Recycling & Waste Reduction
The Recycling and Waste Reduction division manages Catawba County's residential curbside program for residents living in the unincorporated areas of the county. The division offers a free and voluntary Commercial Recycling & Waste Reduction Partnership Program to all businesses within the county. Provides environmental education, materials, presentations and tours to school systems, business community, civic organizations, and the general public.
For information about the county's residential recycling and solid waste programs, how to set up curbside service, and much more click here Residential Recycling/Solidwaste Services Guide.
Click on a tab below to learn more about:
Residential Curbside Collection Services, Commercial Recycling & Waste Reduction, Educational Outreach & Tours, and How to Dispose of 40 different items.
Catawba County offers residential curbside collection services, through an exclusive Solid waste Management Franchise Agreement with Republic Services, to all unincorporated areas of the County. Garbage is collected once each week and recycling is collected every other week. The monthly rate for recyclers is $21.57 and for non-recyclers $28.77 (includes carts). Additional carts may be rented for $1.50 per month. To sign up or for more information on residential curbside services, please contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158. Please contact the County’s Waste Reduction office at (828) 465-8217 with any additional questions.
NC Recycling Markets Directory
Find a market for your recyclable materials at http://www.p2pays.org/dmrm/start.aspx
NC Waste Trader
North Carolina’s marketplace for discarded or surplus materials and products. This waste exchange service is designed to divert recoverable materials from disposal while providing feedstocks and supplies to potential users. http://www.ncwastetrader.org/home.aspx
Local Recycling Markets Directory
Find a market for your recyclable materials locally
Recycling Guide for Hard-to-Recycle Materials for Small and Large Businesses
Commercial Recycling Directory
Commercial Recycling and Waste Reduction Partnership Program
It is a free and voluntary program to encourage local businesses to take proactive steps towards improving their environmental record while also improving their bottom line. Business incentives for this program include networking opportunities, webinars, and FREE advertising. To become a partner, complete and submit an online application. Want to know more? Contact Ariel Kanupp at (828) 465-8217.
What are some examples of recycling and waste reduction ideas that I can start at my business?
All businesses are different; therefore, what works for one business may not be as successful at another. Check out the Resource Guide and Help Sheet to see which programs are most feasible for your workplace.
The Utilities and Engineering Department provides a theatrical environmental play for all 3rd and 4th-grade students across the county. Students in the public and private school systems and homeschoolers are given the opportunity to attend. Students experience interactive live theatre while learning the importance of recycling, waste reduction, conservation, composting, green building, hybrid vehicles, and many other environmental topics! The County has environmental education materials to share with anyone interested. Also, this division is more than happy to set up a tour of the County’s Landfill Facility and/or Republic Services' Recycling Facility.
Please contact Ariel Kanupp, Recycling and Waste Reduction Coordinator for additional information.
Residential Only
ABC BEVERAGE CONTAINERS: are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Bar and restaurant owners, managers, and employees who would like to establish and operate a commercial ABC beverage container recycling program may call Republic Services at (828) 256-2158 or the City of Hickory at (828) 323-7500.
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AGRICULTURAL PLASTICS:The agricultural sector has a unique set of challenges with recycling and waste management, pollution prevention strategies, energy and water management, and operational cost-saving efforts. Click here to visit this website for more information about Agricultural Plastics recycling.
ALUMINUM/STEEL CANS:Aluminum cans are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Aluminum and steel cans (including lids) can be recycled free of charge at the County’s five Convenience Centers. Aluminum and steel cans can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158.
ANTIFREEZE: is banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Antifreeze can be recycled at the Bethany Church Rd and Rocky Ford Rd Convenience Centers only, free of charge.
APPLIANCES/WHITE GOODS: are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Old appliances, such as stoves, washing machines, clothes dryers, etc. are accepted only at the Blackburn Landfill and the Rocky Ford Rd Convenience Center, at no charge. Refrigerator doors must be removed and all units must be completely empty and free of food.
