off Center: Telephone 311 or visit www.WipeOutWaste.com (look in left-hand corner and click on Recycling Drop-off Centers, at the top of this page, click on “Locate A Recycling Drop-off Center in Your Area”.) Interested in sponsoring a Commercial Recycling Drop-off Center? Call (704) 432-3200 or (704) 432-0400.

Yard WasteCompost Central, North Mecklenburg, Hickory Grove and the Foxhole Recycling Centers accept yard waste from residents and businesses. Visit our website or call 311 for fees and vehicle restrictions.

Items Accepted:• Unbagged leaves, brush, grass

clippings • Limbs less thank 5 ft. in length • Pallets unpainted and untreated

Construction & Demolition DebrisNorth Mecklenburg, Hickory Grove, and West Mecklenburg Recycling Centers, as well as the Foxhole Landfi ll accept C&D waste from household projects. Visit our website www.wipeoutwaste.com or call 311 for fees and vehicle restrictions.

Items Accepted:• Wood waste (framing timbers,

pallets, crates, spools, sheathing, treated lumber/decking).

• Inert material (concrete, brick, asphalt pavement, mortar, sheetrock, rock, gravel).

• Plastic (pipes, buckets, wrap).• Other (shingles, fi berglass bath

fi xtures, tile, ceramic, carpet, padding.

Note: The following items can be recycled at the Foxhole Landfi ll: untreated and unpainted wood, (solid wood, not any kind of chipboard or particle board which contain adhesives), unpainted drywall and dried concrete may also be recycled. See page 19 for more information.

Recycling Drop-off Centers are conveniently located throughout Mecklenburg County. There are three types of Recycling Drop-off Centers: Full-Service (focus to service the residential sector and businesses with limited quantities), Self-Service and Commercial (focus to accept residential and business recyclables). The Drop-off Centers and what they accept and who may use them is described below.

Pg. 11

household hazards

Simple Steps to Make Your Home Environment-Friendly

Did You Know?Many products found in the kitchen, bath, utility and garage shelves contain hazardous or toxic chemicals. Misuse or improper disposal of these products can pose a threat to your health. Long term or cumulative problems, such as contamination of drain fi elds, septic systems, and surface and groundwater can also occur. Products containing hazardous substances must include a warning and description of the hazard.

A substance is considered hazardous if it is: * Toxic - can cause injury or death if swallowed, absorbed, or inhaled. Toxic products such as rat poison, weed killers, antifreeze, mercury and insect killers are poisonous, either immediately or over a long period of time. * Flammable - can be ignited by a fl ame, spark, ignition source or hot surface under almost all temperature conditions. Flammable products such as lighter fl uids, turpentine, paint, paint thinner, kerosene, propane and gas cylinders, adhesives, and old gasoline are capable of burning or causing a fi re.* Corrosive - a chemical or its vapors that can burn or destroy living tissues at the site of contact, and deteriorate or wear away the surface of a material. Corrosive products such as bleach, pool chemicals, strong chemicals, acids and caustics are capable of eating away materials and destroying living tissue when contact occurs.

* Explosive - violently bursting when exposed to pressure or heat or other substances. Reactive products such as pool chlorine, cyanides and strong fertilizers can explode or release poisonous fumes when exposed to air, water or other chemicals.

What You Can Do?

Read LabelsConsumer products containing hazardous substances must be labeled with a warning and description of the hazards. It is your responsibility to know what is toxic, its proper use and disposal.

Use AlternativesThe best way to get a “less-toxic” product is to make it yourself. For example, Consumers Union found homemade recipes for glass cleaners to be equal to or better than many commercial aerosols, sprays, and pre-moistened towels.

Buy SmartIn most cases, an all-purpose cleaner is designed to perform many different jobs. Always choose products that contain the least harmful ingredients. Select water-based instead of solvent-based products and products that require less toxic materials for clean-up.

Give It AwayAvoid purchasing more product than you can use within a reasonable period of time. Hazardous products usually have a long shelf life and work well years after purchase. Check with friends, neighbors, and community groups to see if they have a need for items like paint or fertilizers.

Most Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) may be taken to the full service Drop-off Centers (see list below) where it is collected by a licensed HHW transfer, storage and disposal facility.

North Mecklenburg Recycling Center12300 N. Statesville Rd.Phone: 311

West Mecklenburg Recycling Center 8440 Byrum DrivePhone: 311

Hickory Grove Recycling Center8007 Pence Road Phone: 311

Foxhole Recycling Center17131 Lancaster Highway Phone: 311

A list of household hazardous waste and non-toxic cleaning solution recipes is available at www.wipeoutwaste.com.

