February 2026

Did you know that greeting cards that contain glitter, fabric, metallic decorations, and other non-paper elements are not recyclable? These types of greeting cards should be thrown in the trash.

Wondering how to dispose of a specific item? Download the Orange County NC Recycles app or use the A-Z guide on the website to search for materials and their disposal options.

North Carolina has seen its share of winter weather this season, leading to frigid temperatures, icy roads, and delays and closures. Orange County Solid Waste wants to make sure residents know where to locate updates about recycling collection service and facility schedules.

Weather-related alerts and other service updates will be posted on the Solid Waste website homepage and on the Inclement Weather page in the "About" section. Updates will also be shared through the Orange County NC Recycles app and on all Solid Waste social media pages.

Orange County and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension department are once again hosting the annual Agricultural Summit. The Ag Summit is a one-day seminar bringing together farmers, suppliers, government officials, and other specialists to explore the state of farming in Orange County and surrounding counties. There will be opportunities to learn and discuss trends and topics impacting the agricultural industry today.

The 2026 Ag Summit will take place on Monday, February 16th from 8am-2pm at the Whitted Human Services Center, located at 300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough. It is free to attend and provides a complimentary, locally sourced lunch. Learn more information about event topics and register by February 12th on the Ag Summit website.

Orange County Solid Waste will be tabling at the Ag Summit, and attendees can talk to the Education and Outreach team about recycling, composting, and waste reduction, as well as pick up some Solid Waste swag!

Join Orange County Solid Waste for a FREE workshop and learn about recycling right and ways to reduce your waste. Register to attend on the Solid Waste website. Registration is encouraged by not required.

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Times: 10am-11:30am OR 6pm-7:30pm

Location: Solid Waste Administration Building - 1207 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill

Spend the upcoming holiday showing your love for the environment and your community!

Last year was a big year for food waste diversion in Orange County. Thanks to residents using the Food Waste Drop-Off sites and businesses, schools, and local organizations participating in the Food Waste Diversion Program, Orange County diverted over 1.3 million pounds of food waste in 2025. This is equivalent to avoiding over 138,000 pounds of methane and over 3.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide, which are two prominent and harmful greenhouse gases. 2025's food waste collection total is an 11.6% increase in tonnage from 2024 and a 23.5% increase from 2023.

Orange County is looking to keep the upward trend by increasing food waste collection in 2026. There are many ways to divert your food waste, both at home and out in the community. Orange County operates 6 Food Waste Drop-Off sites and offers tips on the Solid Waste website for residents interested in composing at home. In addition, there are 6 NEW Food Waste Drop-Off bins that will be coming soon and will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check the Solid Waste website for updates to this program.

Orange County also operates a Commercial Food Waste Program for businesses, schools, and local organizations to divert their food waste from landfills. This program helps support zero waste goals and can decrease trash hauling fees. Participating businesses will receive a Food Waste Diversion Star window decal to represent their commitment to helping the local environment and community. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about joining the program, contact the Solid Waste office at recycling@orangecountync.gov or (919) 968-2788.

Our mulch sale has been extended through February 28, 2026. Mulch is available for $20 per 3-cubic yard scoop, which is 50% off the regular price.

Mulch and compost (sold at regular price) can be purchased at the Orange County Landfill, located at 1514 Eubanks Rd in Chapel Hill. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7am-4pm, and Saturday from 8am-12pm.

We also deliver mulch and compost. Delivery costs are $75 within 10 miles and $95 from 11 miles up to a maximum of 20 miles.

For more information, visit the Solid Waste website or call (919) 968-2788.

A monthly review of the most common and interesting items found in recycling carts.

As part of the Recycling Stars Program, Solid Waste staff check curbside recycling carts to help residents learn how to recycle correctly. The goal of the program is to improve both the quality and amount of recyclables collected from homes around the County. Residents who recycle correctly earn a star sticker on their cart. If unaccepted items are found, residents receive feedback through a letter with an “Oops” tag attached to their cart. For more information on the Recycling Stars Program, please visit our website.

Some unaccepted that inspectors have found recently:

Download our free app called Orange County NC Recycles in the Apple or Google Play Store where you can:

• Use the A-Z guide to find out the right way to dispose of your materials

• View the recycling collection calendar and receive reminders

• Learn about the Waste & Recycling Centers

At Orange County NC Solid Waste on Facebook, Instagram, and X. 

Listen to OC Solid Waste Representatives the second Tuesday of each month from 8:15 am to 8:45 am on the ‘3-D News’ on local radio WHUP 104.7 FM, over the air and streaming online. Visit this link to listen online. If you missed the show, you can listen online since shows are archived for a month after airing. 

Orange County Solid Waste Management

orangecountync.gov/recycling

recycling@orangecountync.gov

(919) 968-2788