Aerosol cans can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. The cans must be empty.

Residents with a current decal can put it in a Scrap Metal container at each of the 12 Collection Centers.

If the aerosol can contains hazardous material, like spray paint, it must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted, visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

Residents without a decal, can bring recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but must call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Place aluminum cans in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Cans must be empty. Keep the lids partially attached or put them inside to ensure they get recycled with the can. Loose lids will not be recycled.

One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash. Collect loose lids in a metal can and put it in the Scrap Metal container.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but must call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Aluminum foil and trays can be recycled in the Scrap Metal container or can be disposed of along with household trash. They CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash and recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload directly onto our Recycling Station tipping floor but must call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

CANNOT accept firearms and ammunition at any of our facilities. Find someone who can use the ammunition or contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

Antifreeze CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility.

If it is from a household, it should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live in certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check. Small appliances like dehumidifiers, vacuums, blenders, etc. should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.

Residents without a current decal, or if the large appliance is from a business, can bring them to to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Asbestos, in any form, CANNOT be taken to the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste. Contact the Main Office Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at (919) 542-5516 or email us anytime at recycle@chathamcountync.gov for disposal options. 

The Mesothelioma Center has asbestos related resources, including a handling and disposal guide- https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/handling-disposing-asbestos/

Since there is a fire hazard, ashes CANNOT be taken to the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Even after ashes have been sitting for days and weeks, they can cause a fire upon compaction. 

Ashes may be accepted at a transfer station or landfill but residents should call ahead as they have may specific rules. There will be a charge based on weight.

Animal feed bags, chip bags, and other wrappers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Plastic bags CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They can be recycled through plastic film recycling programs, most commonly found at local grocery stores. Plastic bags need to be clean and dry to be recycled. Through the plastic film recycling program plastic film that comes wrapped around toilet paper and paper towels, dry cleaning bags, air pillows, bubble wrap, etc. Learn more about plastic film recycling and find locations- https://nextrex.com/

Only plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs can be included in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a current decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. 

Learn to Recycle Right in Chatham County. 

Fluorescent light ballasts made prior to 1980 contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which is a hazardous material. Ballasts made after 1980 do not contain PCBs and will be labeled, “No PCBs.” If this label is on the ballast, they should be disposed of along with household trash. If it is 90% metal, it can go in the Scrap Metal bin.

If the ballast is NOT labeled "No PCBs", or there is no label, assume that it has PCBs. These ballast should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Remove the ballast from the light fixture; the entire light fixture is not hazardous. 

Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash and Scrap Metal to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Metal drums/barrels must be cut in half and placed in the Scrap Metal container.

Plastic drums/barrels CANNOT be recycled and must be cut in half and disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.  

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, a metal drum/barrel must be cut in half and can be placed in the Scrap Metal container at the Main Facility. The Main Facility does not accept any type of trash. A plastic drum/barrel should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Batteries should not be disposed of in trash because of heavy metals and other chemicals. Properly dispose of them in the battery recycling program.  

Residents with a current decal, can bring auto (lead-acid) batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know so they can direct it to the correct place.

Batteries are also accepted at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required to use the Main Facility. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept lead-acid batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Some auto repair stores (such as Advanced Auto, AutoZone, etc.) and metal recycling facilities may accept lead-acid batteries as well. Contact them directly for more details. 

Batteries should not be disposed of in trash because of heavy metals and other chemicals. Properly dispose of them in the battery recycling program.  

Household batteries may include alkaline, lithium, lithium-ion, cadmium, nickel, etc. Residents with a current decal can bring household batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Residents should let the attendant know so they can be directed to the correct place. Do not tape batteries and remove them from any packaging. 

Batteries are also accepted at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required  to use the Main Facility. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live in certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Batteries should not be disposed of in trash because of heavy metals and other chemicals. Properly dispose of them in the battery recycling program.   

Household batteries may include alkaline, lithium, lithium-ion, cadmium, nickel, etc. Residents with a current decal can bring household batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Residents should let the attendant know so they can be directed to the correct place. Do not tape batteries and remove them from any packaging. 

Batteries are also accepted at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required  to use the Main Facility. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live in certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Battery backups (surge protectors) are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accept larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring accepted items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

We CANNOT accept boats at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. They are too large for us to manage.

Contact a transfer station, landfill, or Construction & Demolition facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.

Paperback books can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin.

Hardcover books CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin and should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables and trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, box springs, etc. are accepted in the Bulky Items container. Residents will need to be able to unload it into a container.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load you will need to complete a form.

Large items cannot be placed in the Swap Shop; they should be taken to other donation facilities if in good condition.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Those with curbside pickup contact should contact the private hauler to see about disposal options. Trash is not accepted at the Main Facility.

Brick, concrete, or rock CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Items like brick, concrete, and rock are banned from disposal in landfills in North Carolina.

Clean brick, concrete, or rock, from a household or business, must be brought to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum charge. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Painted brick, concrete, or rock will need to go to a Construction and Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.

CANNOT BE RECYCLED. Rigid bulky plastics includes items such as laundry baskets, 5-gallon buckets, kitty litter buckets, pales, plastic toys, and coolers. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the Collection Centers.

Cable or satellite boxes are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accept larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring accepted items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program. 

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Items like cords and cables that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Cameras and accessories CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. 

If a plastic bottle, tub, jug, or jar has a plastic cap or lid, put the cap or lid back on and place it in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. If the caps and lids are on, they will get recycled. If the caps and lids are loose, they will not get recycled. Loose caps and lids should go in the trash.

Only plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs can be included in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

While it is plastic, one recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto Recycling Station tipping floor but must call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Batteries should not be disposed of in trash because of heavy metals and other chemicals. Properly dispose of them in the battery recycling program.