Is Your Home A Hazardous House?

Pg. 12

re•thinkTips

PHARMACEUTICAL (MEDICINE) DISPOSAL TIP:

COOKING GREASE DISPOSAL TIP:Even though it’s tempting, don’t pour grease down the drain or your kitchen sink.

It may get in the water system, as well as clog up your drain. You can recycle cooking oils and grease at one of the four Mecklenburg County Full Service Recycling Centers. You may also freeze animal fats in a can or mix liquid vegetable fats with an absorbent material, such as cat litter or coffee grounds, and place in a lidded container and dispose of in your regular household garbage. Take unused, unneeded, or expired

prescription drugs out of their original containers and mix the prescription drugs with a substance such as coffee grounds or kitty litter. Then place them in impermeable, non-descript containers such as empty cans or sealable bags and throw the containers in the trash.

Where available, return unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs to pharmaceutical takeback programs (Call your local pharmacy) that allow the public to bring pharmaceuticals to a central location for safe disposal.

Pg. 13

Business / Commercial Recyclingre•think

Mecklenburg Business Recycling Ambassador Program

The NEW “Mecklenburg Business Recycling Ambassador Program”: It is important to publicly recognize businesses that make an effort to reduce their waste. Studies show that consumers would like to patronize businesses that recycle or offer recycled products. The Mecklenburg Business Recycling Ambassador Program has two goals. First, it is the County’s initiative to identify, reward and publicly recognize these businesses. Second, it is an opportunity for business to share their ideas and programs with other businesses by becoming a mentor. For additional information, visit www.WipeOutWaste.com, Business Recycling or call 704-432-0400.

Business Recycling In Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County has a Business Recycling Ordinance. The Ordinance applies only to offi ce paper and corrugated cardboard — businesses must separate these items for recycling. You may contract with a vendor to pick up the paper and cardboard, or you may take these materials to one of the County’s recycling drop-off centers.

Does it affect my business? Any business that contracts for 16 cubic yards or greater (a typical commercial garbage bin or “Dumpster” has a capacity of 8 cubic yards) must participate.

What happens if I don’t comply? The County will give the business a notice of violation. The notice will be accompanied by an offer of technical assistance. A civil penalty will be assessed if a business fails to comply with the Ordinance within 30 days of receiving a third notice of violation.

Questions? Call the Business Recycling Infoline at 704-432-3200.

Pg. 14

CMS School Recyclingre•think

The Charlotte Mecklenburg School System (CMSS) is the second largest school system in North Carolina. In the years prior to 2010, CMSS has aligned with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste to establish and maintain only a Paper & Cardboard Recycling Program. With the implementation of the County’s new re-think Recycling program all of CMSS can recycle many new items. This program is available to all students, teachers, and staff members within the county-wide school system.

The re-think Recycling program has created many new opportunities to recycle and divert large quantities of waste from our landfi lls. In the school cafeterias new items can be recycled such as tin food cans, empty milk/juice cartons, water bottles, clean yogurt containers, and aluminum cans. Some of these items amount to outstanding volumes of materials. In the 2009-2010 school year, over 18,000,000 milk/juice cartons were distributed throughout CMSS. Now that these cartons can be recycled, we must encourage all students, teachers, parents, and staff members to recycle these containers to help save the environment and keep them out of the landfi ll.

We must all do our part to promote and educate our youth of the do’s and don’ts of the new re-think Recycling program. For a recycling and/or solid waste presentation to your school, classroom, or staff please call 704-336-3777 for more information.

For other information regarding this program, other youth oriented resources and a complete list of recyclable items go to www.wipeoutwaste.com or www.cms.k12.nc.us.

School Recycling

Pg. 15

compost• itHome Composting

Home Composting

Mecklenburg County’s Waste Reduction program teaches the benefi ts of organic recycling and waste reduction. Through home composting, proper soil preparationand management, the use of mulching and grasscycling, and toxicity reduction, people are empowered with knowledge and inspiration to make a difference in themselves and their communities.

There are many methods to composting. In our classes, the more popular is the hot batch pile. This method, when done correctly, can produce good quality compost in about 12 weeks.

The information listed here is intended as a quick start guide. For a more detailed explanation of this and other methods, visit: www.WipeOutWaste.com to sign up for a compost class.

MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST

Keep these fi ve rules to keep in mind when making compost:

1) There are two types of materials that make up a compost pile.Carbon or “browns”. Dead leaves, shredded cardboard and newspapers, dead house and garden plants all provide this nutrient.

