Concord and Kannapolis Recycling Carts Now Take Plastic Cups, Clamshells, and Paper Cups

Good news for anyone who has stood over a recycling cart holding an iced coffee cup and wondering. Concord and Kannapolis both announced this week that their curbside carts now take plastic cups, plastic clamshells, takeout containers, yogurt cups, and paper cups. Mecklenburg County added the same kinds of items in September, so the rules now match more closely on both sides of the county line.

What changed in Concord

The City of Concord announced on Oct. 21 that its black residential recycling carts now accept:

• Plastic cups and lids, without straws
• Plastic fruit containers and clamshells, like berry, deli, salad, bakery, and meal prep containers
• Plastic takeout containers
• Plastic yogurt cups, dairy tubs, and similar food containers and lids
• Paper cups, including coffee and fast food cups

The city says the change comes from an upgrade at Mecklenburg County's Amble Drive Materials Recovery Facility, where Concord's recycling is processed. The plant added 16 optical sorters, which let it handle more kinds of material.

Concord's list of things that still do not belong in the cart: plastic bags, film, wrap, and straws; cords, rope, hoses, and other "tanglers"; batteries of any kind, including lithium ion; shredded paper; foam; textiles; and garbage.

What changed in Kannapolis

The City of Kannapolis announced on Oct. 20 that its yellow lid recycling carts now take:

• Plastic cups, like the ones from restaurant chains, without straws
• Plastic fruit containers and clamshells
• Plastic takeout containers, with clear ones preferred
• Plastic yogurt cups
• Paper cups

Cardboard, cartons, paper and magazines, metal cans, and glass bottles and jars are still accepted, and carts are still picked up every other week. The city reminds residents that the lid has to close all the way or the cart will not be collected, and that tires, blankets, pillows, and wires are not recyclable.

And in Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County reopened its upgraded Amble Drive facility in September and added paper cups, plastic cups, yogurt cups and similar containers, clear plastic food containers, and clean takeout containers to its curbside list. The county's curbside page also notes that it does not go by the little numbers stamped on plastics, and that foam clamshells are still out.

The rules that matter most

The new items only help if they arrive clean. Both cities ask for the same three things:

1. Clean and dry. Rinse out the yogurt cup and knock the crumbs out of the takeout box.
2. Loose in the cart. Both cities say not to bag your recycling.
3. No straws, no foam. A plastic cup is welcome. The straw and a foam clamshell are not.

Kannapolis puts it plainly: trash in the recycling can get a whole truckload rejected.

What we do not know yet

Neither city said whether its printed recycling guides and magnets will be reissued, so the sheet on your fridge may be out of date for a while. Kannapolis did not say where its recycling is processed. If you are unsure about an item, check your city's page before you toss it in.

Where to check

• Concord residents can look up rules and collection days at concordnc.gov/whatsmyday.
• Kannapolis residents can find their pickup day at kannapolisnc.gov/garbage.
• Both cities point residents to the free CARTology app for reminders.

Living in another town? Your rules may differ, so check with your own town or hauler.

Last verified October 22, 2026.