Background
Greensboro, North Carolina, (pop. 279,369) is a city that puts recycling first – and has been doing so throughout its own history, and that of the nation’s. In fact, it was one of the first communities to implement automated collection, i.e. a truck with mechanized arm, as well as comingled recycling. The City’s commitment to recycling (and reaping the benefits) has shown no signs of slowing down. Last year, Greensboro recycled nearly 52 million pounds of plastics, glass, paper and more. Furthermore, that same year, recycling saved the city more than $2.1 million.Materials recycled
- Plastics: All bottles, containers, jugs and large plastic items. No bags, sheets, Styrofoam or hoses.
- Paper: All paper, cardboard, cartons and chipboards. No paper towels, tissues or diapers.
- Metal: Aluminum, steel, tin, aerosol cans (without the caps), pots and pans, and aluminum foil, pans and trays. No cords, auto parts or electronics.
- Glass: All jars (lids off) and bottles. No mirrors, dishware or windows.
Frequency
Recyclables are collected biweekly on the same day as curbside trash pickup. All bins should be in place by 6 a.m. that morning.Other programs
Residents can take hazardous waste and electronic devices to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 2750 Patterson Street.
To learn more about recycling, Greensboro resident can visit the ReCommunity Recycling Facility for a presentation, video and/or live demonstration of how items are recycled.
Greensboro hosts the 2nd Graders & Recycling program to teach young students about the three “Rs” and recycling in Greensboro. This isn’t the only program Greensboro operates for schools – Ca$h & Cans challenges area schools to recycle to raise money.
