(A) In compliance with North Carolina G.S. § 130A-309.04, and in recognition of the Town of Wilkesboro's commitment to extend the life of the Wilkes County Landfill and set a standard of environmental conscientiousness by which all Wilkesboro residents may follow, the Town of Wilkesboro does hereby set for itself a goal of 40% reduction in the present solid waste stream now being landfilled by initiating a mandatory recycling program. The mandatory program and policy shall consist of commercial and residential collections implemented in a manner to promote the most cost-effective method of compliance with local goals and state mandates.
(B) (1) All residential and commercial establishments are required to participate in the mandatory recycling program. Residential and commercial establishments participating in the mandatory recycling program shall endeavor to recycle all newspapers and all inserts that come with the newspaper, cardboard boxes, pasteboard boxes, cereal boxes and metal cans and aluminum pans by collapsing and/or breaking down boxes and placing boxes/cans in a 96-gallon roll-out cart, labeled RECYCLABLES. No wax boxes or plastic-coated boxes are to be recycled and participants should not place wax boxes or plastic-coated boxes in recycling containers.
(2) All residential and commercial establishments in the mandatory recycling program shall also endeavor to recycle all glass containers regardless of color. The following glass items cannot be recycled: light bulbs, plate glass, glass cookware, mirrors, ceramics, or any glass that is not a container. Paper labels do not need to be removed. All bottle caps and lids must be removed. Glass recyclables must be placed in a separate, 21-gallon, recyclables bin marked GLASS RECYCLABLES.
(3) All residential and commercial establishments in the mandatory recycling program shall also endeavor to recycle all #1 and #2 plastic containers. This includes plastic bottles and milk jugs. The following items are not recyclable: plastic wrap and hard plastics other than types 1 and 2. Procedure to recycle plastic: rinse out bottles and jugs, remove the lids, and place in the recycling container. Lids that are left on recyclable containers present a hazard to our town employees during the compacting process. For the most up-to-date recyclables, please refer to www.wilkesboronc.org
(4) The Town of Wilkesboro will collect recyclable materials from residential and approved commercial establishments on a schedule to be determined by the Public Works Director and the Town Manager for the Town of Wilkesboro.
(C) The following regulations shall govern all persons who utilize the town's recyclables collection program:
(1) Recycling bins are to be used for recyclable items only.
(2) All recyclables, except yard waste, shall be placed in a town-authorized receptacle bin. Additional 21-gallon bins can be purchased by citizens if needed according to the current schedule of fees.
(3) Curbside recyclables collection service will be provided on a day designated by the Public Works Director or designee for curbside collection service. The recyclables rollout cart and glass container shall be placed at curbside separate from other items. Any material not placed inside of the appropriate receptacle shall not be picked up by the town.
(4) It shall be unlawful to place the recyclables bin at curbside for collection prior to 7:00 p.m. the evening before the approved collection date and to fail to remove the container by 7:00 p.m. on the day of collection.
(D) The purchase of a 21-gallon glass recycling container is made at the Town of Wilkesboro at the Town Hall for in an amount as set out in the current town schedule of fees and for participation in the mandatory recycling program as authorized by the Town of Wilkesboro as set forth herein.
(Ord. passed 7-16-1991; Am. Ord. passed 9-1-1992; Am. Ord. 2018-13, passed 9-10-2018)
Penalty, see § 51.99