ASPHALT/CONCRETE/BRICK/BLOCK:The Construction and Demolition (C&D) Landfill is located at 4017 Rocky Ford Rd, Newton. Asphalt, Concrete, Brick, and Block are accepted at no charge only if the material is free of reinforcement materials. The materials are crushed and used on landfill roadways creating a reduction in gravel purchases.
See the Solid Waste Disposal Fee Schedule for information about Asphalt, Concrete, Brick, and Block that has reinforcement material and/or contaminated with other waste.
BATTERIES:Household batteries can be recycled year-round at the County's Residential Battery Recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. Batteries must be separated into Lithium and Dry Cell and placed into the correct containers in the collection area. All Lithium Batteries with exposed terminals must be covered with clear tape. The battery recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. No business waste accepted. This program is not for car batteries, please recyle those at participating auto parts stores.
BRUSH/YARD WASTE:
Brush, limbs, and trees (grindable) must be cut so it is no longer than 8 feet and/or 14 inces in diameter and be kept separated from roots, stumps, and grubbing for recycling purposes. See the Solid Waste Disposal Fee Schedule for more information.
The yard waste products disposed at the C&D Landfill are ground and chipped for various uses. Brush and limbs are ground for mulch sales. Leaves and grasses are combined with mulch for compost sales.
Mulch and compost are available for purchase at the Blackburn Landfill year-round. Mulch is $5.00 per 3-yard scoop/bucket or $5.00 per ton. Compost is $10.00 per 3-yard scoop/bucket or $10.00 per ton. Customers may choose to pay per scoop or have their vehicle weighed. For more information, please call the Landfill at (704) 462-1348.
CARDBOARD:Corrugated Cardboard and boxes such as cereal, food and drink boxes can be recycled free of charge at the County’s five Convenience Centers. Cardboard can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. All boxes should be flattened before placing them into a recycling container. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158.
CARTONS:Milk and juice cartons (no liquid) can be recycled free of charge at the County’s five Convenience Centers. Milk and juice cartons can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. All cartons should be flattened before placing them into the recycling container. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158.
CELL PHONES:Any type or brand of cell phone and accessories will be accepted for recycling, whether they work or not. They are accepted year-round at the County's residential electronics recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. The electronics recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am until 11:30 am. No business waste accepted.
CHRISTMAS TREES:The Christmas season usually leaves you with stacks of leftovers. Real Christmas trees (remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel) can be recycled at each of the County's five Convenience Centers sites after Christmas. Please call Republic Services at (828) 256-2158 for curbside pickup information.
COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHTING (CFLs):is banned from disposal in an unlined landfill and should be recycled. All types of fluorescent lighting can be properly disposed of at the County’s Residential Household Hazardous Waste one-day collection events held from 9 am-1 pm and are free of charge to the citizens of Catawba County. No business waste accepted. Click here for more information about the one-day collection events. Compact fluorescent bulbs only (no tubes) can be recycled at participating Home Depot and Lowes stores.
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT: is banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Computers and computer-related equipment can be recycled year-round at the County's residential electronics recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. The electronics recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am until 11:30 am. No business waste accepted.
CONFIDENTIAL PAPER SHREDDING: service and recycling is provided by local companies listed below.
First Class Document Destruction located at 333 Main Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601 (across from WHKY Studio). Pick-up and drop-off services available. For more information call (828) 324-4040.
Enviro-Shred located at 1045 2nd Ave NW Hickory, NC 28601. For more information call (828) 328-9333.
Republic Services located at 130 Somerset Dr., Conover, NC 28613. Hours of operation for customer drop-off is 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. For more information call (828) 327-3119.
COOKING OIL: is accepted at the Rocky Ford Rd Convenience Center located at 3864 Rocky Ford Road, Newton, NC 28658, and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Also, there are permanent collection bins located at 2436 Bethany Church Rd Newton, NC 28658; 4637 Lookout Dam Rd Catawba, NC 28609; and 3659 Rhoney Farm Rd Vale, NC 28168. The used cooking oil recycling program is free of charge to Catawba County residents and is open to county residents only. No business waste accepted.
