State Agencies

State agencies are a large source of recyclable material and are required by NC General Statutes to collect and recycle aluminum cans, newspaper, office paper, recyclable glass, and plastic bottles. Agencies must also comply with statewide landfill bans.

Furthermore, agencies are mandated by General Statutes to purchase recycled content goods and services.  This is a key component of closing the recycling loop: purchasing products with recycled content creates markets for recyclable materials.

For assistance, contact Matt James at (919) 707-8133 or matt.james@ncdenr.gov. 

Market Resources

Agencies are encouraged to use the state's Recycling Markets Directory to find market options for their recyclable materials. Materials suitable for reuse may be posted or sought out on the state's waste exchange service, NC Waste Trader. Agencies may also find assistance by contacting and working with their local government recycling contacts.

The Material Recovery Facilities Map shows facilities across the state that receive, separate and prepare recyclables for marketing to end user manufacturers.

Find information about diversion opportunities for organics such as landscape trimmings and food scraps.

Banned Materials

Statewide landfill bans prohibit the disposal of certain solid wastes in landfills. These materials include:

  • Used oil*
  • Yard trash
  • White goods*
  • Antifreeze*
  • Aluminum cans
  • Plastic bottles
  • Whole scrap tires*
  • Lead-acid batteries*
  • Electronics*
  • Pallets

* State contracts are available for the recycling of these materials.

View a full list of banned materials and find more information on the state's Banned Materials webpage.

State Contracts and Surplus

The NC Department of Administration's State Surplus Property Agency is a valuable resource providing options for diverting materials from the landfill. State Surplus also provides recycling contracts for materials including: 

  • Used antifreeze, motor oil, and filters
  • Scrap metal
  • Tires
  • Lead-acid batteries

The NC Department of Administration's Division of Purchasing and Contract has mandatory recycling contracts for fluorescent bulbs and electronics.

Public Community College & University Annual Recycling Report

Fifty-two public community colleges and universities participated in the state’s annual recycling report for fiscal year 2016-17. Results show they generated a total of 56,501 tons of discarded material. Of that total, 35,673 (63 percent) were sent to a landfill for disposal, but 20,828 tons (37 percent) were recovered for reuse or recycling.

Full report results and a summary including recommendations are presented in the North Carolina Public Community College & University Annual Recycling Report 2016-17. 

Previous Annual Reports:
North Carolina Public Community College & University Annual Recycling Report 2015-16

North Carolina Public Community College & University Annual Recycling Report 2014-15

Recycling Legislation

NC General Statute 130A-309.14.   Establish a program to collect and recycle aluminum, newspaper, office paper, glass, and plastic bottles

NC General Statute 130A-309.10   Materials banned from disposal in the landfill - see section (f)

NC General Statute 130A-310.60   Recycle fluorescent bulbs generated in public buildings  

NC General Statute 143-58.2   Purchase products with recycled content

NC General Statute 143-58.3   Purchase recycled paper and paper products

Capital-Area Agency Recycling

State agencies in Raleigh are serviced by a convenience contract administered by the Department of Administration’s Facilities Management Division. Office paper, newspaper, aluminum drink cans, plastic drink bottles, glass containers, glossy materials and hardback books are collected via this contract. Cardboard is recycled as well under a different contract. Visit the Facilities Management Division's recycling webpage for more information.

Additional Resources

NC DEQ's statewide recycling outreach campaigns are available to help promote recycling programs:

  • Find downloadable posters & decals and information on public space recycling at Recycle More NC 
  • Find recycling facts and stats at RE3

The Collegiate Recyclers Coalition is a council of the Carolina Recycling Association that brings collegiate recycling coordinators together with the goal of sharing information to develop more comprehensive waste reduction, reuse, and recycling programs on college campuses in North and South Carolina.

The College & University Recycling Coalition is a nationwide non-profit organization that seeks to advance recycling and sustainable materials management at colleges and universities.

EPA's Sustainable Marketplace provides information and resources about purchasing greener products and services.

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