Nitrogen or “greens”. Raw vegetable kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, blood meal, rinsed eggshells, manure from grass-fed animals, okara, and tofu fall in this

category. When making a hot batch pile, alternate 2 inches of green materials with 2 inches of brown materials. Use quality materials to make quality compost. 2) A good active pile needs lots of quality materials. Plan on using about 15-20 bags of leaves to get your fi rst pile started.

3) Keep it convenient to reach and keep it moist.Put the bin where it is convenient for loading and can be reached with a water hose. Keep the pile moist to the consistency of a damp, wrung out sponge.

4) Provide good air circulation.A wire bin is an inexpensive way to keep the pile neat and makes it easy to turn. 5) Don’t buy materials for your compost pile. After all, it is about waste reduction. Once you mix all the materials together, cover the bin to keep moisture in and vermin out!

The right mixAdd one foot of leaves (about fi ve bags) to the bin, then pack down with rake. Add a foot of nitrogen rich product, add water to “squeezed out sponge” consistency; repeat process until all leaves are used (about 20 bags for a full bin); mix materials well with a pitchfork.

Maintaining your pile You know your pile is working when it heats up in the middle and then cools down after about a week. Turning the pile helps aerate and

break up materials and is a good time to add water, if needed. We recommend turning after one week, then every 3 weeks, for a total of 4 turns. Your compost is ready when materials are dark, crumbly and soil-like. Usually the pile shrinks to 1/2 its original size. NOTE: While there are many things that can safely work in a compost bin, there are a few items to keep out. These include dog, cat and human waste; meat, dairy products, and grease. These items smell bad, will attract animals and vermin and could carry disease pathogens!

USING COMPOST Now that you’ve made it, what can you do with it? Spread 2-3 inches of fi nished compost around garden plants to maintain moisture in the soil. Compost can also be screened for use in potting mixes and with houseplants.

Boost your garden soil every year by adding 2-4 inches of compost at planting time.

Apply 1-2 inches to established lawns and fl ower beds as a super feeding top dress.

BUYING COMPOST High quality compost and mulchproducts are available fromMecklenburg County. For moreinformation, call 704-588-9092 or visit our website at www.wipeoutwaste.com under Compost-Yard waste.

Pg. 16

COMPOST WORKSHOPS

The basic Home Composting Workshop is a two hour hands-on workshop. Topics include home composting, residential recycling, soil preparation and management, toxicity reduction, grasscycling and mulching. This class is suitable for beginners.

The class is limited to 20 people per class and is required for anyone wishing to participate in the Master Composter program. Classes are held from 10:00am to 12 noon (unless otherwise noted) at a cost of $10 each. They are held outdoors so please dress appropriately. Closed toe shoes are required for safety reasons.

Pre-registration is required and may be done by calling 704.336.4304 or visiting: www.wipeoutwaste.com.

Mecklenburg Organic Recycling Ambassadors: A Master Composters training program.

Our mission is to educate the public about Mecklenburg County’s efforts to reduce residential and commercial waste.

This free 40 hour training program is open to all residents of Mecklenburg County. Applicants must have completed the County’s Basic HomeComposting workshop and/or have a working knowledge of composting. In return for the training, students are required to give back volunteer

time to the Organic Waste Reduction program and its projects. Examples of past projects include: developing a school compost garden, and providing under-served neighborhoods with residential recycling and composting training.

Participants in the Master Composter program get hands-on in depth training in topics such as:

• Various methods of composting.• Starting and maintaining an eco-

friendly food share garden.• Starting and maintaining a

school recycling program.• Starting and maintain a recycling

program at work and home.

Pre-registration is required and may be done by calling 704.336.4304 or visiting: www.wipeoutwaste.com.

The classes are held at the Hal Marshall Service Center and in the Little Sugar Creek Greenway Community Garden.

For more information, please visit www.wipeoutwaste.com, and click “Master Composter” or call 704-432-1970.

Mecklenburg County Mulch and Compost

High quality compost and mulch products are available from Mecklenburg County. For moreinformation, call 704-588-9092 or visit our website at www.wipeoutwaste.com under Compost-Yard Waste. Compost, nugget mulch and red mulch are available for sale at Compost Central. For deliveries and price information call 704-588-9092.

Hardwood MulchNugget MulchPallet MulchRed MulchCompostFill Dirt

Mecklenburg County Mulch and Composting Facilities offer a delivery service within Mecklenburg County. The cost is a delivery fee plus the amount of compost or mulch purchased. Please allow a week to ten days for delivery.

Compost Bin Sales

Mecklenburg County Organic Waste Reduction partners with many businesses to offer County residents compost bins for a 30% to 50% discount.

