Here are a few options, aiming for impact in 10 words or less:

1. Blade Hazard: Saw Blades Injure Worker. NEVER Recycle Them! (9 words)
2. STOP! Saw Blades Injure Worker. They Are NOT Recyclable. (10 words)
3. Recycling Danger: Saw Blades Injure Worker. They’re NOT Recyclable! (10 words)
4. Worker Injured. Saw Blades Are NOT Recyclable. Keep Workers Safe! (10 words)
5. Recycling Mistake: Saw Blades Injure Worker. Don’t Repeat It! (10 words)

| Vibe NC

Your Recycling Bin Isn’t a Hazard Zone: A Vital Safety Reminder for All North Carolinians

Here at Vibe NC, we’re all about keeping our beautiful state vibrant and healthy – and that includes our recycling efforts! But we’ve got a serious heads-up from Mecklenburg County Recycling that affects us all. Imagine hearing this from a recycling center: “Saw blades are not recyclable!” It sounds obvious, right? Yet, in June, an employee at the Pence Road Material Recovery Facility was nearly struck by a saw blade improperly placed in a curbside bin. This terrifying close call is a stark reminder from officials to never, ever put sharp or hazardous items into your recycling bin. It’s not just about protecting our planet, it’s about protecting the dedicated folks who work tirelessly to process our waste.

This incident in Mecklenburg County might seem localized, but it’s a critical message for every North Carolinian who participates in curbside recycling. Every time an incorrect or dangerous item makes its way into the stream, it poses a risk to workers, damages expensive machinery, and can contaminate entire batches of otherwise recyclable materials. It’s what we call “wishcycling” – putting something in the bin hoping it’s recyclable, but without actually knowing. To help you “know before you throw” and ensure Y’all stays safe, Mecklenburg County Recycling has shared clear guidelines on what belongs and what absolutely needs to stay out. While specific rules can vary slightly by county, these are fantastic general principles for all of us across NC to follow.

So, let’s make sure our good intentions lead to great outcomes! Here’s a quick guide from Mecklenburg County on what to include and what to keep out of your curbside recycling:

YES! These items typically go in your recycling bin:

• Plastic Bottles, Tubs, and Jugs (like milk jugs, detergent bottles, yogurt cups)
• Jars with lids (like peanut butter or salsa jars)
• Milk cartons and Drink boxes
• Dairy containers
• Dish Soap containers & Condiment containers
• Glass Bottles and Jugs (empty and rinsed)
• Metal Cans (aluminum and steel)
• Paper, Cartons, and Cardboard (clean and dry)

NO! Keep these items OUT of the recycling bin:

• Aerosol cans
• All batteries (these are a fire hazard!)
• Aluminum foil
• Ceramic items
• Clothing or textiles
• Diapers
• Electronics (e-waste has special recycling programs)
• Food-tainted items (empty and rinse containers!)
• Hazardous waste
• Household glass (like drinking glasses, bakeware, or windowpanes – these melt at different temperatures than bottles/jars!)
• Medical waste
• Plastic bags and wrap (they jam machinery!)
• Plastic cups, lids, and straws
• Scrap metal (like that saw blade!)
• Wood
• Shredded paper (too small for most facilities to process)
• Styrofoam
• Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires, Christmas lights, etc.)
• Tires
• Toys

What are your biggest recycling dilemmas? Share your thoughts and any local tips you have in the comments below!