CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The City of Charlotte is introducing a paper bag mandate, requiring residents receiving municipal waste to use compostable paper bags or reusable personal containers no larger than 32 gallons to collect yard waste.
Yard waste includes leaves, grass clippings, twigs and brushes.The mission will start on Monday, July 5, 2021.
If residents use plastic bags after this date, Solid Waste Services will leave a note reminding them of the change and offer a one-time courtesy collection.
If residents continue to use plastic bags, they could be fined at least $150 under City of Charlotte regulations.
Starting today, you could be fined $150 if you use a plastic bag to clear your yard.The City of Charlotte now requires everyone to use compostable paper bags or reusable personal containers.Details for @WBTV_News at 6a.pic.twitter.com/yKLVZp41ik
Residents also have the option to dispose of yard waste by taking items in paper bags or reusable containers to one of four full-service recycling centers in Mecklenburg County.
Paper yard bags and reusable personal containers up to 32 gallons are available at local discounters, hardware stores, and home improvement stores.
Only compostable paper trash bags are accepted.Compostable plastic bags are not accepted as yard dumps do not accept them as they would compromise the integrity of the composted product.
In addition to local stores, starting July 5, limited paper bags will be picked up for free at the Charlotte Solid Waste Services Office (1105 Oates Street) and at any full location in Mecklenburg County.- Service recycling center.
Officials said the environmental impact of plastic bags as well as operational efficiency were factors in the change.
Single-use plastics have many negative environmental impacts during their manufacture and disposal.Instead, the paper bags are derived from unbleached recyclable brown kraft paper, which saves natural resources and energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Yard waste tonnage has increased by 30% since FY16.Additionally, yard waste facilities do not accept yard waste in plastic bags.
This requires solid waste crews to clear leaves by the curb, which increases collection time and makes it difficult to complete the route on the scheduled collection day.
Eliminating single-use plastic trash bags will allow Solid Waste Services to reduce the amount of time it takes to serve each household, officials said.
Post time: Jun-17-2022