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. It is the gift-giving time of year, so whether deciding what to do with old electronic devices and rechargeable batteries, wrapping paper, trees or holiday lights when festivities are over, make sure to recycle right this holiday season.

Electronics with Rechargeable Batteries

Never toss them in the recycling or trash. Lithium-ion batteries contain chemicals that react with other materials, posing a serious fire hazard to waste collection employees, vehicles and facilities. Mecklenburg County has averaged one to two fires per week so far this year. Common devices that have lithium-ion batteries include power tools, vapes, cell phones, tablets, laptops, toys, electric bikes and scooters, small and large appliances, lawn equipment, watches (including smart watches), medical devices and calculators.

There’s no fee for residents to bring rechargeable batteries to any of the four full-service centers; look for the household hazardous waste (HHW) area and hand batteries to an employee.

Live Christmas Trees, Wrapping Paper, Boxes, Cards

After opening gifts and enjoying the Christmas Tree, recycle them curbside. Remember, no glitter or foil and please remove all ornaments, lights and decorations from the tree first. Make sure to trash any bows and ribbons please.Residents can recycle up to two real trees for free at any of the four full-service centers. 

Holiday Lights

It is free for residents to bring them to any full-service center to be recycled. 

Fake Christmas Trees

Residents can drop off one artificial tree for free at any full-service center. 

Recycling Right

There are six items that can be recycled 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, staffed, 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/MeckRecycleRightFAQs.

Mecklenburg Solid Waste - 2145 Suttle Ave, Charlotte, NC

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