Plastics are sorted by resin code (#1–#7). Bottles and jugs (#1 PET and #2 HDPE) are the most widely accepted; films, bags and foam usually need special drop-off and never belong in curbside bins.

In North Carolina we list 24 plastic drop-off locations across 23 cities, with the most in Chapel Hill, Bakersville, Benson, Calabash and Charlotte. Each links to its full page with address, phone and hours.

Plastic Drop-Off Locations in North Carolina

Chatham County Collection Center- Pittsboro

📍Pittsboro · 180 Dr M.L.K. Jr Dr, Pittsboro, NC 27312
📞+1 919-545-0640
🕐Today: 7 AM–7 PM
View Details →

Orange County Solid Waste & Recycling Center- Ferguson Rd.

📍Chapel Hill · 1616 Ferguson Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
📞+1 919-968-2788
🕐Today: Closed
View Details →

Orange County Solid Waste & Recycling Center- Walnut Grove Church Rd.

📍Hillsborough · 3605 Walnut Grove Church Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278
📞+1 919-968-2788
🕐Today: 7 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Person County Recycle Center

📍Roxboro · 741 Martin St, Roxboro, NC 27573
📞+1 336-599-7571
🕐Today: 7 AM–7 PM
View Details →

Wm - Winston-Salem Recycle Center

📍Winston Salem · 280 Business Park Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
📞+1 336-631-9439
🕐Today: 7 AM–5 PM
View Details →

Orange County Solid Waste & Recycling Center- Eubanks Rd

📍Chapel Hill · 1518 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
📞+1 919-968-2788
🕐Today: 7 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Forsyth County Recycling Center

📍Pfafftown · Forsyth County Recycling Center, Pfafftown, NC 27040
📞+1 336-724-1536
🕐Today: 8 AM–5 PM
View Details →

Rowan County Recycling Center - Liberty Site

📍Gold Hill · 8835 Stokes Ferry Rd, Gold Hill, NC 28071
📞+1 704-680-2961
🕐Today: Closed
View Details →

Fisher River Recycling Center

📍Dobson · 120 Clearwater Ln, Dobson, NC 28621
📞+1 336-386-9791
🕐Today: 7 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Wrightsville Beach Recycling Center

📍Wrightsville Beach · 321 Causeway Dr, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
📞+1 910-256-7935
View Details →

Foxhole Recycling Center

📍Charlotte · 17131 Lancaster Hwy, Charlotte, NC 28277
📞+1 980-314-3845
🕐Today: 7 AM–4 PM
View Details →

North Surry Recycling Center

📍Mt Airy · 142 Greyhound Rd, Mt Airy, NC 27030
📞+1 336-789-5592
🕐Today: 7 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Supply Recycling Convenience Center

📍Supply · 1709 Oxpen Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462
📞+1 910-842-9523
🕐Today: Closed
View Details →

Johnston County Airport Convenience Center

📍Smithfield · 3505 Swift Creek Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
📞+1 919-938-4750
🕐Today: 8 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Carolina Shores Recycling

📍Calabash · 200 Persimmon Rd SW, Calabash, NC 28467
🕐Today: 9 AM–3 PM
View Details →

Hickory Recycling Center

📍Hickory · 923 12th St Pl NE, Hickory, NC 28601
View Details →

Mitchell County Recycling Center

📍Bakersville · 2771-2201 S North Carolina 226, Bakersville, NC 28705
🕐Today: 6:30 AM–7 PM
View Details →

Uncw Recycling Depot

📍Wilmington · 5195 Lionfish Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
🕐Today: 7 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Recycling Convenience Center

📍Concord · 246 General Services Dr SW, Concord, NC 28025
📞+1 704-920-3278
🕐Today: 8 AM–5 PM
View Details →

Joco Recycling Convenience Center Oak Grove Inn

📍Selma · 5641 US-301, Selma, NC 27576
🕐Today: 8 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Johnston County Barber Mill Convenience Center

📍Clayton · 369 Barber Mill Rd, Clayton, NC 27520
🕐Today: 8 AM–7 PM
View Details →

South Johnston Convenience Center

📍Benson · South, 10580 US-301, Benson, NC 27504
🕐Today: 8 AM–6 PM
View Details →

Coleridge Convenience Site

📍Coleridge · 4717 Holly Spring Rd, Coleridge, NC 27316
🕐Today: 8 AM–4:30 PM
View Details →

Kernersville Recycling Center

📍Kernersville · 445 Lindsay St, Kernersville, NC 27284
🕐Today: 8 AM–5 PM
View Details →

Recycling Plastic in North Carolina: What to Know

🥤 #1 & #2 bottles/jugs
The most valuable and widely recycled plastics — empty and replace the cap.
🛍️ Film & bags
Grocery bags and wrap jam sorting machines; take them to store drop-off instead.
📦 #3–#7 & foam
Often not accepted curbside; check for specialty drop-off.

How to Prepare Plastic

  • Empty and rinse containers; leave caps on bottles.
  • Never bag your recyclables — loose is better unless told otherwise.
  • Take plastic bags and film to store drop-off, not the curbside bin.

Plastic Recycling FAQ — North Carolina

Which North Carolina cities have the most plastic drop-off locations?

The most plastic drop-offs are in Chapel Hill (2), Bakersville (1), Benson (1), Calabash (1) and Charlotte (1). In total we list 24 locations across 23 North Carolina cities — all listed above with addresses and hours.

Where can I recycle plastic in North Carolina?

Start with the facilities listed on this page and the full North Carolina directory. Curbside carts cover bottles and jugs; bags, film and foam need special drop-off. Always call ahead to confirm the item is accepted and whether a fee applies.

Is there a fee to drop off plastic?

Some sites accept it free; others charge a per-item or per-pound fee because of processing or disposal costs. Fees change, so confirm with the facility before your visit.

Can I put plastic in my curbside bin?

Usually no — plastic typically needs a dedicated drop-off rather than the curbside recycling cart. Check your city or county program for its specific rules.

See all plastic recycling locations by city, the full North Carolina recycling directory, or plastic recycling in California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana.