WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – According to Joe Suleyman, director of New Hanover County Recycling and Solid Waste, only about 11% of New Hanover County residents recycle. He wants to see that number climb.<\/p>\n
A 2025 report from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality found that more than half of what ends up in landfills could have been recycled. With Plastic-Free July underway, county officials are focusing on simple ways residents can cut waste.<\/p>\n
Suleyman said recycling does more than reduce trash; it cuts pollution, conserves limited resources, supports jobs and helps extend the life of the landfill.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere in New Hanover County, it takes about 25,000 tons out of the waste stream every year,\u201d Suleyman said. \u201cSo that\u2019s keeping it out of the landfill essentially, keeping it out of the roads as litter, keeping it out of our waterways, things like that, so it does have an impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
He says recycling one aluminum can, for example, saves enough energy to power a TV for about two hours.<\/p>\n
Suleyman said a straightforward rule of thumb can help residents get started: if it\u2019s paper, it can go. That includes magazines and cardboard, and residents do not need to peel off stickers; the machinery can handle them.<\/p>\n
For cans and bottles, a quick rinse is enough. Items do not need to be spotless, and crushing them is not required.<\/p>\n
The biggest items to keep out of the bin are those that can jam the machines\u2019 hoses, cords and plastic bags. Plastic bags, however, can be dropped off at many grocery stores, where they are recycled into products like picnic benches and park tables.<\/p>\n
With a small percentage of New Hanover County residents recycling. Suleyman says he hopes more educational outreach will make a difference. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very frustrating because I think most people want to do the right thing,\u201d Suleyman said. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s just confusion about how to recycle correctly, or maybe it\u2019s not convenient for them, and that\u2019s where we come in.\u201d<\/p>\n