{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Recycle Right: A Conversation with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste","description":" What really happens to your recyclables after they leave the curb? This week on The Backyard Naturalists, we sit down with Jeff Smithberger, Director of Mecklenburg County\u2019s Solid Waste Management Program, for an eye-opening look into the world of local recycling. Serving over 1.1 million residents across Charlotte and surrounding communities, Mecklenburg County\u2019s waste management operation is a complex, high-impact effort that affects every household. From curbside do\u2019s and don\u2019ts to hidden costs of contamination, Jeff helps us understand what it means to Recycle Right\u2014and why it matters more than ever. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned recycler or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable tips, local resources, and surprising facts that will change how you think about your trash. \u267b\ufe0f In this episode, you\u2019ll learn: \u2705 The 6 items you should put in your curbside bin\u2014and what to leave out \u2705 How contamination is costing taxpayers millions each year \u2705 What really happens to recycled materials (hint: road paint, clothing, and more!) \u2705 Where to drop off hard-to-recycle and hazardous items in Mecklenburg County \u2705 Why wipeoutwaste.com is your go-to recycling resource We also cover how the county transforms yard waste into mulch and compost, hosts free paper shredding events, and provides services that many residents don\u2019t even know about. \ud83e\uddfa\ud83c\udf3f \ud83c\udfa7 Listen, like, and subscribe to The Backyard Naturalists on: \ud83c\udf4e Apple Podcasts \ud83c\udfb6 Spotify \ud83d\udcf1 Or wherever you hear podcasts! Let\u2019s clean up our recycling habits and make a greener tomorrow\u2014one bin at a time. ","author_name":"The Backyard Naturalists","author_url":"http:\/\/www.thebackyardnaturalists.com","html":"