The Waste Line: A Guest Column From Orange County Solid Waste Management

GUEST COLUMNS

Welcome to the Waste Line

The Waste Line is a monthly column from Orange County Solid Waste Management. Each issue shares useful updates on recycling, trash, and composting, along with tips and news to help residents manage waste responsibly and stay informed.

24-Hour Food Waste Drop-Off Bins

Check out the NEW Food Waste Drop-Off bins, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

For more information about locations and accepted materials, visit the Food Waste Drop-Off Sites page on the Solid Waste website.

Cedar Falls Park 24-Hour Recycling Drop-Off Site Update

As of the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the paving project at Cedar Falls Park is complete, and the 24-Hour Recycling Drop-Off site is open. The single-stream recycling, corrugated cardboard, and separate glass containers are back in place and available to use.

2026-2027 Fee Changes

Effective July 1, 2026, some fees at the Orange County landfill have increased. Visit the Disposal Operations page on the Solid Waste website for information about updated fees and current guidelines for landfill operations.

Did You Know?

Did you know that spray bottle pumps and bottle pumps are not recyclable in Orange County? All pumps should be removed and thrown in the trash before the bottle is rinsed, emptied and recycled.

If the bottle contained hazardous materials, like cleaning solution or pesticides, it should be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off at the Walnut Grove Church Rd. and Eubanks Rd. Waste and Recycling Centers.

Wondering how to dispose of a specific item? Download the Orange County NC Recycles app or use the A-Z guide on the website to search for materials and their disposal options.

Bulk Compost is Sold Out

Bulk compost is SOLD OUT for the remainder of the summer and will not be available for purchase. Bagged compost is available in small amounts until supplies last. Mulch is still available. Please check the Solid Waste website for updates on availability.

Composting Workshop

Join Orange County Solid Waste for a FREE workshop and learn about food waste, composting, and Orange County’s food waste diversion programs. The morning session will feature a special presentation from Brooks Contractor, the industrial composting company where all of Orange County’s food waste is taken and turned into high quality compost. Register to attend here. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Times: 10:30am-12pm OR 6pm-7:30pm

Location: Solid Waste Administration Building – 1207 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill

Plastic-Free July

Commit to going plastic free this July! Reducing plastic use helps reduce waste, cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions, and saves landfill space. Try some low waste alternatives to incorporate this month and beyond!

• Choose reusable cutlery, cups, bottles, and straws
• Bring reusable grocery bags to the store and avoid plastic produce bags
• Opt for products in metal or glass containers rather than plastic
• Keep reusable food containers on hand for packed lunches and leftovers from restaurants
• Avoid purchasing disposable and single use products with plastic packaging
• Purchase items in bulk when possible, like grains, nuts, and coffee
• Shop for clothing in natural fibers and recycled materials

For more information and additional ideas, visit the Plastic Free July website.

NC A&T Cooperative Extension Survey

The NC A&T Cooperative Extension is currently conducting a statewide survey on the community perceptions of composting and waste reduction. The results of this survey will help inform Extension programming and outreach efforts across the state.

The survey takes around 10-15 minutes to complete and closes August 31, 2026.

Take the survey here.

What’s in the Cart?

A monthly review of the most common and interesting items found in recycling carts.

As part of the Recycling Stars Program, Solid Waste staff check curbside recycling carts to help residents learn how to recycle correctly. The goal of the program is to improve both the quality and amount of recyclables collected from homes around the County. Residents who recycle correctly earn a star sticker on their cart. If unaccepted items are found, residents receive feedback through a letter with an “Oops” tag attached to their cart. For more information on the Recycling Stars Program, please visit our website.

Some unaccepted items that inspectors have found recently:

• Plastic silverware is not recyclable and should be thrown in the trash.
  • Waste reduction tip: Use reusable silverware and cutlery instead of disposable
• Aerosol cans are not accepted in curbside recycling or mixed recycling drop-off. Full or partially full aerosol cans should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off sites at the Walnut Grove Church Rd. and Eubanks Rd. Waste and Recycling Centers. Empty aerosol cans can be recycled in the Scrap Metal bins at the Waste and Recycling Centers.
• Candy wrappers are not recyclable and should be thrown in the trash.
• Egg cartons made of styrofoam and plastic are not recyclable in Orange County.
  • Waste reduction tip: Choose eggs in recyclable paper cartons.
• String lights are not accepted in curbside recycling carts or mixed recycling drop-off. Broken string lights can be taken to the Electronics Drop-Off at the Waste and Recycling Centers.
  • Waste reduction tip: Working string lights should be taken to nonprofit thrift stores and donation centers or the Salvage Sheds. Check for local Repair Cafes to see if they can fix broken string lights.

About the Author

The Orange County Solid Waste Management Department operates the Orange County Integrated Solid Waste Management facility, which contains the Construction and Demolition Landfill, Regulated Material Recycling, and Mulch and Compost Sales. The Department also manages five Solid Waste and Recycling Centers, including two with Household Hazardous Waste and three with Food Waste drop-offs, and the County’s comprehensive Recycling Collection Programs for residential and commercial entities. For questions or comments, please email recycling@orangecountync.gov.

Follow us on social media @ocncsolidwaste on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

About the Author

The Orange County Solid Waste Management Department operates the Orange County Integrated Solid Waste Management facility, which contains the Construction and Demolition Landfill, Regulated Material Recycling, and Mulch and Compost Sales. The Department also manages five Solid Waste and Recycling Centers, including two with Household Hazardous Waste and three with Food Waste drop-offs, and the County’s comprehensive Recycling Collection Programs for residential and commercial entities. For questions or comments, please email recycling@orangecountync.gov.

Follow us on social media @ocncsolidwaste on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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