Residents with a current decal, can bring auto (lead-acid) batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know so they can direct it to the correct place.

Batteries are also accepted at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required to use the Main Facility. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept lead-acid batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Some auto repair stores (such as Advanced Auto, AutoZone, etc.) and metal recycling facilities may accept lead-acid batteries as well. Contact them directly for more details. 

Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Cardboard can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. The boxes must be empty.   

Pizza boxes CANNOT be recycled. Cardboard needs to be clean and dry and pizza boxes typically have too much grease; tear off the lid and recycle that piece of cardboard. The rest of the pizza box must be disposed of along with household trash.

Pizza boxes can also be placed in the Food Waste Drop-off.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto Recycling Station tipping floor but must call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Carpet and padding from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

We CANNOT accept vehicles at the Collection Centers. They are too large.

There are several donation programs that accept vehicles for different causes. The following are provided as examples and offer this list as a convenience only, and do not endorse any of these companies.

• Goodwill Car Donation
• Kids Car Donation
• Veteran Car Donations
• Wheels4Hope

Contact a transfer station or landfill facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.

Place cartons in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Containers should be empty and dry. Put the plastic cap back on so it can be recycled. If it has an aluminum foil liner on the inside it CANNOT be recycled.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto Recycling Station tipping floor but must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Empty caulk tubes should be disposed of in the trash. 

If the tube still has caulk, it must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted, visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

Items from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Items like CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, etc. CANNOT be accept in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Cell phones, tablets, and similar items are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups) speakers, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accept larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring accepted items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, box springs, etc. are accepted in the Bulky Items container. Residents will need to be able to unload it into a container.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form. Large items cannot be placed in the Swap Shop; they can be taken to other donation facilities if in good condition.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Those with curbside pickup contact should contact the private hauler to see about disposal options. We do not accept trash at the Main Facility, including bulky items.

Chemicals CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.

Items from a household should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

Latex paint limit: Residents can only bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. A 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, will count as 1 gallon. Harden the paint and throw it away with regular trash. Learn more about latex paint.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

Chemicals from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

String lights can be ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accept larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring accepted items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

The Main Facility offers free Christmas tree recycling for several weeks after Christmas. Trees are accepted Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Only real trees can be accepted. All decorations, stands, and pots must be removed prior to disposing of the tree. The Main Facility does not accept trash. 

After the three weeks, trees are accepted in the normal yard debris for a charge of $25 per ton, with a $2 minimum. We will post the dates each year on our events calendar. 

Artificial trees can be recycled in the scrap metal container at the Main Facility and Collection Centers. All decorations and lights must be removed. Pre-lit artificial trees cannot be placed in the scrap metal container and must be disposed of in the trash.

Clamshell containers CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Clamshells are containers that have a hinged lid and may be made of paper, plastic paper, or Styrofoam. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

Paper clamshell containers can be placed in the Food Waste Drop-off. No plastic coating. If you can tear the plate as easily as paper, then it does not have a plastic coating.

There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Clothing and shoes that are dirty, torn, or unable to be donated should be placed in the Green Zone Recycling container. These materials will be recycled into rags, insulation, etc. 

Gently used items should be donated to thrift stores or placed in the Swap Shops at the 12 Collection Centers. 

Residents with a current decal, can take clothing and shoes to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, can use the container at the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

K-cups, Keurig cups, and coffee pods CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling at the Collection Centers or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

While it is plastic, one recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Coleman fuel CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. 

Items from a household should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Coleman tanks CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or the Main Facility. Propane, refrigerant, and oxygen tanks are also not accepted.

If it is from a household, tanks can be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Compostable containers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. Compostable containers are made of plant-based materials. They can be composted through a commercial composting facility. Otherwise, they should be disposed of along with household trash.

Compostable containers are also not accepted in the Food Waste Drop-off program. Learn more about why they are not accepted and the program at www.chathamcountync.gov/foodwaste

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Computers are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accept larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a current decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

We CANNOT accept brick, concrete, or rock at the Collection Centers. Items like brick, concrete, and rock are banned from disposal in landfills in North Carolina.

Clean brick, concrete, and rock, from a household or business, must be brought to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Painted brick, concrete, or rock will need to go to a Construction and Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.

Chatham County has a Construction & Demolition (C&D) Recycling Ordinance. The C&D ordinance applies to any project that is 1000 square feet or greater, located in the unincorporated areas of the county.

The 12 Collection Centers accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The centers will accept C&D materials from residents with a current decal who are doing the work themselves. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form. Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers. 

Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers, including builders, landlords, and home businesses. C&D waste from businesses must go to a C&D recycling facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contact them directly for more information. 

Residents with a current decal can take cooking oil from a home to four Collection Centers where it is collected for recycling: Bonlee, Cole Park, Pittsboro, and Siler City. There is no limit on the amount, but it must come from a home.

Residents without a decal, if it is a more convenient location, or if it is from a business, can bring cooking oil to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Cookware and dishes CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling at the Collection Centers or a curbside recycling bin.

If they are still in good condition, consider placing them in the Swap Shop at the Collection Centers. Otherwise, they should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. 

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Metal coolers can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. It must be empty.

Plastic coolers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Styrofoam coolers CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. We offer a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details. Otherwise, it should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables and trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto Recycling Station tipping floor but must call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Items like cords and cables that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, box springs, etc. are accepted in the Bulky Items container. Residents will need to be able to unload it into a container.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form. Large items cannot be placed in the Swap Shop; they can be taken to other donation facilities if in good condition.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Those with curbside pickup contact should contact the private hauler to see about disposal options. Trash is not accepted at the Main Facility, including bulky items.

