Chatham County, NC Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Container-marking rule
- § 50.04(B)(2), material must match container marking
- Hauler reporting duty
- § 50.06(D), annual report to Recycling Department
- Legal basis
- House Bill 0134
- Hauler recycling program
- Aluminum cans, newspaper, steel cans, § 50.06(F)
- False advertising ban
- § 50.06(G)
- Enforcing agency
- Solid Waste Warden, County Recycling Coordinator
Summary
In unincorporated Chatham County, it is illegal to put any material into a recycling container at a greenbox site or collection center that is not specifically marked to accept it, under Chatham County Code § 50.04(B)(2). Every hauler operating in the county must also report the recyclables it collects to the County Recycling Department, under § 50.06(D), enacted in line with House Bill 0134.
(2) In addition, it shall be illegal to deposit any material in a recycling container that is not specifically marked to accept the material. ... (D) In accordance with House Bill 0134, all haulers operating in the county are required to report to the County Recycling Department concerning quantities of recyclables or recovered material they recycle or deposit in county recycling receptacles. Reporting shall take place during annual renewal of permit or by the request of County Recycling Coordinator or a duly authorized representative.
Full Breakdown
03 defines a RECYCLING CONTAINER as any container the County Solid Waste Department maintains to collect recyclables, and each one at the county's greenbox sites and collection centers is marked for the specific material it accepts. 04(D). 06(A) must tell the County Recycling Department how much material it recycles or deposits in county recycling receptacles, either when the permit comes up for annual renewal or whenever the Recycling Coordinator asks. 99(D). 06(G) separately makes it unlawful for a hauler to falsely advertise that material is being recycled when it is not.
Violations & Fines
Putting unmarked or wrong material into a recycling container, or a hauler skipping the required recyclables report, is a misdemeanor under § 50.99(A), carrying up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, plus a civil penalty payable within 24 hours of citation under § 50.99(C). A hauler that falsely advertises recycling under § 50.06(G) or fails to run a required recycling program under § 50.06(F) also risks losing its county permit under § 50.06(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any recyclable material in any bin at a Chatham County drop-off site?
Do private trash haulers have to report how much they recycle in Chatham County?
Does a residential trash company have to offer recycling in unincorporated Chatham County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
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