Published on December 21, 2023
It's the Christmas season, Charlotte! Whether your festivities are just beginning or you've spent the last few weeks filled with food and family, one thing is for sure... Trash. It is unavoidable! But don't worry, we're here to help you deal with all the extra junk that accumulates during the holidays.
Cardboard
After the holidays, you'll be swimming in two things: leftovers and boxes. The leftovers are all yours, but we'll be happy to help you when it comes to the cardboard boxes!
Cardboard should be recycled, but it must be broken.into smaller pieces that fit loosely in your recycling cart. Breaking up cardboard saves space in your cart and helps prevent boxes from getting caught in the cart even when tilted inside the pickup vehicle. Folded cardboard could expand and become trapped in the cart, preventing it from being completely emptied.
Cardboard will not be collected outside of the recycling cart. Anyone who does not fit inside the cart can be taken to one of Mecklenburg County Full Service Facilities.
PRO TIP: Properly broken down cardboard boxes not only ensure pickup, but also keep some of the larger ticket items secret. Don't advertise your new 60-inch TV by throwing your box on the sidewalk!
Bulky objects
Speaking of buying a new TV, you may be wondering what to do with your old one. Well, don't throw it away! You will need to schedule a bulky waste pickup. Scheduling can be done by calling 704-336-7600. using the CLT+ app or submitting an online application. You will need to make an "X" on the screen with duct tape before placing the TV on the sidewalk (as shown below). This is a standard procedure for all glass objects.
Resident applies duct tape to the screen of a discarded television placed on the curb for pickup.
For other bulky items like appliances, be sure to empty the old ones and remove the doors before placing them in front.
Trees and crowns
It's always fun to put up the Christmas tree each year, but it's not as fun to take it down. Fortunately, we're here to help make it less complicated. Once you have removed all the lights, tinsel and decorations from your natural Christmas tree, simply place it at the curb on your normal collection day. Natural Christmas tree harvesting will begin on January 1.
PRO TIP: Be sure to check that your tree stand and all its components are turned off! This seems like obvious advice, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget.
If you have an artificial tree that's ready to get rid of this year, you'll need to schedule a bulky waste pickup (above). Also, make sure it is free of decorations before placing it on the sidewalk. In addition to artificial trees, all wreaths (whether artificial or natural) are considered bulky items and must be part of the bulky waste collection. This is due to the wiring within all crowns, including natural ones.
Two people creating decorative wreaths.
We sincerely appreciate you taking extra care with your trash and recycling this holiday season. Get detailed collection procedures, recycling schedules and more at curbit.charlotenc.gov. Happy Holidays!