Countertops from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Items with creosote CANNOT be taken to the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Contact the Main Facility for proper disposal options at recycle@chathamcountync.gov or (919) 542-5516.

Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam, cups CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details. 

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Dead animals CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or transfer stations. If the animal is found in the right-of-way, contact the Department of Transportation which may be able to come and pick it up. Otherwise, you can throw it into the woods and let nature take its course.

Dehumidifiers should be disposed of along with household trash. They do not have refrigerant and are not 90% metal, so CANNOT go in the Scrap Metal bin. 

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Diesel fuel is accepted at the Collection Centers and Household Hazardous Waste events.

Residents with a current decal, can bring up to 5 gallons in a 7-day period of diesel fuel to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Residents should let the attendant know so they can be directed to the correct place and to complete a form.

Residents with more than 5 gallons must bring it to an Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live in certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business, including home businesses, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers. Glass doors and windows CANNOT be accepted in the Glass Recycling container at the Collection Centers or Main Facility.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying something to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the Collection Centers.

Drink pouches CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a current decal, or if it is a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Metal drums/barrels must be cut in half and placed in the Scrap Metal container.

Plastic drums/barrels CANNOT be recycled and should be cut in half and disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. There is also a Scrap Metal bin at the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, a metal drum/barrel must be cut in half and be placed in the Scrap Metal container at the Main Facility. A plastic drum/barrel should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check. Small appliances like dehumidifiers, vacuums, blenders, etc. should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.

Residents without a decal, or if the large appliance is from a business, can bring them to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Drywall or sheetrock from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted. Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Items like DVDs, Blu-ray players, VCRs, and gaming systems CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Electronic cigarettes are considered hazardous waste due to the batteries and nicotine. Both of which can cause fires.

They must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Residents should separate the battery and nicotine cartridges from each other while storing and for disposal. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page. Organizations or schools collecting electronic cigarettes on a large scale, need to contact and private company for disposal options. Batteries and nicotine cartridges should NOT be stored together.

Paper egg cartons can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin, since they are made of only paper. 

Plastic egg cartons CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash. In terms of plastics, can only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars can be accepted in recycling. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Styrofoam CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details. Otherwise, it should be disposed of along with your household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash and recycling to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. Residents without a decal, can bring recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but must call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Electronic cigarettes are considered hazardous waste due to the batteries and nicotine. Both of which can cause fires.

They must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Residents should separate the battery and nicotine cartridges from each other while storing and for disposal. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page. Organizations or schools collecting electronic cigarettes on a large scale, need to contact and private company for disposal options. Batteries and nicotine cartridges should NOT be stored together.

The Electronics Recycling accepts cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accept larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Fire extinguishers CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility.

If it is from a household, it must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

CANNOT accept firearms and ammunition at any of our facilities. Find someone who can use the ammunition or contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

Flares CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. 

Hand and road flares from a household must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

If it is a flare gun, it is not accepted at the HHW events. Contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for guidance.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Items like flooring (vinyl, laminate, tile, wood, etc.) from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the Collection Centers.

Flower pots CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Only plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs can be included in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or they are from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Fluorescent light ballasts made prior to 1980 contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which is a hazardous material. Ballasts made after 1980 do not contain PCBs and will be labeled, “No PCBs.” If this label is on the ballast, they should be disposed of along with household trash. If it is 90% metal, it can go in the Scrap Metal bin.

If the ballast is NOT labeled "No PCBs", or there is no label, assume that it has PCBs. These ballast should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Remove the ballast from the light fixture; the entire light fixture is not hazardous.

Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash and Scrap Metal to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Regular Lightbulbs should be disposed of along with household trash.

Fluorescent Lightbulbs

Residents with a current decal can bring some fluorescent lightbulbs to the Collection Centers for recycling. The centers can accept 1-4 foot tube bulbs, compact fluorescent (CFL), and small LED bulbs for recycling. Please let the attendant know, so they can show you the correct container to put them in.

Residents without a decal, can bring 1-4 foot tube bulbs and small LED and CFL bulbs for recycling to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

All other size and shape fluorescent lightbulbs can be recycled through our Household Hazardous Waste events. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Businesses

If they are from a business, we CANNOT accept fluorescent bulbs at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Starting October 2025, Chatham County is beginning a food waste drop-off pilot program. The purpose of the program is to reduce the amount of food waste that is disposed of in landfills. The food waste collected will be sent to a commercial composting facility to be turned into compost.

Learn more about what is and is not accepted in the Food Waste Drop-off program. 

Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check. Small appliances like dehumidifiers, vacuums, blenders, etc. should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.

Residents without a decal, or if the large appliance is from a business, can bring them to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, box springs, etc. are accepted in the Bulky Items container. Residents will need to be able to unload it into a container. 

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form. Large items cannot be placed in the Swap Shop; they should be taken to other donation facilities if in good condition.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Those with curbside pickup contact should contact the private hauler to see about disposal options. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

Gasoline and mixed gas CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility.

If it is from a household, it must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Gear oil is accepted at the Collection Centers and Household Hazardous Waste events.

Residents with a current decal, can bring up to 5 gallons in a 7-day period of gear oil to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Residents should let the attendant know so they can be directed to the correct place.

Residents with more than 5 gallons must bring it to an Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business, including home businesses, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Some gift wrapping can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Wrapping paper, paper gift bags, boxes, and greeting cards can be recycled. Remove any ribbons or bows. Do not recycle anything that has a lot of glitter, glue, or is foil-like material. 