ELECTRONICS: A full range of electronics can be recycled year-round at the County's residential electronics recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. The electronics recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am until 11:30 am. No business waste accepted.
Need additional information about how to recycle electronics in Catawba County? Click here for more information.
FLUORESCENT LIGHTS AND TUBES:are banned from disposal in an unlined landfill and should be recycled.
Residents - Fluorescent lights and tubes can be properly disposed of at the County’s Residential Household Hazardous Waste one-day collection events held from 9 am-1 pm and are free of charge to the citizens of Catawba County. No business waste accepted at events. Click here for more information about the one-day collection events. Compact fluorescent bulbs only (no tubes) can be recycled at participating Home Depot and Lowes stores.
GLASS:Glass bottles and jars (all colors) are accepted for recycling free of charge at the County’s five Convenience Centers. Glass can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158.
HAZARDOUS WASTE:The County provides one-day collection events to accept residential household hazardous waste (HHW), free of charge. No business waste accepted. Click here for more information about the one-day collection events.
Missed the events? No problem, call STAT Inc at (828) 396-2304, fees may apply.
INK/LASERJET CARTRIDGES: Ink/LaserJet Cartridges are accepted for recycling year-round at the County's residential electronics recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. The electronics recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am until 11:30 am. No business waste accepted.
LEAD ACID BATTERIES:are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Lead Acid Batteries disposal drop-off sites are offered at several businesses in the County, including Advanced Auto Parts, Auto Zone, Sam's Club, and Walmart Supercenter. Please call your local store for more information.
MEDICINE DISPOSAL: Catawba County and City Law Enforcement Agencies provide drop boxes at their office locations throughout the County to provide citizens a place for proper and safe disposal of medications. Drop boxes are located at the following law enforcement agencies; Catawba County Justice Center, Brookford, Catawba, Claremont, Conover, Hickory, Longview, Maiden, Newton, and Sherrills Ford Terrell Sheriff's Office. Only law enforcement officers are able to pick up medication from the drop boxes. For more information, please contact Sergeant Eric Page at (828) 465-8278.
MERCURY THERMOSTATS:are banned from disposal in an unlined landfill and should be recycled. Mercury thermostats can be properly disposed of at the County’s Residential Household Hazardous Waste one-day collection events held from 9 am-1 pm rain or shine and are free of charge to the citizens of Catawba County. Click here for more information about the one-day collection events.
MICROWAVES:Microwaves can be recycled year-round at the County's residential electronics recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. The electronics recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am until 11:30 am. No business waste accepted.
MOBILE HOMES:Mobile homes cannot be brought to the Landfill whole. Customers wanting to dispose of a mobile home must call the Landfill at (704) 462-1348 for proper disposal instructions.
MOTOR OIL/FILTERS:are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Used motor oil and filters may be recycled at (4) four Convenience Center sites located at Rocky Ford Rd, Bethany Church Rd, Cooksville, and Oxford. There is no charge to recycle used oil and filters but is restricted to residential use only. There is a 5 gallon limit at convenience centers.
NEEDLES/SHARPS: Place used needles/sharps in a plastic detergent bottle or soda bottle, place the cap on the bottle, clearly label the bottle as “sharps” and dispose of in the regular household garbage.
PAINT:Latex and Oil-Based paint can be recycled year-round at the County's residential paint recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. The paint recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am until 11:30 am. No business waste accepted.
Paint is also accepted at the County’s Residential Household Hazardous Waste one-day collection events held from 9 am-1 pm rain or shine and are free of charge to the citizens of Catawba County. Click here for more information about the one-day collection events. No business waste accepted.
Managing and donating your unwanted paint and spray paint. Click here for more information.
PALLETS:are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled.Clean, natural, uncontaminated wood pallets are accepted at the Blackburn Landfill. If you have questions about how loads need to be separated please contact the Blackburn Landfill at (704) 462-1348.
