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

Section 10-32(b) of the Charlotte City Code sets the curbside recycling rules, and Ordinance No. 1111 amended the section on April 13, 2026. For detached single-family dwellings, accessory dwelling units, and small waste container-eligible developments that use small containers, the recycling container must sit at ground level within six feet of the curbside and at least three feet from other containers and obstacles such as mailboxes, telephone poles, automobiles, bulky waste, and trees. The Solid Waste Services (SWS) department head can designate a different spot, and residents are told to use reasonable care and avoid interfering with or denying the use of a sidewalk.

Collection crews will not take a small waste container if they have to unlock or open a door, have to unlock a gate without the access code, encounter a vicious or aggressive animal, are denied reasonable access by parked vehicles or equipment, would have to ascend or descend multiple steps, or see damage that would prevent collection. Timing comes from § 10-31(a)(7): containers go out no earlier than the day before collection and no later than 6:00 a.m. on collection day, and must be removed by 11:59 p.m. that same day. Section 10-1 defines recyclables to include glass jars, bottles, aluminum cans, steel cans, plastic soda and liquor bottles, newspapers and inserts, plastic milk and water jugs, and spiral paper cans.

Large waste container-eligible developments, and small-container developments that use large containers, follow a separate track. All recyclables go in personal waste containers authorized by the city or provided by its agents, those containers and any overflow materials stay segregated from other solid waste, and the city's agents maintain or replace them. A small waste container-eligible development means 29 or fewer residential units approved before January 1, 2018, or 11 or fewer units approved after that date. Under § 10-26(d), the department head sets collection schedules and can change them to observe holidays or for emergency situations.