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but must call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Drinking glasses, dishes, eye glasses, windshields, glass windows and doors, and similar items CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling, Glass Recycling, or a curbside recycling bin. Place small items in the Swap Shop or donate elsewhere if in good condition; otherwise it needs to be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Only glass bottles and jars can be recycled in the Glass Recycling or curbside recycling bin. Containers must be empty. No caps, lids, or corks.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Place glass bottles and jars in the Glass Recycling container or a curbside recycling bin. Containers must be empty. No caps, lids, or corks. ONLY glass bottles and jars; not anything made of glass.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call prior to arriving at the Main Facility to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers. Glass windows CANNOT be accepted in the Glass Recycling at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or curbside recycling bin.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a current decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the Collection Centers.

Yard waste is banned from NC landfills so yard was CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.

Yard waste, from a household or business, should be brought to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm.

Yard waste will need to be emptied from any bag or container for disposal.

Yard waste includes:

• grass clippings
• trees
• limbs
• stumps- with no excess of dirt
• wood- untreated, unpainted
• wood pallets- untreated, unpainted 

Bamboo cannot be disposed of in the yard waste area and will be directed to a different location for disposal. There will be a charge of $35 per ton for bamboo, with a $2 minimum.

Hangers CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin.

Plastic hangers can be placed in the Swap Shop or disposed of along with household trash.

Metal hangers can be placed in the Scrap Metal container.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. 

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Hard drives are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Helium tanks CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Propane, refrigerant, and oxygen tanks are also not accepted.

If it is from a household, it can be taken to the Main Facility or a Household Hazardous Waste event. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

All other types of tanks must go to an HHW event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with household trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Items like hoses and ropes CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Household hazardous items CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. 

Items from a household should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

Latex paint limit: Residents can only bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. A 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, will count as 1 gallon. Harden the paint and throw it away with regular trash. Learn more about latex paint.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

Chemicals from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Residents with a current decal, can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Look for the sign or ask the attendant which container is currently being used. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

The Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses are NOT permitted to use the Collection Centers, including home businesses. A business is defined as any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Ink cartridges CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling, curbside recycling bin, or the Electronics Recycling containers.

From a home:
Some stores such as Best Buy, Office Max, Staples, Walmart, etc. have recycling or take-back programs. Contact them directly for details.

Ink cartridges can be disposed of with household trash. Residents with a current decal, can dispose of these items at any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

From a business:
Businesses are NOT permitted to use the Collection Centers. A business is defined as any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Items like insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility.

Items from a household should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

Items from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Insulation from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers.

Jump starters or jump boxes have batteries in them and should not be thrown in the trash.

Residents with a current decal, can bring jump starters to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know so they can direct it to the correct place.

Batteries are also accepted at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required to use the Main Facility. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept lead-acid batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Place junk mail and other paper in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

K-cups, Keurig cups, coffee pods, and similar items CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash. While it is plastic, one recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Kerosene is accepted at the Collection Centers and Household Hazardous Waste events.

Residents with a current decal, can bring up to 5 gallons in a 7-day period of kerosene to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Residents should let the attendant know so they can be directed to the correct place and complete a form.

Residents with more than 5 gallons must bring it to an Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business, including home businesses, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

K-cups, Keurig cups, coffee pods, and similar items CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash. While it is plastic, one recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Items like keyboards, mouse, and other computer peripherals that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

Used kitty litter should be disposed of along with regular trash.

When bringing it to the Collection Centers let the attendant know about the kitty litter. The attendant may direct it to either the compactor or bulky bin depending on how full the compactor is as kitty litter makes a mess if it is at the end of the compactor.      

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Plastic items like buckets, laundry baskets, pales, crates, and toys CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling at the Collection Centers or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a current decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Computers and laptops are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accept larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check. Small appliances like dehumidifiers, vacuums, blenders, etc. should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.

Residents without a decal, or if the large appliance is from a business, can bring them to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Latex paint can be safely dried out and put in with regular trash. It does not have to be completely solidified– more like a paste. When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers or put in with curbside trash.

• To dry out latex paint, take off the lid and let it sit outside in a covered area.
• Add kitty litter, sand, or sawdust to speed up the process.
• There should not be any liquid that can run out. See the images below for the steps and final product.

Instead of drying it up, paint something, then throw that item away once the paint is dry.

Latex paint limit: Residents can only bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. A 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, will count as 1 gallon. Harden the paint and throw it away with regular trash. Approximately 60% of the material brought to Chatham County's HHW events is liquid latex paint. It is the most costly item collected in total through HHW. Yet, latex paint is only hazardous when in a liquid form.

Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

Please note– these suggestions only apply to latex paint. Other types of paint cannot be hardened and should be taken to an HHW event and do not have a limit. 

If it is from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Lawn mowers can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. The battery and fuel must be removed. 

Residents with a current decal, can take lawn mowers to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.

Residents without a current decal, or if the lawn mower is from a business, can bring it to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Batteries should not be disposed of in trash because of heavy metals and other chemicals. Properly dispose of them in the battery recycling program.

Residents with a current decal, can bring auto (lead-acid) batteries to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Let the attendant know so they can direct it to the correct place.

Batteries are also accepted at the Main Facility and Household Hazardous Waste events. No decal is required to use the Main Facility. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

If it is from a business, we CANNOT accept lead-acid batteries at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Some auto repair stores (such as Advanced Auto, AutoZone, etc.) and metal recycling facilities may accept lead-acid batteries as well. Contact them directly for more details.

Yard waste is banned from NC landfills so yard was CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.

Yard waste, from a household or business, should be brought to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm.

Yard waste will need to be emptied from any bag or container for disposal.

Yard waste includes:

• grass clippings
• trees
• limbs
• stumps- with no excess of dirt
• wood- untreated, unpainted
• wood pallets- untreated, unpainted 

Bamboo cannot be disposed of in the yard waste area and will be directed to a different location for disposal. There will be a charge of $35 per ton for bamboo, with a $2 minimum.

