Why didn't you take all my plastic products?

Differently shaped plastics are made through different manufacturing processes. Bottles are usually made through a process known as blow molding, while plastic tubs are manufactured through injection molding. Blow molding requires plastics to have a low viscosity or melt flow index (MFI). Injection molding requires a higher MFI. Even though they may have the same recycling code, not all plastics are the same. In North Carolina, recyclers are currently only processing plastic bottles, so that’s the only type collected by the Town. A bottle is anything that has a neck smaller than the base. Examples include soda bottles, milk jugs, dish soap bottles, and most shampoos. With plastic tubs, the top is about the same size as the bottom or even larger. These items can not be recycled curbside. Common examples of tubs include margarine and yogurt containers, and plastic utensils.

Can I put magazines and newspapers together?
No. It’s very important that these two different types of paper be kept separate since recycling crews do not have the time to make sure magazines and junk mail are not hidden in large newspaper bundles. Magazines and newspapers are sold to different companies, each with its own needs. If too much mixture of these items occurs, the entire load becomes unusable, and it must all be placed in a landfill. This costs the Town extra money because hauling fees are paid twice - once to take the materials to the recycler and again to take the rejected materials to the landfill. Place magazines in a separate paper bag or a separate container next to your bin. Do not tie or tape magazines or newspapers in bundles.

Can I recycle cardboard at the curb?
You can recycle corrugated cardboard (OCC) curbside. OCC is not waxed and not glossy cardboard, which has three layers, two flat layers surrounding a wavy layer inside. Before placing it curbside you must flatten it and cut it into pieces that are no bigger than 2’ x 3’, not folded so that the material fits in the OCC compartment on the recycling truck. Place the cardboard pieces on the side of your bin or underneath it.

I have lots of cardboard boxes. What should I do?
You can take cardboard to the Cary Citizen Convenience Center located at 313 N. Dixon Street. The 2’ x 3’ size requirement is waived, but make sure you flatten the boxes and remove any packaging paper and peanuts. If you have more than 20 boxes, you can arrange a special curbside Friday pickup by calling the department of Public Works and Utilities ahead of time at 919-469-4090. Once again, the size requirement is waived, but the boxes must be clean and flattened and placed on the curb by Friday at 7 a.m.

Can I recycle pizza boxes?
No. Even though pizza boxes are corrugated cardboard, they are contaminated with food that would interfere with the recycling process.

Where can cardboard such as cereal boxes and cracker boxes be recycled?
Cereal and cracker boxes are considered chipboard, a type of cardboard. When it is torn, the frayed edges are usually brown or gray. SBS board is another type of cardboard. When it is torn, the edges are white. Both of these can be taken to a Wake County Convenience Center or the Wake Community Recycling Center located at 6021Triangle Drive in Raleigh (919-571-7884).

Why do I have to rinse my bottles and cans? Doesn’t recycling involve melting, which would destroy any food contamination?
Containers that have not been properly rinsed attract bees and other animals. This increases the chances that our recycling workers or family members may get stung or hurt. Although it’s true that recycling does involve high heat, food wastes do not disappear. The result is a poor quality product that must be placed in the landfill in its entirety. This is why it’s important that any aluminum foil you recycling is not contaminated with food (burned or otherwise).

Why do I have to flatten the containers?
Flattening saves space. This allows recycling crews to make more pickups before they have to go unload the truck and come back to their routes. This saves money and speeds collection.

Why must I throw away the lids?
Many lids are made out of materials that are not commonly recycled, and the lid might contain sharp edges. Even if the lid is made of plastic, it is made from a different plastic type than the container.

How much is Cary recycling?
From July 2002 through June 2003, the Town of Cary picked up over 7,000 tons of materials in curbside recycling bins, over 12,600 tons of yard waste, 5,500 gallons of used motor oil, and 144 tons of used appliances. Cary is diverting about 42 percent of its waste stream from the landfill.

Does the recycling program make any money?
The Town of Cary saves money that would have been paid in tipping fees to the landfill to dispose of the recyclable material. Also, the Town receives money by selling the recycling materials. The amount in 2002-2003 was more than $464,000.

How do I dispose of household hazardous waste?
Wake County operates two year-round household hazardous waste centers. (See locations.)
Read more about the Town of Cary’s household hazardous waste reduction program.

What happens if my recycling bins breaks or is stolen?
Call the Department of Public Works and Utilities at (919) 469-4090 to arrange delivery of a new one. You can also pick one up at the Finance Department’s customer service window in Building A in Building A of Town Hall campus.

Can I get an additional bin?
Yes, for a fee of $6. Call Public Works and Utilities at (919) 469-4090 for delivery or pick one up . A recycling bin can also be picked up at the Finance Department’s customer service window at Town Hall.

What can I do with my old phone books?
In conjunction with Wake County, Cary sponsors several drop off centers during February and March as new telephone books are being delivered. At other times, dispose of phone books at a Wake County drop-off facility.

Is there any place to take MLS directories?
They can be taken to drop-off centers at certain Wake County public schools. Please do not place them in the curbside recycling bin.

What can I do with old books and manuals?
Check to see if the library can use them. Thrift stores such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army may take book donations as well. The Wake Community Recycling Center at 6021Triangle Drive in Raleigh may be able to take some manuals or brochures depending on the binding.

How can I dispose of used motor oil?
Call the Department of Public Works and Utilities at 919-469-4090 to arrange for a free curbside pickup. Used motor oil can also be disposed of at no charge at either Wake County solid waste management facility. Please make sure that the containers are no larger that five gallons and are tightly capped. Addresses are at the end of this document. It can also be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste center.

Will the town pick up yard waste curbside?
Yard waste such as grass, leaves, shrubbery, twigs, and small branches are picked up on Mondays at the curb except during weeks with a Town-observed holiday. Tree branches must be no more than 4 feet long or 4 inches thick. Yard waste must be places in a paper bag or reusable container at the curb by 7 a.m. on Mondays. No plastic bags please. Yard waste may also be taken to the Citizen Convenience Center at 313 N. Dixon Ave.

How do I make compost?
Visit the Compost Education Center in Bond Park off High House Road. The center has samples of compost bins and a collection of native plants that tolerate drought. Read more about composting.

What does the recycling symbol mean when its on consumer products? Does it mean the item is made from recycled materials or that the item can be recycled?
A recycling logo doesn’t necessarily mean either since the law does not regulate recycling logos. To ensure you are buying a product made from recycled materials check the label for terms such as “30 % post-consumer.” Look for labels that indicate the highest percentage of post consumer recycled content. Read more.

What’s the difference between post-consumer and pre-consumer recycled material?
Post consumer materials indicate the product was made with materials that were recycled by residents and businesses. Pre consumer recycled materials are made with industry scraps.

What can I do with my used appliances?
If the appliance still works, consider donating it to charity. Many organizations will arrange free pickup.
See other options for disposing of appliances through the Town of Cary or Wake County.

What can I do with scrap tires?
See Wake County Multi-Material Drop Off

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