PAPER:Paper (all types) is accepted for recycling at the County’s five Convenience Centers free of charge. Paper can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. Types of paper include newspapers w/inserts, junk mail, magazines, telephone books, paperback books, catalogs, boxes, office paper, color paper, computer paper, and envelopes. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158.
PESTICIDE CONTAINERS:Pesticide containers, from area farmers only, may be recycled at the Agricultural Resources Center in Newton, at no charge. Containers must be triple-rinsed and dry, with the cap removed, in order to be accepted for recycling. For more information about pesticide container recycling please contact the Agricultural Resource office at (828) 465-8240.
PIZZA, CEREAL, AND FOOD BOXES:Pizza, cereal, and food boxes (empty and clean) can be recycled free of charge at the County’s five Convenience Centers. Pizza, cereal, and food boxes can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158.
PLASTIC:Plastic bottles are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Plastic bottles, wide-mouth containers, and rigid plastics can be recycled free of charge at the County’s five Convenience Centers. Plastic bottles, wide-mouth containers, and rigid plastics can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158. Plastic bottles are recycled regardless of whether the lids are on or off the bottle.
PLASTIC BAGS:Plastic bags can be recycled free of charge at most major retail and grocery stores located throughout Catawba County. *PLASTIC BAGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CURBSIDE RECYCLING CARTS*
PROPANE TANKS:Propane tanks can be properly disposed of at the County’s Residential Household Hazardous Waste one-day collection events held from 9 am-1 pm rain or shine and are free of charge to the citizens of Catawba County. Click here for more information about the one-day collection events.
TELEPHONE BOOKS:Telephone books are accepted for recycling at the County’s five Convenience Centers free of charge. Telephone books can also be recycled through the curbside collection from Republic Services. To arrange for curbside collection of solid waste and recyclables, contact Republic Services at (828) 256-2158.
TELEVISIONS:are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. Televisions can be recycled year-round at the County's residential electronics recycling area located at the Blackburn Landfill. The electronics recycling service is offered to the citizens of Catawba County, free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am until 11:30 am. No business waste accepted.
Caldwell TV Inc. located in Hickory also accepts televisions from residents and businesses, free of charge. Caldwell TV refurbishes used televisions and donates them to senior citizens programs throughout Catawba County. They are accepted in working order or not. Flat panels preferred. Call (828) 324-1202 or (828) 327-3161 to arrange donation.
TIRES:are banned from Landfill disposal and must be recycled. The County contracts with an outside firm to pick up scrap tires at the Blackburn Landfill and several dealer sites located throughout the County. Click here to view the tire-shredding process. The shredded material is used as 2" nominal for tire-derived aggregate, gravel or dirt replacement in civil engineering and alternate daily cover for landfills. A 3/4" nugget is also used for landscaping mulch, horse arenas, and new recycled products.
See the Solid Waste Disposal Fee Schedule for more information concerning scrap tire fees. You must call the Landfill office at (704) 462-1348 before bringing tires for disposal.
WOOD:
Natural, Clean Wood Waste
* Clean natural furniture wood waste for grinding (containing no glue, stain, chipboard, pressboard, plywood, etc.)
* Clean, natural, uncontaminted wood pallets
* Natural lumber, less than 8 feet in length
Ground Brush, Limbs, Trees
* Brush, limbs, and trees (grindable) no longer than 8 feet and/or 14 inces in diameter
Municipal Solid Waste Landfill
* Lumber over 8 feet in length
* Painted, treated or creosote wood
* Chipboard, pressboard, plywood
* Grubbing, roots, and stumps (non-grindable)
See the Solid Waste Disposal Fee Schedule for more information.
Donate your car, truck, RV, motorcycle, boat, or other vehicles.
Breast Cancer Car Donations (866) 492-2770, www.cardonations4cancer.org
CARS way www.donatingiseasy.org
Goodwill Industries (866) 492-2770
Kids Car Donations (866) 634-8395, https://kidscardonations.org/
National Kidney Foundation (800) 488-CARS
Veteran Car Donations (877) 594-5822, www.veterancardonations.org/