Regular Lightbulbs should be disposed of along with household trash.

Fluorescent Lightbulbs

Residents with a current decal can bring some fluorescent lightbulbs to the Collection Centers for recycling. The centers can accept 1-4 foot tube bulbs, compact fluorescent (CFL), and small LED bulbs for recycling. Please let the attendant know, so they can show you the correct container to put them in.

Residents without a decal, can bring 1-4 foot tube bulbs and small LED and CFL bulbs for recycling to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

All other size and shape fluorescent lightbulbs can be recycled through our Household Hazardous Waste events. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Businesses

If they are from a business, we CANNOT accept fluorescent bulbs at the Collection Centers, Main Facility, or Household Hazardous Waste events. Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Place magazines and other paper in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto our Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead for availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Large items like chairs, tables, couches, mattresses, box springs, etc. are accepted in the Bulky Items container. Residents will need to be able to unload it into a container.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form. Large items cannot be placed in the Swap Shop; they should be taken to other donation facilities if in good condition.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Those with curbside pickup contact should contact the private hauler to see about disposal options. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Unused medication should not be thrown away in the trash or down the drain. It should be properly disposed at a Medication Drop Boxes, no questions asked. Drop boxes are located at:

• Chatham County Detention Center- 627 Renaissance Drive, Pittsboro (919) 545-7802  
• Pittsboro Police Department- 635 East Street, Pittsboro (919) 542-3200
• Siler City Police Department- 312 North Chatham Avenue, Siler City (919) 742-5626
• Siler City Pharmacy- 202 East Raleigh Street #A, Siler City (919) 663-5541
• 501 Pharmacy- 69 Knox Way Suite 110, Chapel Hill, NC (984) 999-0501 

Visit Chatham Drug Free to learn more- chathamdrugfree.org 

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office is onsite to collect unused medication at some of our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events. Visit the HHW page for more details.

Empty CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling at the Collection Centers or curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

The orange or blue bottles are a type of plastic that is not recyclable. Medicine bottles like Advil, Tylenol, etc., are recyclable. Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling at the Collection Centers or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn how to Recycle Right in Chatham County. 

Common items that may include mercury are older thermometers, thermostats, and some antique devices. They need to be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. If these items do not have mercury, they should go in the regular trash.

Items from a household should taken to a HHW event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Items from a business, it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Mirrors and similar items CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling, Glass Recycling, or a curbside recycling bin. Place in the Swap Shop or donate elsewhere if in good condition; otherwise it needs to be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

CANNOT accept mobile homes/trailers at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. They are too large.

Contact a transfer station, landfill, or Construction & Demolition facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.

Motor oil and filters is accepted at the Collection Centers and Household Hazardous Waste events.

Residents with a current decal, can bring up to 5 gallons in a 7-day period of motor oil to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Residents should let the attendant know so they can be directed to the correct place and complete a form.

Residents with more than 5 gallons must bring it to an Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from. 

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business, including home businesses, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Items like keyboards, mouse, and other computer peripherals that are not attached to an electronic item CANNOT be accepted in the Electronics Recycling. They should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

Paper towels, napkins, and tissues CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. They are a low grade of paper and need to be disposed of along with your household trash.

Paper towels, napkins, and tissues CAN be placed in the Food Waste Drop-off.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Needles and sharps should be placed in a puncture proof container, like a plastic laundry detergent bottle. Once the bottle is full, dispose of it along with household trash. DO NOT RECYCLE the plastic bottle full of needles/sharps.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Place newspapers and inserts in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead for availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Place office and other paper in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead for availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Oil-based paint CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility.

If it is from a household, it must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from. 

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Packaging peanuts CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Packaging peanuts CANNOT be placed in the Styrofoam recycling program at the Main Facility either. They should be disposed of along with household trash. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Some padded envelopes can be recycled, but not all. See below for more details. 

If the paper envelope is completely paper, it can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. If the paper envelope has a layer of bubble-wrap to help protect the contents, then it CANNOT be recycled. 

Amazon, and others, have a padded paper envelope that has a layer of glue (instead of bubble-wrap), which can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. Look for the How2Recycle label on the packaging:

Plastic envelopes CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. However, some of them can be recycled through the plastic film recycling program, most commonly found at local grocery stores. Plastic bags need to be clean and dry to be recycled. Through the plastic film recycling program, recycle those that come wrapped around toilet paper and paper towels, grocery store bags, dry cleaning bags, air pillows, bubble wrap, etc. Visit Plastic Film Recycling to learn more about plastic film recycling and find locations- https://nextrex.com/

Some examples include the Amazon padded envelope below. Look for the How2Recycle label on the packaging.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables and trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Latex Paint 

Latex paint can be safely dried out and put in with your regular trash instead of bringing it to an HHW event. It does not have to be completely solidified– more like a paste. When dried, latex paint can be taken to any of the 12 Collection Centers or put in with your curbside trash.

• To dry out latex paint, take off the lid and let it sit outside in a covered area.
• Add kitty litter, sand, or sawdust to speed up the process.
• There should not be any liquid that can run out. See the images below for the steps and final product.

Instead of drying it up, paint something, then throw that item away once the paint is dry.

Latex paint limit: Residents can only bring 20 gallons of latex paint cans per HHW event. A 1 gallon paint can that has half a gallon in it, will count as 1 gallon. Harden the paint and throw it away with regular trash. Approximately 60% of the material brought to Chatham County's HHW events is liquid latex paint. It is the most costly item collected in total through HHW. Yet, latex paint is only hazardous when in a liquid form.

Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Please note– these suggestions only apply to latex paint. Other types of paint cannot be hardened and should be brought to an HHW event and do not have a limit.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility.

