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Recycling in Salisbury

Why is recycling important?

Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserving valuable space and lowering disposal costs. It preserves natural resources like trees, water, and minerals by reusing materials instead of extracting new ones. Recycling also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing new products. In addition, it supports local sustainability efforts, strengthens regional markets for recyclable materials, and helps protect the environment for future generations.

What items are accepted in curbside recycling?

    • Office and school paper, junk mail, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, brown paper bags
    • Corrugated cardboard, boxboard, and paperboard
    • Clean plastic bottles labeled #1, #2, and #5
    • Clean metal cans (steel, tin, and aluminum)

What items are not accepted in curbside recycling?

  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Food waste or liquids
  • Milk and juice paper cartons
  • Yard waste
  • Scrap metal
  • Frozen food containers
  • Ceramics
  • Hazardous materials
  • Plastics # 3,4,6, & 7
  • Plastic bags, loose bags, or plastic wrap
  • Cloth / clothing
  •  Shredded paper
  • Soiled items (including greasy pizza boxes)

Why can’t glass be placed in Salisbury’s curbside recycling carts?

Glass is no longer accepted in your recycling bin due to how abrasive the material is on machinery, and current market trends. If you would like to recycle your glass, please visit https://www.rowancountync.gov/533/Recycling to find the nearest Rowan County recycling convenience center by you.

Why is it important to not contaminate recycling?

Placing non-recyclable or dirty items in the recycling cart can cause entire loads of otherwise recyclable materials to be sent to the landfill. It also slows down the sorting process, potentially increases processing costs, and can damage equipment at recycling facilities. By placing only accepted clean items in your cart, you help ensure materials can be properly recycled and turned into new products.

Who is this service for?

This service is for residents who live within the City of Salisbury limits and have a City utility account that includes trash and recycling services.

When is my recycling collected (Recycling Calendar)?

Recycling will be collected on the same day as your trash, on a bi-weekly schedule. Place your recycling bin at the curb, with the lid opening facing the street, by 7 a.m. on your collection day.
To look up your bi-weekly collection schedule, please refer to the Recycling Calendar:

2026 Recycling Calendar (PDF) Calendario de Reciclaje de 2026 (PDF)

What if a resident is physically unable to roll their carts to the curb?

Residents with physical limitations can apply for backyard pickup. To apply, please call 704-638-5260.

Will you service businesses?

Yes, but only to businesses that currently receive trash collection services from the City of Salisbury. If your business qualifies and you would like a recycling cart, please call 704-638-5260.

May I order a second cart?

Yes. Residents may request an additional rollout cart for a non-refundable fee of $65.
In addition, a monthly service fee of $16.70 will be applied to your utility bill for each extra cart.
All new and or additional services will receive a City of Salisbury branded recycling cart.
To request one, please call 704-638-5260.

I have never had a recycling cart / My recycling cart was stolen. Will I receive a new cart?

Yes. Every household that receives City trash service also receives recycling service. If your cart was stolen or you need a new one, please call 704-638-5260.

Why is the City of Salisbury transitioning to a city-operated recycling collection program instead of continuing with our current contractor?

The City of Salisbury is transitioning to a city-operated recycling collection program to better suit the needs of our community, improve customer service, and investing in the future while saving taxpayer dollars.

    • When will this change take place?
      The City of Salisbury will go in-house with recycling collection starting July 1st, 2026.
    • Will I have to do anything differently?
      No changes are required. Please continue placing your recycling cart at the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day.
    • Will my collection day change?
      No. Your collection day will remain the same, and recycling will continue on a bi-weekly schedule.
    • Do I keep the same cart, or will I get a new one?
      You will keep your existing recycling cart. The City of Salisbury has purchased Republic Services carts, and during the transition, staff will apply a City of Salisbury seal decal to your cart.
    • Will I have to pay extra for this change from a contractor to city-operated recycling collection program?
      No. Transitioning to city-operated recycling collection will not increase taxes.
    • How will recycling be charged?
      Beginning  July 1st, 2026 trash collection, recycling, and landfill fee will be combined into the "Environmental Fee" on your utility bill.

 

 

Contact Us

Sustainability Coordinator

Allie Elstermann
allie.thies@salisburync.gov
(704) 638-2098

Sanitation Manager

Bailey Teixeira
Bailey.Teixeira@salisburync.gov
(704) 638-5256

Public Works Admin Building
303 West Franklin Street
Salisbury, North Carolina 28144

My Curbside Services

Click on the map below to lookup your waste collection days:

My Collection Services Map

If you have any issues loading the map, feel free to contact us for assistance to lookup what services are provided to your location.

Correct Cart Placement

With our collection service, cart placement is extremely important to guarantee our trucks can access them for pickup on collection days. The mechanical arm on the garbage trucks needs to have clear access to your cart(s). Proper cart placement also ensures your cart(s) are not missed on your scheduled collection day.

Please see the example below showing proper cart placement.

Cart Rules

  • Place your Garbage and/or recycling in the cart(s) provided to you by Republic Services.
  • Put your cart(s) at the roadside by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
  • Do not overfill or place things outside of your cart.
  • Place your cart(s) within two feet of the roadside, with the handle facing toward your property.
  • Each cart should have three feet between it and any other item such as another cart, mailbox, telephone pole, etc.

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