For more information, upcoming events and a list of compost bin vendors, give us a call at 704-432-1970 or visit www.wipeoutwaste.com.

compost• itComposting Classes

Pg. 17

Why Grasscycle?When you mow regularly, clippings quickly decompose and release nutrients to fertilize the lawn. There are many benefi ts– both fi nancial and ecological – to grasscycling. You can:

• Reduce yard waste by 20% - 40% or more (North Carolina legislation prohibits yard waste from being discarded in landfi lls).

• Save time, trouble and expense of bagging or putting yard waste in cans.

• Save gas and energy required to transport and process grass clippings.

• Reduce the need for fertilizer by one-third.

• Reduce the demand for water.• Reduce negative impact on

water quality from erosion and pesticide application.

• Provide moisture and nutrients to the soil and cushioning layers to reduce wear.

Using grass clippings as a source of fertilizer for your lawn can save time and money and help protect the environment. Leaving grass clippings on your lawn can generate up to 25% of the lawn’s yearly fertilizer needs and reduce the amount of time and money you spend fertilizing and bagging. Lawns stay greener and healthier when clippings are left on them.

MowingAny mower that is in good workingcondition and has a sharp blade can be used to grasscycle. Mulching mowers may be better than traditional mowers for those who can not mow on a regular basis. These mowers tend to cut grass into fi ner pieces, allowing it to fi lter down among the standing plants. With either mower, best results can be expected if the lawn is dry.

Mowing HeightsMow at the appropriate height. Referto table below for guidelines formowing heights. LAWNGRASS HEIGHT after mowing (inches)Bermudagrass – warm season 3/4 to 1Centipedegrass – warm season 1St. Augustinegrass – warm season 3 to 4Bahiagrass – warm season 3 to 4Zoysiagrass – warm season 3/4 to 1 ½Tall Fescue – cool season 3 to 4Kentucky Bluegrass- cool season 1 ½ to 2 ½Fine Fescue – cool season 1 ½ to 2 ½Perennial Ryegrass – cool season 1 ½ to 2 ½

(Warm season grasses will go dormant in the winter. Cool season grasses will go dormant in the summer if not watered.)

• Keep the blade sharp.• Keep the deck clean. Wash the

underside of the mower after each use. A clogged deck won’t mulch or discharge well.

• Cut as often as necessary to insure that only 1/3 of the grass blade needs to be removed. During times of rapid growth, you may need to mow every 5-6 days.

• Cut when the grass is dry in order to avoid a wet, sticky mess on your lawn and inside the mower deck.

• Be Safe. Wear eye and ear protection. Keep children at a safe distance.

• Mow regularly. A basic rule is not to remove more than 1/3 of the growth at one time.

Basic Watering Tips• Don’t water fescue, bluegrass,

or ryegrass lawns in the summer unless you plan to do so all season.

• Water your lawn, if needed at night.

• Give lawns grown on heavy clay soils a total of 1 inch of water per week.

• Don’t water until you see the fi rst signs of wilt.

• Don’t over-water. This promotes disease and excessive growth.

• Consider installing a drip irrigation system to apply water more slowly and directly to the roots of plants and trees. It is more effective and uses less than half as much water as a sprinkler.

• Use grass clippings in the yard.• If it’s necessary to collect grass

clippings, recycle them in your yard. Spread clippings over a layer of newspaper in the vegetable or fl ower garden. Use clippings as mulch under bushes.

It’s Good For Your LawnIt’s Good For Your Lawngrasscycling

Pg. 18

Recycle Your Construction and Demolition Waste, Too!Are you thinking of building a home or perhaps considering remodeling? Did you know that many construction and demolition wastes can be recycled? Land clearing debris is ground into mulch and used for landscaping. Concrete and asphalt are ground and reused. Clean wood, metals and gypsum (drywall) are recyclable, too.

Recycling at construction/demolition job sites may save you and your contractor money in addition to being good for our environment, but pre-planning is needed for success. For a discounted fee, the Foxhole Landfi ll accepts clean wood waste, unpainted drywall, asphalt shingles and concrete for recycling (about half the fee charged for disposal).

For more information or assistance in reducing or recycling construction/demolition waste, please call 704.432.0399 or visit www.wipeoutwaste.com.

Mecklenburg County’s Full Service Drop-off Centers (North Meck, Hickory Grove, West Meck and the Foxhole Recycling Center), accept construction/demolition wastes from residents for disposal. No commercial waste is accepted at these centers. Disposal fees for residents do apply for a standard pickup or 12 ft. trailer load. If you have any questions about disposal of wastes or recycling at Drop-off Centers, please call 311 or visit: www.wipeoutwaste.com.

