Ask A Meck County Expert 

Mecklenburg Solid Waste experts receive hundreds of residential waste disposal and recycling questions weekly. Their experts provide updates and answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Whether making or finding a costume, getting rid of candy or deciding what to do with a pumpkin, make sure to recycle right this Halloween.

Costumes

Channel some inner creativity and make a costume using recyclable items. From cardboard and plastic bottles to bits of fabric, there are plenty of ways to create a spooktacular costume. Reuse costumes from previous years. Do not be afraid to be a zombie for a second year in a row or reuse a child’s costume for a younger sibling. If kids have outgrown costumes, either donate them at a local store or drop them off in the blue textile bins at our full-service recycling centers. This includes belts, shoes and dresses.

Candy

After enjoying all the treats, make sure to trash the wrappers. They should never go in recycling—curbside or at a community center. They are too small for machines to recover. Unwanted candy can be dropped into a food scraps bin and the wrappers in the trash. Then bring the candy scraps to any of four full-service centers to be composted.

Pumpkins

Bring them to any full-service center to be composted or donate them to a farmer for their animals to use.

Recycling Right

There are six items that will not spook recycling bins curbside or at the centers: cans, cardboard, cartons, paper, glass bottles, plastic bottles and jugs with necks. Remember: when in doubt, throw it out.

For full- and self-service locations and questions about recycling, waste diversion or anything else related to waste, visit WipeOutWaste.com. To submit a waste disposal and recycling question, email [email protected]. Jeff Smithberger, Director of Solid Waste, answers the top seven residential recycling questions at Tinyurl.com/MeckRecyleRightFAQs. 

Mecklenburg Solid Waste - 2145 Suttle Ave, Charlotte, NC

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