Recycle Right: A Conversation with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste

What really happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we sit down with Jeff Smithberger, Director of Mecklenburg County’s Solid Waste Management Program, for an eye-opening look into the world of local recycling.

Serving over 1.1 million residents across Charlotte and surrounding communities, Mecklenburg County’s waste management operation is a complex, high-impact effort that affects every household. From curbside do’s and don’ts to hidden costs of contamination, Jeff helps us understand what it means to Recycle Right—and why it matters more than ever.

Whether you’re a seasoned recycler or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable tips, local resources, and surprising facts that will change how you think about your trash.

♻️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• ✅ The 6 items you should put in your curbside bin—and what to leave out

• ✅ How contamination is costing taxpayers millions each year

• ✅ What really happens to recycled materials (hint: road paint, clothing, and more!)

• ✅ Where to drop off hard-to-recycle and hazardous items in Mecklenburg County

• ✅ Why wipeoutwaste.com is your go-to recycling resource

We also cover how the county transforms yard waste into mulch and compost, hosts free paper shredding events, and provides services that many residents don’t even know about. 🧺🌿

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Let’s clean up our recycling habits and make a greener tomorrow—one bin at a time.