Must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; throw them away with regular trash. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from. 

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Spray Paint

Spray paint must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; put them in the Scrap Metal container at the Collection Centers or Main Facility if 90% metal and empty, or throw them away.

Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. 

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam, cups CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. 

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Many paper products can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. This includes junk mail, office paper, magazines, newspapers and inserts, paperback books, paper rolls, and cartons. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Many paper products can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. This includes junk mail, office paper, magazines, newspapers and inserts, paperback books, paper rolls, and cartons. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Paper towels, napkins, and tissues CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. They are a low grade of paper and need to be disposed of along with your household trash.

Paper towels, napkins, and tissues CAN be placed in the Food Waste Drop-off.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

We CANNOT accept brick, concrete, or rock at the Collection Centers. Items like brick, concrete, and rock are banned from disposal in landfills in North Carolina.

Clean brick, concrete, and rock from a household or business, must be brought to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm.

Painted brick, concrete, or rock will need to go to a Construction and Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.

Any farmer or commercial applicator can recycle pesticide containers at the Main Facility.

The containers must be empty and triple-rinsed, or pressure-rinsed to remove all residues. Booklets, caps, and other non-HDPE parts, such as metal handles and rubber linings, cannot be recycled and must be removed prior to disposal. The containers must have originally held an EPA registered pesticide labeled for animal health, agriculture, forestry, vegetative management, specialty pest control, or a non-EPA registered crop protection adjuvant, crop oil, surfactant, micronutrient, or fertilizer.  The containers accepted can be up to 55 gallons in capacity. 

Examples of containers that are ACCEPTED in the pesticide container recycling program:

Examples of containers that are NOT ACCEPTED in the pesticide container recycling program:

Pesticide Container Not Triple Rinsed	Not a Pesticide Container	Not a Pesticide Container	Cannot Accept Drums/Barrels

The Pesticide Container Recycling Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and determines the rules for proper disposal.

Pizza boxes CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Cardboard needs to be clean and dry and most pizza boxes have too much grease by the time they are thrown away. However, tear off the lid and recycle that piece of cardboard. The rest of the pizza box must be disposed of along with household trash.

Pizza boxes CAN also be placed in the Food Waste Drop-off.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Plastic bags CANNOT be recycled in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin.

They can be recycled through the plastic film recycling programs most commonly found at local grocery stores. Plastic bags need to be clean and dry to be recycled. Through the plastic film recycling program, plastic film that comes wrapped around toilet paper and paper towels, dry cleaning bags, air pillows, bubble wrap, etc. Visit Plastic Film Recycling to learn more about plastic film recycling and find locations- https://nextrex.com/

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling at the Collection Centers or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill. 

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Place plastic bottles, jugs, jars and tubs in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin.

Plastic bottles, jugs, and jars have a neck smaller than the base, which includes items such as soda bottles, water bottles, laundry bottles, milk jugs, mayonnaise jars, etc. The nozzle should be removed from a plastic spray bottle, before recycling it. The nozzle will go in the trash. 

Plastic tubs have a plastic lid that can be put back on after using it, like sour cream, pimento cheese, humus, etc. Large yogurt tubs that have multiple servings are recyclable. Individual yogurt containers, fruit, applesauce, etc. cannot be recycled because they do not have a plastic lid that can go back on.

All bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars must be empty; no food or liquid. If the caps and lids are on, they will get recycled. If the caps and lids are loose, they will not get recycled. Loose caps and lids should go in the trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead for availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam, cups CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling at the Collection Centers or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County. 

Plastic spray bottles can be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin, if the spray bottle is removed. Must be empty. The nozzle will go in the trash. 

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead for availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Plastic to-go containers CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Plastic, paper, or Styrofoam to-go containers, including clamshells (containers that have a hinged lid) CANNOT be recycled. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid that can placed back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Items like plumbing and fixtures from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers.

Printers, scanners, and fax machines are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items brought to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Propane tanks CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. Coleman, refrigerant, and oxygen tanks are also not accepted.

If it is from a household, it can be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

To dispose of pumpkins after fall or Halloween, there are a couple of options. 

• Put it in a compost bin or pile. Should break it into smaller pieces first to help it decompose faster.  
• Leave it in an outside area to decompose, like a wooded area. Breaking it into small pieces will help it decompose faster. 
• Place it in the Food Waste drop-off. 
• Find a collection event. The North Carolina Composting Council publishes a map each year.

Pumpkins that have been painted cannot be composted. Throw them in household trash. 

Learn more about backyard composting. 

Items like plumbing and fixtures from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers.

Radios and speakers are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions. Speakers that are mostly wood need to go in the trash.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Refrigerant tanks CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers or Main Facility. Propane, Coleman, and oxygen tanks are also not accepted.

If it is from a household, it can be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check. Small appliances like dehumidifiers, vacuums, blenders, etc. should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.

Residents without a decal, or if the large appliance is from a business, can bring them to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Plastic items like buckets, laundry baskets, pales, crates, and toys CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid you can place back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Routers and modems are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Items like sheetrock/drywall/gypsum board from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers.

Shingles from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a current decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the Collection Centers.

Clothing and shoes that are dirty, torn, or unable to be donated should be placed in the Green Zone container. These materials will be recycled into rags, insulation, etc. 

Gently used items should be donated to thrift stores or placed in the Swap Shops at the 12 Collection Centers. 

Residents with a current decal, can take clothing and shoes to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, can use the container at the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Shredded paper CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Shredded paper can be used in a compost bin or to line flower beds. Otherwise needs to be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal or it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Siding from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted at the Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load you will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the Collection Centers.

