Last Updated on June 7, 2023
Did you know that November 15 is America Recycles Day?
We know recycling as the last step in the ecological mantra, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” But recycling is more than a final effort to save some trash from the landfill. In addition to protecting our environment, an EPA study found that every 10,000 tons of material recycled supports just shy of 16 jobs and $760,000 in wages. That means recycling can provide a small boost to our local economies, as well!
You may be surprised by all the items that can be recycled, as well as some that cannot. (Eww, who threw dirty diapers in the recycling bin?!) However, what can be recycled often varies by community because of what local facilities are able to process. To celebrate America Recycles Day this year, we’re taking a look at how to win at recycling in Hendersonville, NC.
Why is it important to sort your recycling?
It may feel like extra steps just to earn a few Good Place points, but sorting your recycling is very important. When you add non-recyclable items to your cart or bin, it contaminates the recycling mix. “That means local material recovery facilities must spend more time and money to sort out the rising levels of non-recyclables and trash,” says Blue Ridge Now. When it’s not possible for facilities to sort the garbage from the recyclables, whole lots may end up dumped in landfills instead.
Be smart about recycling in Hendersonville and remember these tips:
- Place empty cans, bottles, paper, and cardboard directly into the recycling cart. Keep everything else out.
- Do not bag your recyclable items. Often it is against facility safety policies to allow workers to reach into bags they cannot see through. When items are run through machine sorters, bags must be opened by hand and slow down the sorting process.
- Do not put plastic bags, cords, hoses and other string-like items in the recycling bin because they can tangle around rotating equipment.
- Avoid putting other things that could be hazardous to workers who sort recycling into the recycling cart. This includes batteries, needles, sharp objects, and food residue. (See the list of non-recyclables below.)
- When in doubt, throw it out.
What can be recycled in Hendersonville, NC?
Henderson County’s Convenience Center (265 Convenience Center Drive, Hendersonville) accepts plastic containers, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and paper, cartons, and cardboard. That allows local customers to recycle these materials curbside. Here’s a comprehensive list of what can currently be recycled in Hendersonville, NC.
Recycle these materials together:
- Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars (no pumps; empty and rinse)
- All metal cans (no lids; empty and rinse)
- Paper, cartons, and cardboard (flatten cardboard)
Recycle separately:
- Glass bottles and jars (no caps or corks; empty and rinse)
Also accepted:
The following items are also accepted for recycling and proper disposal at the Convenience Center. For additional restrictions and information, see the site attendant or visit hcrecycles.org. Residential use only.
- White goods/scrap metal: Washing machines, dryers, metal bed frames, and refrigerators/freezers (remove door)
- Automotive products: Antifreeze, oil filters, motor oil, and batteries. 5 gallon limit
- Batteries: Please tape over terminals of all non-auto batteries; leaky batteries must be in a sealed bag
- Used cooking oil: 3-gallon limit
- Sharps: Must be contained in hard plastic with a taped lid. Find an attendant to recycle.
- Mercury products: Fluorescent tubes, CLFs, wall-mounted thermostats. Find an attendant to recycle.
- Food waste
- Peripheral electronics: Scanners, printers, telephones, stereos, compact discs, keyboards, game consoles, microwaves, etc.
- Household hazardous waste (HHW): During designated collection days only
- Leaves: 5 bags per day per household. Empty bags into the dumpster and dispose of bags. No clippings, limbs, or brush.
What CANNOT be recycled in Hendersonville, NC?
Keep these items out of your recycling bins!
- Aerosol cans
- All batteries (car, lithium, etc.)
- Ceramic items
- Clothing or textiles
- Diapers
- Disposable cups (plastic and paper)
- Electronics
- Food-tainted items
- Hazardous waste
- Household glass (windows, mirrors, glass dishware, and Pyrex)
- Medical waste
- Plastic bags or plastic wrapping
- Scrap metal or wood
- Styrofoam and packing peanuts
- Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires, etc.)
- Tires
- Toys
When is recycling picked up in Hendersonville, NC?
The City of Hendersonville offers customers a free curbside recycling program. In addition, customers who actively recycle are eligible to receive a deduction on their garbage bill.
Recycling is collected on the same day as garbage for all customers. The city recommends you set your recycling carts/bins out prior to 7:00A.M. to ensure that it is picked up. All materials are taken to the Henderson County Transfer Station or a new materials recovery facility to be recycled.
What about special events?
Henderson County coordinates a recycling bin loan program designed for use at community events, fairs, festivals, and block parties. They are available at no cost to municipalities, clubs, schools, churches, and other organizations on a first-come, first-served reservation basis. Use is restricted to events held in Henderson County
The county has 75 blue 32-gallon bins available. Any number can be reserved as available, though users should provide their own bags to go inside the bins. Bins should be returned clean and in good working order. Bagged recyclables should be brought to the Transfer Station upon bin return, as well.
What can I do with hard-to-recycle materials in Hendersonville, NC?
The Henderson County Convenience Center accepts computers and accessories, stereo sets and speakers, telephones and cell phones, and radios at no cost to you.
On specific dates six times a year, Henderson County Solid Waste holds Paint Collection and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events at the Transfer Station and Convenience Center.
Click the following links to learn more about proper disposal of:
Make Hendersonville your home!
Distinguished by an almost perfect climate, beautiful surroundings, and recreational variety, Hendersonville is known as the City of Four Seasons. The town’s many tranquil neighborhoods and housing developments all surround a sturdy core. It’s a place where you can be as active or idle as you wish. No wonder Hendersonville has attracted hundreds of residents looking for ample recreation and a friendly atmosphere.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find homes in Hendersonville now!
