Mandatory Recycling: North Carolina, USA

North Carolina

All restaurants and bars that hold a liquor license are required to recycle discarded beverage containers, including glass, aluminum, steel and plastic containers.

Action(s) Taken

Recycling Policies

Who's Affected

Businesses

Population

9,944,000

Year Enacted

2008

Overview of Recycling Requirements

In 2008, the state of North Carolina required all restaurants and bars that hold a liquor license to recycle discarded beverage containers, both from the business and customers. This includes glass, aluminum, steel and plastic containers that are sold for on-site consumption.

North Carolina banned aluminum containers from landfills in 1994, and all plastic bottles from landfills in 2005.

Implementation and Enforcement

The state of North Carolina created a website to help business owners learn about their recycling options and find the best option, as well as provide them with signage and ads to promote the recycling program to employees and patrons.

The program falls under the jurisdiction of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and is enforced in part by asking for proof of recycling from new permit applicants. The Alcohol Law Enforcement staff investigates compliance when visiting bars and restaurants but does not specifically visit sites to enforce this law. The commission has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for education and outreach.