Depending on the type of appliance it will either go in the Scrap Metal container or in along with your household trash. Items that are 90% metal should go in the Scrap Metal container. If you are unsure, ask the attendant.

Residents with a current decal can put it in a Scrap Metal container at each of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash. 

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead for availability- (919) 542-5516.

The Electronics Recycling accepts cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups) speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors can go in with household trash.

Residents with a current decal, can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Soil, dirt, and sand cannot be accepted at the Collection Centers. It must be taken to the Main Facility. Please call the office first to ensure the material will be accepted- (919)-542-5516.

There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm.

Contaminated soil, dirt, and sand will need to go to a Construction & Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.

Whether paper, plastic, or Styrofoam, cups CANNOT be accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to take it to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Speakers are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Spray paint must be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Do not bring empty cans to HHW; put them in the Scrap Metal container at the Collection Centers or Main Facility if 90% metal and empty, or throw them away.

Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Items from a business will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Place steel cans in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. Cans must be empty. Keep the lids partially attached or put them inside to ensure they get recycled with the can. Loose lids will not be recycled.

One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash. Collect loose lids in a metal can and put it in the Scrap Metal container.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it directly onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead for availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Stereos and radios are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Straws, ribbons, bows, and similar items CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

String lights are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, televisions, hard drives, monitors, routers, modems, cable/satellite boxes, battery backups (surge protectors), radios, and speakers.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Styrofoam CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. There is a Styrofoam recycling program ONLY available at the Main Facility. No decal is required at the Main Facility. See below about the specific details on what can and cannot be accepted in the Styrofoam recycling program. 

Items Accepted in Styrofoam Recycling

Residents or businesses can bring empty and clean Styrofoam packaging and food containers including foam cups, plates, take-out containers, egg cartons, and coolers. If it snaps or breaks easily, it can be placed in the Styrofoam recycling. Food containers must be free of food and rinsed. Examples of accepted items are below.

All Styrofoam must be brought in a plastic bag and the bag tied. If it is too big to fit in a bag, then you need to break it down.   

Items NOT Accepted in Styrofoam Recycling

Packaging peanuts, dirty Styrofoam, stretchy Styrofoam, or other types of foam CANNOT be placed in the Styrofoam recycling. If it stretches, instead of breaks, it cannot be accepted. 

Otherwise, Styrofoam must be disposed of along with regular trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Anyone with a large amount of Styrofoam can take it directly to the Dart Container Corporation in Randleman at 3219 Wesleyan Road, Randleman, NC 27317 and their phone number is (336) 495-1101.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Surge protectors are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Tablets, cell phones and similar items are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Propane, Coleman, helium, and oxygen tanks CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.

If it is from a household, it can be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Helium tanks are accepted at the Main Facility. No decal required. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Televisions are ACCEPTED in the Electronics Recycling, along with cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, cable/satellite boxes, monitors, modems, printers/scanners/fax machines, routers, surge protectors (battery backups), speakers, tablets, and televisions.

From a home:
Nine Collection Centers have limitations on what electronics can be accepted. The other three Collection Centers and the Main Facility can accepted larger items. Residents with a current decal, can take them to any of the facilities.

Residents without a decal can bring the items to the Main Facility and will be charged for certain items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Learn more about the Electronics Recycling program.

From a business:
Small businesses and non-profits can bring electronics to the Main Facility. There will be a charge for some items. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses that are not eligible for our program need to contact an electronics recycler directly for recycling options. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service maintains a list of approved electronic recyclers on the Recycling Markets Directory. A comprehensive list of options can be found at https://recyclingmarkets.deq.nc.gov/

Clothing and shoes that are dirty, torn, or unable to be donated should be placed in the Green Zone Recycling container. These materials will be recycled into rags, insulation, etc.

Gently used items should be donated to thrift stores or placed in the Swap Shops at the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take clothing and shoes to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, can use the container at the Main Facility. 

Common items that may include mercury are older thermometers, thermostats, and some antique devices. They need to be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. If these items do not have mercury, they should go in the regular trash.

Items from a household should taken to a HHW event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

Items from a business, it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

Items like tile and ceramics from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers.

Tires from a home can be taken to the any of the 12 Collection Centers, for residents with a current decal. There is a limit of 4 tires in a 6-month period and they must be removed from the rim. The tires need to be 20 inches across or less; anything larger needs to go to the Main Facility.  

Residents with more than 4 tires or tires larger than 20 inches, must bring them to the Main Facility. No decal is required and there is no limit on the number of tires. They must be removed from the rim. The vehicle transporting the tires will need to weigh in and out on the scale, but there is no charge.

If the tires are from a business, we CANNOT accept them at the Collection Centers. Businesses must bring them to the Main Facility. There is no limit on the number of tires or size. They must be removed from the rim. The vehicle transporting the tires will need to weigh in and out on the scale, but there is no charge.

Anyone with over 100 tires must call ahead to the the Main Facility to make sure there is enough room- (919) 542-5516. 

Paper towels, napkins, and tissues CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or curbside recycling bin. They are a low grade of paper and need to be disposed of along with household trash.

Paper towels, napkins, and tissues CAN be placed in the Food Waste Drop-off.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Plastic to-go containers CANNOT be placed in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. Plastic, paper, or Styrofoam to-go containers, including clamshells (containers that have a hinged lid) CANNOT be recycled. They must be disposed of along with household trash.

There is a Styrofoam recycling program at our Main Facility. See "Styrofoam" on this list for more details.

Only plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars are accepted in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. A plastic bottle, jug, or jar is recyclable if it has a neck smaller than the base. Plastic tubs are recyclable if they have a plastic lid that can placed back on. Containers must be empty and dry.

