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Business Recycling

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bottles in a receptacle
Since January 1, 2008, North Carolina House Bill 1518 has required holders of on-premises malt beverage, on-premises unfortified wine, on-premises fortified wine and mixed beverage Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) permits to separate, store and recycle all recyclable beverage containers. That includes aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles.

For more information, visit:

Wake County Recycling Guide for ABC Permit Holders

Partnership for Bar and Restaurant Recycling

Commercial waste comprises nearly 70 percent of the Wake County waste stream. Although Cary does not offer curbside recycling at businesses, the Town encourages recycling at work. Most local businesses that pay someone to pick up recyclable materials find that it is cheaper than what they currently pay to have regular trash hauled away.

Ask your regular garbage hauler if they offer any recycling services. The N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance has a directory of markets for recyclable materials. You may also check the telephone book for other companies in the area. Service varies greatly, so it pays to shop around. When comparing hauling companies, here are some questions to ask:

  1. Will you provide containers?
  2. Will you provide any other equipment (i.e., a can crusher or baler)?
  3. How frequently will you pick up?
  4. What are the procedures and charges if I need an extra pickup?
  5. How should I prepare the materials?
  6. What possible contaminants cause a load to be rejected?
  7. What are the costs if a load is rejected?
  8. Can you provide references?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers publications for starting a business recycling program. They can be ordered for free by calling the RCRA hotline from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1-800-424-9346. Most EPA publications are available on the Web site.

  • For specific examples of companies that implemented waste reduction programs, see publication EPA/530-K-92-005, "Waste Prevention Pays Off: Companies Cut Waste in the Workplace."
  • For a very detailed guide on how to start your own business recycling program and conduct an internal waste audit, ask for publication EPA/530-K-92-004, "Business Guide for Reducing Solid Waste."
  • If you are interested in joining a solid waste challenge program, ask for "WasteWi$e: EPA's Voluntary Program for Reducing Business Solid Waste," publication EPA 530-F-93-018.

See Wake County Solid Waste Management for more information.