Secure Your Load!Roadside litter isn’t just unsightly; it’s expensive to remove. Be sure you don’t lose any of your valuable recyclables and reusables, and dispose of trash properly to help keep waste management costs and your taxes low. Require that all loads coming into and leaving your construction site be properly covered, secured and contained to prevent spillage or blowout. Not just dump trucks, but pickup trucks, also.

Event Recycling. ‘Keeping it clean and taking it green!’

Construction & Event Recyclingre•think

Street fairs, concerts, sporting events, and other special events are important occasions. One element of these events that is often overlooked is the amount of recyclables generated in the days leading up to, during, and at the close of the event. Fortunately, there are many ways event organizers can dramatically reduce the amount of recyclables that ends up as trash in the landfi ll.

One major way is through resource recovery, or recycling. Mecklenburg County has developed a program to collect and recover cardboard, plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminum cans from the waste stream during special events.

The Event Recycling program provides website information, educational materials, presentations, and hands-on training in an effort to be a resource for organizers who want to increase the recycle rate and sustainability at their event. The program also offers the Event Recycling Toolkit. This is a refundable deposit program that provides a predetermined number of Clear Stream recycling containers and collections bags, signs that direct and educate the public on the proper separation of recyclables and trash, and tongs to help volunteers sort and collect recyclables out of the trash and/or remove trash from collected recyclables.

For more information on event recycling and to reserve an Event Recycling Toolkit, call 704-432-1772 or visit www.wipeoutwaste.com.

Pg. 19

re•thinkWaste Reduction Information

“Buying recycled” means purchasing productsthat contain recycled content materials. Today, more and more products are made from recycled materials. “Buying recycled” helps to “close the recycling loop” by putting recycled materials to good use as products in the marketplace. When we incorporate “buy recycled” into our everyday shopping habits, we communicate our desire to play an active role in the preservation of out environment.

Buy Recycled

The best place to start is the Direct Marketing Association; their members are some of the direct mailers who send out junk mail. Here’s their mailing address:

Direct Marketing Association1120 Avenue of the AmericasNew York, NY 70036-6700

Call 212-768-7277 ext. 1500

You can also contact the major credit bureaus to request that your personal information not be shared with others or used for promotional purposes. They are Experian, Equifax, Inc., Innovis, and Trans Union Corporation. By calling 888-567-8688 you can opt out of the companies.

Also, try:www.optoutprescreen.comwww.catalogchoice.orgwww.ecologicalmail.org or call (800/620-3975)

To Opt Out of Junk Phone Calls Telephone: 1-888-382-1222 or Email: donotcall.gov

CHOSE PRODUCTS WISELYShop with the environment in mind and chose products that: • make the best use of energy resources • don’t pollute air and water • are reusable or recyclable • are made from recycled material • use a minimum of materials in design and

packaging

PRACTICE THE FIVE ‘R’S IN SELECTING PACKAGINGMore than 30% of household waste is packaging. Most everything we buy has been wrapped in a package -- or several layers of packaging -- at some time on its way from producer to consumer. While packaging provides many essential functions, it can be excessive. As an enviroshopper, you can chose products in packages that have the least amount of negative environmental impact. • Reduce the amount of packaging you buy and

throw away. • Reuse packaging. • Recycle packaging whenever possible. • Reject packaging that’s unsatisfactory. • Respond to producers and retailers to let them

know their packaging is unsatisfactory.

REDUCE PACKAGINGHere are some strategies to help you reduce your packaging/garbage before you even produce it: • Take your grocery bags back to the store to

keep from getting new ones every time. • Take your own shopping bag for small

purchases. • Choose packaging that uses the least amount

of material. • Buy products in the largest quantity possible in

one package or buy refi lls and add liquid.

Shop S.M.A.R.T. JUNK MAIL & PHONE CALL OPT OUT

Pg. 20

Wrap Up Your Holidays By RecyclingThe holidays may be the most wonderful time of the year, but a not-too-wonderful byproduct of all that celebrating and gift-giving is a mountain of wrapping paper, cardboard, and tissue paper. Here are a few tips to help you get it all under control and maybe help save a tree or two while you’re at it! See www. wipeoutwaste.com for more useful holiday waste reduction tips and recycling information.

• Have children make their own wrapping paper by designing and coloring on paper grocery bags.

• Decorate your home and tree with holly, cedar, berries, fruits, and nuts. Compost these things after the holidays.

• Decorate your table by making a centerpiece of colorful fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Compost these things after the holidays.

• When inviting guests to your holiday feast, ask them to bring reusable containers to take leftovers home.

• Save gift boxes, bags, bows, and ribbon to use next year.

