Recycling pickups in Charlotte are delayed this week. What should residents do?

Recycling pickup will be delayed in Charlotte this week because of a staffing shortage with a vendor, according to the city.

Residents should call 311 to report a missed collection and leave recycling carts at the curb until collected, officials advised on Monday.

Garbage and yard waste collection services are operating without delay on a normal schedule, according to the city.

Residents can also take recyclables to one of Mecklenburg County’s four full-service recycling centers. The county may charge a fee.

City officials said the vendor who picks up recyclables curbside bi-weekly is experiencing staffing shortages. The city has a contract with Waste Management for recycling pickups.

Residents also are encouraged to register for Solid Waste Services’ text messages to receive up-to-the-minute collection service notices. Text your day of service to 73224. For example, if your collection day is Thursday, text “Thursday” to 73224.

Such staffing shortages are nothing new.

In August, The Charlotte Observer reported that the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and trash pickup were among the most-affected city services , while recycling pickup also was experiencing delays due to a similar labor crunch. Callers to CharMeck 311 also were experiencing longer wait times, the Observer reported.

This story was originally published September 20, 2022 at 11:27 AM.