Residents with a current decal, can take household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if it is from a business, will need to go to a transfer station or landfill.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Place paper rolls in the Mixed Recycling or a curbside recycling bin. They must be clean; no paper left on them. One recycling rule to follow is that any item that is smaller than a standard-size post-it CANNOT be recycled. Items that are too small either get sorted in the wrong category or simply fall through the cracks and become trash.

Residents with a current decal, can take household recyclables to any of the 12 Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal can bring household recyclables to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Businesses can also bring recyclables to the Main Facility. Anyone with a large load of recycling may be able to unload it onto the Recycling Station tipping floor but call ahead to see about availability- (919) 542-5516.

Learn more about Recycling Right in Chatham County.

Items like toilets, sinks, and tubs from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the Collection Centers.

CANNOT accept mobile homes/trailers at the Collection Centers. They are too large.

Contact a transfer station, landfill, or Construction & Demolition facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.

Transmission fluid is accepted at the Collection Centers and Household Hazardous Waste events.

Residents with a current decal, can bring up to 5 gallons in a 7-day period of transmission fluid to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Residents should let the attendant know so they can be directed to the correct place and complete a form.

Residents with more than 5 gallons must bring it to an Household Hazardous Waste event. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash. Containers that had hazardous materials cannot be recycled.

If it is from a business, including home businesses, or a vehicle used for business, we CANNOT accept it at the Collection Centers or HHW. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page.

The Collection Centers are only for households. Residents pay an annual solid waste fee. Businesses are NOT allowed to use the Collection Centers.

A business is defined any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Residents with a current decal, can bring household trash to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Look for the sign or ask the attendant which container is currently being used. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Residents with a large load will need to complete a form.

Trash is not accepted at the Main Facility or Household Hazardous Waste events.

The Collection Centers are only for households. Residents pay an annual solid waste fee. Businesses are NOT allowed to use the Collection Centers. A business is defined as any income-generating source which would include chicken houses, farming, an at-home business, long-haul trucking, rental units, etc. Business waste should be taken to a transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight.

Yard waste is banned from NC landfills so yard was CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.

Yard waste, from a household or business, should be brought to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm.

Yard waste will need to be emptied from any bag or container for disposal.

Yard waste includes:

• grass clippings
• trees
• limbs
• stumps- with no excess of dirt
• wood- untreated, unpainted
• wood pallets- untreated, unpainted 

Bamboo cannot be disposed of in the yard waste area and will be directed to a different location for disposal. There will be a charge of $35 per ton for bamboo, with a $2 minimum.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.) CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers. Electronic cigarettes are considered hazardous waste due to the batteries and nicotine. Both of which can cause fires.

They must be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event. Residents should separate the battery and nicotine cartridges from each other while storing and for disposal. Decals are required at HHW events except for residents who live within certain town limits. Visitors must show something with an address of where the waste is coming from.

For a complete list of items accepted visit the HHW page. Do not bring empty containers to HHW events; throw them away with regular trash.

If it is from a business it will NOT be accepted at HHW events. Contact a private company for disposal options; some are listed on our Hazardous Waste from Businesses page. Organizations or schools collecting electronic cigarettes on a large scale, need to contact and private company for disposal options. Batteries and nicotine cartridges should NOT be stored together.

CANNOT accept vehicles at the Collection Centers. They are too large.

There are several donation programs that accept vehicles for different causes. The following are provided as examples. We offer this list as a convenience only, and do not endorse any of these companies.

• Goodwill Car Donation
• Kids Car Donation
• Veteran Car Donations
• Wheels4Hope

Contact a transfer station or landfill facility about disposal options. There will be a charge based on weight.

Large appliances can be placed in the Scrap Metal container. Refrigerators and freezers need to be empty. The attendant will check. Small appliances like dehumidifiers, vacuums, blenders, etc. should be disposed of along with household trash.

Residents with a current decal can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it.

Residents without a decal, or if the large appliance is from a business, can bring them to the Main Facility. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a current decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers.

Items like cabinets, doors, and windows from residents doing home construction projects themselves are accepted.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers, which accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials for recycling. The glass cannot go in the C&D container, but the wood or metal frame of a door or window can. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Learn more about C&D at the Collection Centers.

Residents without a decal, or if the materials are from a business (including paying someone to do the work), will need to take it to a C&D facility or transfer station or landfill. There will be a charge based on weight. Contractors and businesses are not allowed to use the centers.

Wooden pallets are banned from NC landfills so whole wooden pallets CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.

Wooden pallets, from a household or business, should be taken to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm.

Wooden pallets can also be taken to a Construction & Demolition Facility. Contact them directly for more information.

If an item is 90% metal it can go in the Scrap Metal container. Otherwise, it should go into the Bulky Bin at the Collection Centers.

Residents with a current decal, can take it to any of the 12 Collection Centers. Ask the attendant where to dispose of it. Residents may bring a maximum of one pickup truck- sized load in a seven-day period to any of the Collection Centers. Those with a large load will need to complete a form.

Residents without a decal, or if the equipment is from a business, can bring it to the Main Facility if it has 90% metal. The Main Facility cannot accept any type of trash.

Yard waste is banned from NC landfills so yard was CANNOT be accepted at the Collection Centers.

Yard waste, from a household or business, should be brought to the Main Facility. There will be a charge of $35 per ton, with a $2 minimum. Visitors will need to weigh in and out on the scales and the scales close at 3:30 pm.

Yard waste will need to be emptied from any bag or container for disposal.

Yard waste includes:

• grass clippings
• trees
• limbs
• stumps- with no excess of dirt
• wood- untreated, unpainted
• wood pallets- untreated, unpainted 

Bamboo cannot be disposed of in the yard waste area and will be directed to a different location for disposal. There will be a charge of $35 per ton for bamboo, with a $2 minimum.