Trash & Recycling in Matthews, NC: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Matthews or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Matthews has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Matthews provides weekly curbside garbage collection and bi-weekly recycling through contracted service. Residents must place carts curbside by 7 AM on collection day and remove by end of day.

Key details: Garbage: Weekly curbside. Recycling: Bi-weekly. Setout: By 7 AM. Provider: Matthews Public Works.

Carts left out past collection day: written warning, then civil penalty per Chapter 50. Improper setout may result in non-collection.

Recycling Requirements

Matthews curbside recycling accepts paper, cardboard, plastics 1-2 and 5, aluminum, steel cans, and glass. Single-stream cart collection bi-weekly. Participation encouraged but not mandated by ordinance.

Key details: System: Single-stream carts. Frequency: Bi-weekly. Accepted: Paper, plastic 1-2/5, metal, glass. Mandatory: No - voluntary.

Repeated contamination subject to recycling service suspension. No civil fines for non-participation.

The rules around recycling requirements in Matthews lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Bin Placement Rules

Matthews requires carts stored out of public view between collections - behind the home, in a garage, or screened side yard. Carts placed curbside no earlier than 6 PM prior day and removed within 24 hours.

Key details: Storage: Out of public view. Setout: After 6 PM prior day. Removal: Within 24 hours. Clearance: 3 feet minimum.

Bin visibility violations: warning then civil penalties escalating with repeat offenses. Blocking sidewalk or street also subject to parking enforcement.

Bulk Item Disposal

Matthews offers scheduled bulk item pickup for residents - furniture, appliances, mattresses. Call Public Works 704-847-3640 to schedule. Limit of 4 cubic yards per pickup with restrictions on items containing refrigerant.

Key details: Scheduling: Call 704-847-3640. Limit: 4 cubic yards. Appliances: Refrigerant separate. Construction: Not accepted.

Illegal dumping: Class 3 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. 14-399, fines up to $200 plus cleanup costs. Oversize bulk piles subject to non-collection and notice of violation.

The Bottom Line

Matthews's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Matthews is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Matthews can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.