• Keep the fronts of old Christmas cards to use as nametags, bookmarks, or postcards or donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Remember, you may recycle your holiday gift wrap (no bows and ribbons) and boxes in your curbside recycling program or at the County’s Recycling Drop-off Centers. Christmas trees are also collected curbside and at Recycling Drop-off Centers.

Visit www.wipeoutwaste.com for useful holiday waste reduction tips and recycling information.

Waste Reduction Informationdonate•it

Donate it!Visit our website at www.wipeoutwaste.com under residential waste reduction and learn where to donate items that are just too good to throw away.

We want to encourage you to consider donating good, reusable items to charitable organizations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg metro area.

Yard SalesYard sales are a great way of disposing of your unwanted items, as well as getting some extra cash. Give the items you’ve discarded a longer life.

The only cost to you is your time and a $5.00/day Yard Sale permit if you live in the City of Charlotte.

Permits can be obtained at 700 N. Tryon Street, Hal Marshall Bldg. 1st Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202 or 700 E. Stonewall Street, Bob Walton Plaza, 1st Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Additional information regarding the permit can be found at http://tax.charmeck.org.

Tips on how to have a successful yard sale are at http://www.wipeoutwaste.com under residential waste reduction.

Pg. 21

re•thinkSwat A Litterbug.com

Litter Prevention

Litter was once described as “one of the most neglected and obvious forms of environmental degradation.” (Anonymous)

Below are the seven major reasons for litter: • Pedestrians or cyclists who do

not use receptacles.• Motorists who do not use car

ashtrays or litter bags.• Business dumpsters that are

improperly covered.• Loading docks and

commercial or recreational marinas with inadequate waste receptacles.

• Construction and demolition sites without receptacles to contain debris and waste.

• Trucks with uncovered loads on local roads and highways.

• Household trash scattered before or during collection.

A Top Priority

In Mecklenburg County, we are trying to create a cleaner safer community by embracing strategies designed to achieve a cleaner environment. Our focus is on cleanup, prevention, promotion and awareness, enforcement, and legislation. Success is dependent upon partnerships involving government agencies and the public/private sectors of our community. In truth, each of us is empowered to make a difference.

You start by NOT being a litterbug and volunteer to help pickup litter. Whether it’s an effort spearheaded by one person or a large group effort, the impact will be signifi cant you CAN make a difference.

Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful (KMB).

KMB is a resource to achieving these goals by addressing litter prevention, beautifi cation and community improvement as well as recycling and waste reduction. An affi liate of Keep America Beautiful, it is a non-profi t volunteer based entity operated under the guidance of a 20 member board of directors representing all sectors of the community. KMB concentrates its energies on programs and projects throughout Mecklenburg County, such as the annual Great American Cleanup (GAC, March 1st through May 31st) which includes but is not limited to neighborhood groups, schools, churches, scouts and businesses. KMB will provide the tools for neighborhood and community clean ups from bags, gloves, vests and litter sticks to educational material for all age groups.

To become a volunteer and request additional information call 704-432-1772.

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

www.Swat A Litterbug.com

Wish you could do something when you see someone toss litter or cigarette butts out of their car or trash blowing from an open bed truck? Well, you CAN! The Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful Swat-A-Litterbug program is a way for you to take positive action. Simply report the tag number, date, time, location and a brief description of the incident. The owner of the vehicle will receive a warning letter explaining the legal ramifi cations of littering and a litter bag or pocket ashtray for their vehicle. You can either call 704-432-1772 or visit www.swatalitterbug.com to enter the information online.

Pg. 22

Swat A Litterbug.comlitter

Swat A Litterbug.comprevention

Secure your Load - Tarp It!

In North Carolina, a substantial amount of all litter is “blown not thrown”. Items fl ying out of uncovered trucks not only litter our highways, they create dangerous driving conditions. Most roadside litter comes from small pickups or attached trailers. It takes very little time, effort, or money to make sure your load is properly secured. Tarps can be purchased for less than $20 and are stocked items at most home improvement or automotive stores.

Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful now participates in an annual Tarp Day in October sponsored by Keep America Beautiful; several hundred tarps are distributed by volunteers from the various recycling centers located in Mecklenburg County.

Adopt-A-Highway

Administered by the NC DOT, this volunteer based program results in a signifi cant tax savings benefi t for North Carolina tax payers. In 2009, that savings was valued at $6.4 million. All one hundred counties have a local Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator that facilitates the adoption of two-mile sections of highway. They provide trash bags, safety vests and gloves. In addition, an Adopt-a-Highway sign is placed at the two-mile section recognizing the volunteer(s) taking responsibility for litter removal on a quarterly basis. Call 1-800-331-5864 or visit www.ncdot.org/~beautifi cation for more information.

