Holiday Trash Collection Tips

Published on December 21, 2023

It's the holiday season, Charlotte! Whether your festivities are just beginning or you've spent the past weeks full of food and family, one thing is for certain... Trash. It's inevitable! But don't worry, we're here to help you deal with all the extra waste that accumulates during the holidays.

Cardboard

After the holidays, you’ll be swimming in two things—leftovers and boxes. The leftovers are all yours, but we're happy to lend a hand when it comes to cardboard boxes!

Cardboard should be recycled, but it must be broken down into smaller pieces that will fit loosely in your recycling cart. Breaking down the cardboard saves space in your cart and helps prevent boxes from remaining lodged in the cart even when it’s tipped into the collection vehicle. Folded cardboard could expand and become wedged in the cart, preventing it from completely emptying. 

Cardboard will not be collected outside the recycling cart. Any that will not fit inside the cart can be taken to one of Mecklenburg County’s full-service facilities. 

PRO TIP: Not only does proper breaking down cardboard boxes ensure their collection, but it also keeps some of your bigger ticket items a secret. Don't advertise your brand-new 60-inch TV by tossing its box onto the curb! 

Bulky Items

Speaking of getting a brand-new TV, you might be wondering what to do with your old one. Well, don't just toss it! You'll need to schedule a bulky waste collection. Scheduling can be done by calling 704-336-7600. using the CLT+ app, or submitting an online request. You'll need to make an "X" across the screen using tape before placing the TV at the curb (pictured below). This is standard procedure for all objects with glass.

Resident applying tape to the screen of a discarded television placed at the curb for collection.

For other bulky items like appliances, be sure to empty the old ones and remove the doors before putting them out front.

Trees and Wreaths

It's always fun putting up your Christmas tree each year, but it's not as much fun taking it down. Luckily, we're here to help make it less of a hassle. Once all the lights, tinsel, and ornaments have been removed from your natural Christmas tree, simply place it at the curb on your normal collection day. Natural Christmas tree collection will begin on Jan. 1. 

PRO TIP: Make sure you check that your tree stand and all its components are off! This seems like an obvious tip, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to forget.

If you have an artificial tree that you're ready to dispose of this year, you'll need to schedule a bulky waste collection (above). Also, be sure that it is free of decorations before putting it at your curb. In addition to artificial trees, all wreaths (whether artificial or natural) are considered bulky items and need to be part of your bulky waste collection. This is due to the wiring inside all wreaths, including otherwise natural ones.

Two people creating decorative wreaths. 

We sincerely appreciate you taking extra care with your trash and recycling this holiday season. Get detailed collection procedures, recycling schedules, and more at curbit.charlottenc.gov. Happy holidays!