1. Plastic Clamshells Reminder

Plastic clamshells are NOT accepted in co-mingled blue recycling carts in Orange County.

Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are usually unequipped to separate clamshells from other plastic items, including PET bottles. Plastic bottle bales with clamshells are seen as contaminated, decreasing bottle bale grade and value.

Please throw them away, or consider reusing them as a storage container. When possible, reduce buying products that come in plastic clamshells.

2. Join Us at SWAG Meetings

Join SWAG, the Solid Waste Advisory Group, at the upcoming meeting. SWAG was created by the Orange County Board of Commissioners in June 2014 and includes elected officials from Orange County, the Towns of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, as well as representatives from UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Health Care. The meetings are generally quarterly and are open to public.  The meetings can be attended by the public in-person or virtually to hear from officials on current and future solid waste and recycling topics.

The first meeting of 2023 will discuss results and information from the Solid Waste Master Plan survey and public meetings. The meeting date and location will announced within the next few weeks via several platforms, including the Solid Waste website, social media, and a message to E-News subscribers.

3. 2022 Food Waste Collection Recap

In 2022, Orange County diverted almost 940,495 pounds of organic waste through the food waste drop-off sites and Commercial Food Waste Collection program. This is equivalent to avoiding 2,445,288 lbs. of CO2 production or, put another way, 2,745,456 miles not driven by a car. Thank you to everyone who participates in the County’s food waste collection programs, and contributing to Orange County’s Zero Waste by 2045 goal.

If you’re looking to start organic waste collection, bring materials to any of the six food waste drop-off sites or start a compost pile at home. If you work at a restaurant or school and are interested in joining the Commercial Food Waste Collection program, sponsored by the County, please contact our office at recycling@orangecountync.gov for eligibility information.

4. It’s the Shape that Counts

Orange County moved away from the plastic recycling code system (the number inside the recycling symbol) because numbers are often misleading. Not all items with a recycling symbol and number can be recycled in the County co-mingled recycling carts. As noted above, #1 PETE plastic clamshells cannot be recycled in Orange County currently. However, other #1 plastics, like water bottles, are recyclable.

The County now focuses on the shape of the object. Plastic jugs, jars, bottles, and tubs can be recycled in your curbside cart. All items should be empty and rinsed. If you are unsure if an item is recyclable, please search the A-Z Guide available on the County Solid Waste website or through the Orange County NC Recycles app, available for free through the Apple and Google Play Stores.

5. Looking for More Solid Waste & Recycling Info?

Orange County publishes an additional educational segment in the News of Orange paper and e-edition every month. The segment, “Watching our Wasteline,” is published on the third Wednesday of the month and covers information on departmental news, events, and waste and recycling tips.  

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at OCNCSolidWaste for more educational posts, event reminders, and departmental information.