Adopt-A-City Street

Adopt-A-City Street is administered by Keep Charlotte Beautiful. It allows businesses and individuals to make a difference in Charlotte by signing up to adopt a city roadside area and commit to clean it at least four times a year. To sign up for this program, contact [email protected] or call 704-336-4211. Once accepted, two signs with your company or individual name will be installed on the city roadside that you have selected.

Purchase a Litter Prevention License Plate

The General Assembly approved the generation of a Litter Prevention license plate in 2002. Shortly thereafter, the plates became available for purchase through the DMV tag agencies. Ten dollars of each plate sold is diverted to a litter Prevention Fund on a quarterly basis. The money is used to help support other statewide anti-litter efforts.

Use a Portable Pocket Ashtray

YES - Cigarette Butts are Litter! Smoking and littering do not have to be synonymous, as many responsible smokers prove by properly disposing of their cigarette butts. Unfortunately, an estimated 1.2 billion smokers world-wide typically toss two cigarette butts out on a daily basis. A close look at any intersection proves the point. Contrary to popular belief, cigarette butts are not biodegradable. The fi lters are composed of thousands of plastic-like cellulose acetate fi bers that can take up to fi fteen years to decay, releasing toxins in the process. Eventually they are either washed into waterways or become trapped in areas where children, pets and wildlife ingest them causing injury or death in some cases. To help fi ght cigarette litter, Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful will give you a free pocket ashtray. They are small enough to fi t into a pocket, purse or briefcase. They can hold and extinguish cigarette butts. Call 704-432-1772 to get yours.

Pg. 23



North Carolina Big-Sweep

Big Sweep, celebrating 25 years of environmental stewardship in 2011, is held every fall to remove trash from waterways. The fall 2010 cleanup removed 16,670 pounds of trash from Charlotte-Mecklenburg creeks and lakes. That’s eight tons! Removing trash from lakes and creeks helps local wildlife. When wildlife mistake litter for food, it can suffocate them or clog their digestive tracts. Many will slowly starve to death because real food can’t get past the debris they ate. Wildlife often become entangled in litter. Once entangled, they are rarely able to free themselves, and they often attract other wildlife to the same hazard. Find out more at http://stormwater.charmeck.org and click volunteer or call 704-336-5595.

North Carolina Annual Spring and Fall Litter Sweep

Litter Sweep is a statewide roadside litter cleanup campaign sponsored by the NC DOT. The events are generally scheduled for the last two weeks of April and September. The campaign follows a proclamation from the Governor encouraging citizens, businesses, local governments, civic groups and Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) volunteers to participate in making our state clean, green and beautiful. To volunteer, call 1-800-331-5864 or visit www.ncdot.org/~beautifi cation for information.

Division of Parks and Recreation 2009 Litter Cleanup Summary

The Division of Parks and Recreation hosts litter cleanup events and educational programs todemonstrate the importance of litter abatement and recycling. Park staff partnered with civic groups,youth groups and environmental organizations to engage 755 participants in removing 67,800 pounds of litter from the environment in 2009. Four division staff members served as NC Big Sweep countycoordinators and eight state parks held Big Sweep community events. Division staff also providededucational programs specifi cally designed to prevent litter and encourage the reduction of solidwaste. These programs reached an additional 3,345 school students and park visitors in 2009.

The ”Litter Critter”

Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful sports a great mascot ‘Lenny the Litterbug’. It’s a VW Beetle customized to promote litter prevention and to motivate people to NOT be “Litterbugs”. The “Litter Critter” name was chosen from entries submitted during a public contest to name the car. It debuted in the 2005 Carrousel Parade. The mascot visits schools, and is often displayed at special events such as Earth Day. Call 704-432-1772 or www.swatalitterbug.com for details.

Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) KCB is comprised of 20 member appointed by the Mayor & City Council. They maintain programs to help Charlotte be a clean and attractive place in which to work, live and play. They act as a liaison between neighborhood representatives, and others interested in environmental issues. Members develop, organize and participate in environmental cleanup and beautifi cation projects in partnership with groups such as Hands on Charlotte and Charlotte Green. Call 704-336-6399 or [email protected] for more information.

Pg. 24

Littering is IllegalNorth Carolina G.S. 14-399(c) in part reads: Unintentionally littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is subject to an infraction punishable by a fi ne of up to $100 and possible community service work up to 12 hours. Intentionally littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is subject to a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fi ne of $250 to $1000 and possible community service work up to 24 hours. In 2009, North Carolina law enforcement agencies issued 4,572 charges for littering and unsecured load violations.

