How To Recycle ABC Beverage Containers at

Restaurants/Bars

Roles/Responsibilities

• Permit Holders – Generators of ABC Recyclables – Collect Beverage Containers for Recycling

• Enforcement – Enforce ABC Recycling Laws

• Mecklenburg County ABC Board• ABC Law Enforcement Division

• Collection & Transport – Haulers– Recyclers– Permit Holders (self-haul)

Step 1: Contact Recycling Companies

• Contact companies that will provide collection service for glass, aluminum and plastic bottles.

• Start with your existing waste/recycling service provider– It is important to get quotes from several different

haulers/recyclers to ensure your are getting the best rate.

• The County’s website provides a list of recycling service providers: wowbiz.charmeck.org

Step 2: Recycling System Mechanics

• Meet with the ABC Recycling Hauler at your business to review the logistics of your program– Where will the collected ABC Recyclables be collected?– How often will you need pick up?– Does your businesses location pose a problem for collection?

(alleyways, restricted storage space, etc.)

• Determine the recycling options– Does the hauler require you to keep bottles/cans separate from

other recyclables or is Single Stream recycling an option?

• How will you collect/store bottles/cans inside the building? How will the bottles/cans be transported to the outside collection bins?

Important Considerations

• How will you Prevent Contamination?– Make sure that only recyclables are being put into

the recycling container! – Contaminants can cause a recycling load to be

rejected, which could cost you money.

– Common Contaminants: Food Waste, Utensils (metal and plastic), Styrofoam, Straws, Napkins and Paper Towels, Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, Plastic Cups, Food Wrappers.

More Planning Considerations

• What size collection bins work best within the layout (and available space) of your business?

• What size collection bins can your staff lift?– Assume 2.5 - 3 lbs. per gallon size container :

• 20 gallons = 50-60 lbs.• 35 gallons = 88-105 lbs.• 65 gallons = 163-195 lbs.

Step 3: Train/Educate Employees

• A recycling program works best if it becomes part of the culture of the workplace

• Train employees in how to use the recycling system– Review the established recycling system at regular

intervals with all staff. – Establish program to train all new employees

• Incorporate the duties and activities associated with the recycling program within existing procedures and checklists.

Step 4: Review and Revise the Program

• Recycling programs must be continually monitored to ensure they are operating correctly– Pay close attention for any signs of contamination– Ask your recycling hauler if they have noticed any

contamination issues or encountered other issues with your recycling.

• Encourage employees to notify managers if they see a problem or if they have suggestions on how the recycling program can be improved