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Definition

Item preparation is the method used to prepare household items for curbside pickup.  

 Why is item preparation important?

Solid Waste Services has specific guidelines for proper item preparation.   These guidelines ensure that garbage is collected each week and neighborhoods are free from litter.  Proper preparation also prevents property damage.

 Item-preparation tips

 Garbage includes waste like regular household garbage, old clothing, paper products, dried paint cans without lids, kitty litter, soiled infant diapers, and other miscellaneous items that fit into your roll out cart issued by the City of Charlotte.  

• Tip 1.  Bag all garbage before putting it in the roll out cart. 
  Loose garbage can scatter during the collection process and litter neighborhood streets.  Solid Waste Services is not responsible for garbage that scatters during the collection process.
  
  
• Tip 2.  Do not overfill roll out cart. 
  Overfilled carts can cause spillage during the collection process and litter neighborhood streets.  Solid Waste Services is not responsible for garbage that spills during the collection process.
  
  
• Tip 3.  Place the roll out cart more than 3 feet away from other items, and at least 2 feet from the curb.
  Items around the cart prevent the collection arm from reaching the cart during collection, and can cause property damage.  Objects such as cars completely block the cart during the collection process.  Solid Waste Services is not responsible for moving roll out carts from blocked areas during the collection process. 

Garbage Juice Anyone?  Download this article and include in your next neighborhood newsletter or on your neighborhood website!

 Recycling involves the collection of materials that can be used to create new products.  The City of Charlotte accepts the following materials: cardboard, magazines, catalogues, telephone books, newspaper, mixed paper, junk mail, glass, plastics 1 and 2, and gift wrap.

• Tip 1. Rinse or wipe out remaining liquid and food. 
  Any residue left in containers is considered hazardous contamination, and prevents items in the bin from being recycled.
  
  
• Tip 2.  Cut, not fold, cardboard into pieces no larger than 3 feet x 3 feet.
  Boxes not properly prepared are too big, and take up too much space.  Boxes cut to the appropriate dimensions allow timely collection of recyclables. 

Guarantee That Recyclable An Afterlife.  Download this article and include in your next neighborhood newsletter or on your neighborhood website!

 Yard waste is produced from pruning, lawn mowing, and other basic yard care practices.

• Tip 1.  Cut limbs, logs, and brush to no more that 5 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter.  
  Limbs that are too long or thick can cause damage to equipment or injury to staff.
  
  
• Tip 2.  Separate all piles and stack to less than 4 feet high and less 75 pounds. 
  Piles that are too big slow the collection process, causing missed collections.  They also can attract rodents. Piles that are too heavy can cause safety issues during the collection process.
   
• Tip 3.  Place leaves and grass clippings in untied plastic bags or uncovered trash cans.
  Open bags or containers allows drivers to identify contamination or hazardous materials; slows decomposition that causes odor.
  
  
• Tip 4.  Do not place yard waste in the roll out cart. 
  North Carolina prohibits yard waste disposal at the landfill.  Yard waste found at the landfill can result in a $1,000 fine for Solid Waste Services, which can increase overall collection costs.

Bulky-items such household furnishings or appliances, and lawn equipment are large items that cannot be discarded with regular trash.

• Tip 1.  Call 311 or schedule online.
  Solid Waste Services will not collect any items that are not scheduled.   Unscheduled items left at the curb can be unsafe, and make neighborhood streets less attractive. 
  
  
• Tip 2.  Place bulky-items at the curb only one day prior to collection. 
  Items placed at the curb more than 24 hours prior to collection are a violation of the City ordinance.  Violations of City ordinances can produce fines.

Get Rid of that Junk! Download this article and include in your next neighborhood newsletter or on your neighborhood website!