Charlotte, NC Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 10-32(b) of the Charlotte City Code splits recycling into two tracks. Subsection (b)(1) covers detached single-family dwellings, accessory dwelling units, and small waste container-eligible developments that use small waste containers. The code defines a small waste container as the city-issued receptacle, and a small waste container-eligible development as 29 or fewer residential units approved before January 1, 2018, or 11 or fewer approved after that date. These households place the container at ground level, within six feet of the curbside and at least three feet away from other containers or obstacles such as mailboxes, telephone poles, automobiles, bulky waste, and trees, unless the SWS department head names another location.

Timing comes from Section 10-31(a)(7): the container goes out no earlier than the day before collection and no later than 6:00 a.m. on collection day, and it must be removed by 11:59 p.m. that day. Crews will not collect a container if they would have to unlock or open a door, unlock a gate without the access code, face a vicious or aggressive animal, ascend or descend multiple steps, or if parked vehicles or other objects deny reasonable access. A container damaged badly enough to prevent collection is also skipped.

Subsection (b)(2) covers large waste container-eligible developments, defined as 30 or more residential units approved before January 1, 2018, or 12 or more approved after that date, plus small-eligible developments that use large containers. There, every recyclable goes in a personal waste container authorized by the city or provided by the city's agents. The container and any overflow must be segregated from all other solid waste at the collection location, and the city's agents are responsible for maintaining or replacing the container.

The code defines recyclables as glass jars, bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, plastic soda and liquor bottles, newspapers and inserts, plastic milk and water jugs, and spiral paper cans. The director of solid waste services sets collection schedules under Section 10-26(d) and can alter them for holidays or emergencies. That official can also decline solid waste that is not prepared as the article requires. Ordinance No. 1111, adopted April 13, 2026, is the latest amendment to this section.