The City of Hickory offers residential curbside recycling service which is picked up every other week on the same day as garbage collection. Below is a map of pickup dates as well as the A and B Schedules. Click below for your specific schedule. If you have a problem with collection, are in need of a recycling rollout, or have questions concerning what can be recycled, call Public Services at (828) 323-7500.  

The City also operates two recycling drop-off centers. The Recycling Convenience Center located on 9th Ave NE beside Fire Station #2 under the water tower is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This center accepts aluminum cans, newspapers, cardboard, Plastics #1 and #2, mixed paper, and green, brown, and clear glass. The Solid Waste Transfer Station located at 1050 1st Ave SW is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This drop-off center accepts aluminum cans, newspapers, Plastics #1 and #2, cardboard, used motor oil, antifreeze, and green, brown, and clear glass. Do not bring non-recyclable trash to either of these facilities. If you would like to make a service request, please click here to visit our Action Center.

Recycling Collection Tips

• The blue rollout recycling container, with the arrows on the lid pointing to the road, must be placed at the curb before 7 a.m. and removed the same day of service.
• The best location for the blue rollout is within 2 feet from the curb and 5 feet from any obstruction, including low-hanging branches or wires.
• Do not throw anything in the blue rollout recycling container that is not on the approved list.
• Accepted items: #1 and #2 plastics (rinsed); metal cans (rinsed); glass bottles and jars that drinks or food come in (rinsed); paper (newspaper, junk mail, computer paper); fiberboard boxes (cereal boxes, snack boxes); paper towel and toilet paper cores; and flattened cardboard.
• Prohibited items: plastic bags; bubble wrap or plastic wrap; batteries; paint; styrofoam; pizza boxes; frozen food boxes; receipts; shredded, small pieces of paper or plastic; paper towels or napkins; plastic straws; plastic utensils; to-go or solo cups or lids; to-go trays or clamshells; household glass or mirrors or ceramics; pumps; gloves or tubes; "tanglers" or cords; scrap metal; textiles or clothes; hazardous or medical waste; and bagged recyclables.
• Please try to reduce your single use items and increase your use of reusable containers for drinks and food.
• Please keep all recyclables inside your rollout, and do not stuff and overfill to ensure proper emptying and minimize any litter.