Winston-Salem operates a voluntary single-stream recycling program. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastics #1 and #2, and glass bottles. Plastic bags, styrofoam, and food-soiled items are prohibited in the blue cart.
The Winston-Salem recycling program is single-stream, meaning all accepted materials go into the same 96-gallon blue roll cart. Collection occurs every other week. Accepted items include paper and cardboard (flattened), aluminum and steel cans, plastic bottles and tubs marked #1 PETE or #2 HDPE, and glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, and green). Plastic bags, plastic wrap, styrofoam, food-soiled paper, yard waste, electronics, batteries, light bulbs, clothing, and hoses are NOT accepted and cause contamination that can reject entire truckloads. Recycling participation is voluntary, but contamination of the stream is a violation under Code Chapter 46. The city contracts with Pratt Industries for processing. Recycling drop-off is also available at the 3RC center on Old Salisbury Road for apartment residents who lack curbside service. Yard waste is handled separately through the biweekly or weekly yard cart program.
Contaminated carts may be tagged and not collected. Persistent contamination can result in removal of recycling privileges and reversion to garbage-only service.
Winston-Salem, NC
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Winston-Salem, NC
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See how Winston-Salem's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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