New Hanover County Uses Plastic-Free July to Boost Recycling
MONTREAL (RecyclingMonster): New Hanover County has urged residents to boost recycling as part of Plastic-Free July. The call is part of its efforts to improve the county's low recycling participation. According to county recycling officials, only around 11% of residents currently recycle on a regular basis.
This outreach aligns with people-first recycling guidance and is featured alongside other local recycling initiatives on the RecyclingMonster recycling and waste management platform. [Editor: homepage link verified.]
DEQ Data Shows Large Share of Landfill Material Is Recyclable
The data published by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) suggests that over half of the materials currently disposed of in landfills could have been recycled instead.
According to officials, an improvement in residents’ recycling habits would reduce landfill pressure, lower pollution, and conserve natural resources. Public education on right recycling practices will be continued, they said.
County Offers Simple Guidance on Right Recycling Practices
Officials reminded residents that recycling is not at all complicated. For instance, paper products, including magazines and cardboard, are generally accepted without removing labels or stickers.
Bottles and cans only require a quick rinse before disposal, and there is no need to crush them.
Items That Should Never Go Into Household Recycling Bins
However, plastic bags, cords, and hoses should never be placed in household recycling bins because they can damage sorting equipment.
Instead, plastic bags should be taken to designated collection points at grocery stores, officials noted.
County Programs Divert 25,000 Tons of Waste Each Year
New Hanover County recycling programs divert nearly 25,000 tons of waste from landfills every year.
Officials hope that Plastic-Free July will encourage more residents to participate regularly, further increasing the amount of material kept out of landfills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is New Hanover County promoting recycling during Plastic-Free July?
The county is using Plastic-Free July to encourage higher recycling participation and address low current recycling rates.
How many residents recycle regularly in New Hanover County?
Officials report that only around 11% of residents currently recycle on a regular basis.
What does DEQ data say about landfill materials?
North Carolina DEQ data indicates that more than half of the materials going to landfills could have been recycled.
Which common items are easy to recycle?
Paper products such as magazines and cardboard are generally accepted with labels and stickers in place, and bottles and cans only need a quick rinse.
What materials should not go in household recycling bins?
Plastic bags, cords, and hoses should never go into household recycling bins because they can damage sorting equipment, and plastic bags should be taken to designated grocery store collection points.
Market Relevance
This Plastic-Free July outreach in New Hanover County shows how local recycling programs and simple, practical guidance can help increase participation, reduce landfill dependence, and support long-term resource conservation.