The High Cost of CleanupThe North Carolina Department of Transportation’s total state highway system was comprised of 79,438 road miles in 2009 versus 79,261 miles in 2008. During 2009, the NCDOT spent $19,009,117 removing 446,964 bags of litter from 68,055 shoulder miles. Litter removal efforts were down from the previous year. This is due to the reduction of temporary employees utilized by the Department of Transportation, and the closing of prison facilities by the Department of Correction.

In previous years, the Department of Transportation transferred $11.3 million to the Department of Correction for costs associated with medium and minimum custody inmates. In the 2010 fi scal year, this amount was reduced to $9.04 million in accordance with the required budget cuts across the department.

North Carolina Departments of Transportation and Correction The NCDOT’s arrangement with the NCDOC is one component of keeping roadside litter removed from many heavily traveled routes throughout the state. During the work week, approximately 1,318 inmates participate in roadside litter cleanup on a daily basis (weather permitting). Overall, the budget reduced funding for NCDOC inmate labor by 20% for 2009-2011.

Due to the state’s budget restraints for fi scal 2009-2010, the Community Work Program was eliminated. Prior to the program cut, the CWP crews worked approximately 11,010 man days removing roadside litter.

The amount of litter picked up by the NCDOC inmates during the 2009 spring and fall Litter Sweeps was 1,679,018 pounds versus 1,875,624 pounds in 2008. During the 2009 spring and fall Litter Sweeps, the NCDOT picked up 968,756 pounds of litter versus 847,500 pounds in 2008. There were approximately 10,043 Department of Transportation employees and 3,307 minimum custody road squad inmates that removed litter from 20,102 miles of highway. There were 176,518 bags of litter removed.

NCDOT and NCDOC Inmate Litter Sweep Roadside Litter Removal Results By Year:Year Pounds Collected2009 2,647,7742008 2,723,1242007 2,702,042

FACT FILE:



Pg. 25

America Recycles Day is November 15th every year. America Recycles Day is comprised of thousands of events designed to promote the benefi ts of recycling. America Recycles Day reminds people that recycling is only the fi rst step. People should also buy products made from recycled materials. You can learn how to participate at www.americarecyclesday.org.

America Recycles Day

re•thinkCitizen Involvement

Earth day is April 22nd of every year. Earth day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Find out how you can participate in local earth day events and activities by visiting www.wipeoutwaste.com or www.charmeck.org.

Earth day is April 22nd of every year. Earth day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. Find out how you can participate in local earth day events and activities by visiting

Earth Day

Pg. 26

Live in the City of Charlotte?

Well you have double the opportunity for receivinginformation. The City of Charlotte Solid WasteServices will make presentations to neighborhoodassociations, civic organizations, churches andschools. For a list of presentations visitcurbit.charmeck.org. Presentations can becustomized for the group or organization. Toschedule a presentation or get more informationabout the Speakers Bureau, call 311.

Curious about where all of the recyclables thatare picked up at the curb and schools go?The Metrolina Recycling Center is the County’sprocessing facility for recyclable materials.Recyclables are sorted and prepared for market atthe Center by the Center’s operators, FCR.

Free tours of the Center are available and tailoredto any age group. To schedule a tour, call 704-598-8595.

Recycling Center Tours

Need a Speaker?

Live in Mecklenburg County?

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Reduction has useful information to share. Topics include: residential, school, business/commercial, construction/demolition recycling, litter prevention, composting and yard waste programs, household hazardous waste, and other topics.

In addition, Mecklenburg County offers an educational program detailing the Necessity, the Benefi ts, the Laws & Regulations, and How To reduce waste within your business.

Visit our website at www.WipeOutWaste.com or call 704.432-3200 or 704.432-1970.

re•thinkCitizen Involvement

Pg. 27

• TownsofCornelius• TownofDavison• TownofHuntersville• TownofMatthews• TownofMintHill• TownofPineville• CityofCharlotte• Charlotte-MecklenburgStormWaterServices

• MecklenburgCountyParkandRecreation• CocaColaConsolidated• HarrisTeeter• FCR• KeepAmericaBeautiful• PublicLibraryofCharlotteandMecklenburgCounty• Charlotte-MecklenburgSchools

A Word of Thanks

Waste Reduction in Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management would like to thank its partners for supporting our programs:

Waste Reduction in Mecklenburg County

PRSRT STDECRWSS

US POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT NO. 3758Charlotte, NC

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Division700 N. Tryon StreetCharlotte, NC 28202

Residential Recycling

2011/2012

www.wipeoutwaste.com

wipe out waste guide 2011 / 2012

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