Recycle Today

To view all holiday changes for 2023, click on the calendar icon.

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The city has launched a new app and online tool that takes the guesswork out of curbside collections, be it garbage, recycling, yard waste, brush or bulky item collection. To download the app, go to the Apple Store or the Play Store and search for the Winston-Salem Collects app. Users will be guided to type in their address when they open the app for the first time.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

With a growing waste and plastics problem and an increased need to reduce our impact on the planet, the Office of Sustainability would like to encourage Winston-Salem residents to consider reducing their waste before needing to recycle. The best way to figure out which items you can reduce your use of is to conduct an at home waste audit. Once you know what items you are buying the most of, you can start to look for alternatives that will ultimately reduce your household waste. You can even get your kids involved for the whole family to be involved in this effort!

Recycling Exemption Form

Do you have a physical or other limitation that prevents compliance with the rollout program? You can fill out the form below to apply for backyard collection for your garbage and recycling. Only one form is needed for both services, as well as a doctor's note.

Garbage and Recycling Exemption Form (Online Form)

Curbside Exemption Request Form (pdf)

Questions About Recycling

Do you know of a group that has questions about recycling or wants to learn more about it? You can set up a presentation with the Recycle Today Coordinator, Derek Owens. Email Derek Owens or call at 336-747-6970.

Learn more about rollout recycling - you can find guidelines for using your recycling cart with the automated collection trucks, benefits of it, about why you can't put plastic bags in your blue bins, and other useful information.

Recycle Often, Recycle Right 

Come back to the basics of recycling. By increasing the amount of paper, cans, and bottles that go into the recycling cart and decreasing contamination (items that cannot be recycled), we can make a huge difference. Visit the Recycle Often, Recycle Right website.

Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 Recycling Achievements

Thank you for recycling 10,497 tons last fiscal year. Thanks to your efforts, the following resources have been conserved:

  • 93,185 mature trees saved
  • 39,849 cubic yards of landfill airspace saved
  • 44,634,981 kilowatt hours of electricity saved
  • 54,357,730 gallons of water saved