Mecklenburg County
Recycling Survey
Summary Report
Table of Contents
Methodology
Summary & Conclusions
Detailed Findings
– Participation in Recycling
•
•
•
•
•
Demographic Profile
Knowledge
Satisfaction
Separating Recyclables
Items Household Typically Recycle
– Recycling Influencers
• Attitudes Toward Recycling
• Sources of Information
–
–
–
–
Single-Stream Recycling
Recycling Ideas
Recycling Websites
Composting/Lawn Clippings
3
6
19
24
29
36
38
41
45
47
50
58
62
78
87
92
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 2
Methodology
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 3
Methodology
• 2,003 phone surveys of randomly selected households in
Mecklenburg County.
– Charlotte and unincorporated areas – 800 total interviews
– Over sample in townships of Cornelius, Davidson,
Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville – 200
interviews each
• February 19 - March 18, 2009
– Surveying was conducted Monday through Saturday.
• Households that recycle and those that do not were both
included in this study.
• Talked with person “most likely to make decisions
regarding the collection of trash and recyclables for this
household.”
– 61% Women, 39% Men
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 4
Methodology
• The data is weighted to ensure no geographic area, age,
or racial group is over-or-under-represented in the results,
and then projected to the number of households in
Mecklenburg County (as estimated by Claritas iMark
Online 2009).
• Maximum sampling error is +/- 2.2 percentage points at a
95% confidence level.
– The sampling error for subgroups (men, women, etc.) is larger
because it is based on fewer interviews.
– For example, the maximum sampling error for the 200
interviews conducted in Cornelius is +/- 6.9 percentage
points.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 5
Summary
Conclusions
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 6
Summary & Conclusions
The level of participation in recycling among 359,300
Mecklenburg Households:
• An estimated eight of ten (80%) households set out their
recyclable material at least once every two weeks. Seven of ten
households (71%) set-out recyclables on the most recent collection day.
– This is based on householders reporting what they actually did.
– It appears Mint Hill participates the most based on this measure.
• When asked as a more subjective measure of recycling, six of
ten (60%) households say they participate in recycling “all the
time” and two in ten (18%) participate “most of the time.”
– The remainder (22%) participate less often or not-at-all.
– When they don’t participate, they most often attribute it to not having a
container (65%), not having enough recyclables to set out (42%) or to feeling it
is “not convenient” to recycle.
– Those in Davidson are more likely to say they recycle “all the time.”
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 7
Summary & Conclusions
• The level of participation in recycling is a self-reported behavior.
There is also a level of social desirability associated with
recycling. Therefore, if this impacts results, it would be to
slightly overstate participation.
• When comparing those who recycled in the past two weeks to
those who did not (estimated 73,500 households), the following
demographic differences are suggested:
– Recyclers tend to be somewhat older, more educated and more likely to be
Caucasian. Recycling households are less likely to have only one adult and
more likely have higher household incomes.
– The presence of children in the household appears equally likely for both
recycling and non-recycling households.
– It is important that the reader realizes that an increased likelihood is simply that
and should not be considered an absolute – for example, many lower-income
households do participate in recycling; as well, and many higher-income
households do not.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 8
Summary & Conclusions
• Most (88%) householders feel they have at least a good
understanding of what can be recycled or not (32% have an
“excellent” and 56% have a “good” understanding).
– Davidson was most likely to feel they have an excellent understanding (42%).
• Most (85%) householders are satisfied with their current
recycling service; 41% are “very satisfied.”
– Matthews was most likely to be very satisfied (42%).
• Even though they are not required, nearly half (48%) of all
households that recycle at the curbside, also separate their
recyclables in some way.
– This is especially true in Davidson (62%).
– However, only one in five curbside households (19%) feel it is a requirement.
Therefore, most of those who do separate, do so voluntarily.
– Those in Mint Hill are the least knowledgeable about whether or not it is
required: 43% said it was or that they did not know.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 9
Summary & Conclusions
• Two of three householders (66%) with curbside recycling
available said that almost all of their neighbors recycle.
– This is especially true in Davidson, where 86% feel this way.
– The degree to which householders feel their neighbors recycle is moderately
related to their own participation in recycling. Therefore, it seems that anything
that highlights others’ participation in recycling could be positively influential;
and the more participation that is perceived, the more influential it would be.
– For example, it would seem having a recycling container that is brightly
colored and uniquely intended for recycling, would encourage participation,
especially if more of neighbor households participate in recycling. A certain
degree of social pressure would be in effect and the non-recycling household
would otherwise clearly stand out as non-conforming.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 10
Summary & Conclusions
• The vast majority of householders strongly agree that recycling
is the right thing to do, it is good for the environment and it is
good for my community.
– There is less agreement about whether or not recycling saves money and for
some, it may even cost more. Similar benefit claims should perhaps be
avoided unless they can be shown to truly be a benefit.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 11
Summary & Conclusions
Sources of Information
• Local television appears to be the overall favorite way to provide
information to householders about recycling, especially for those
in Charlotte.
• However, a mix of media would be most effective. Other media
to consider . . .
– Radio would be another way to reach but again, most effective with the larger
Charlotte audience.
– Utility flyers appear most effective in Pineville.
– Local newspaper appears most effective in Cornelius; however, it is not clear if
this is a local weekly or a local “Neighbors” section that is distributed with the
Charlotte Observer.
– The town newsletter is understandably more effective for those living in the
smaller municipalities.
• Charlotte.com and gocarolina.com would be the most effective
websites for communicating recycling information.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 12
Summary & Conclusions
Single Stream Recycling
• The concept of single-stream recycling was explained to
householders and contrasted to dual-stream recycling.
– While the change to single-stream would not impact the majority, one in three
said they would recycle more often and recycle more items. However, there
really is no downside as to the impact this change would have on recycling –
the vast majority of rest said they would not change and very, very few would
actually recycle less.
– Of those in townships other than Charlotte, 36% said they would recycle more
often and 45% would recycle more items if they were given a larger, roll-out
container for that purpose.
– In those communities that were asked, including the unincorporated areas. . .
• Three out of four householders preferred the smaller, 64-gallon container.
• Blue, closely followed by Green, were the preferred colors for these containers.
– Huntersville residents were asked to respond to the idea of having three rollout containers. Half are indifferent while the other half are closely split
between being positive and negative.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 13
Summary & Conclusions
Davidson – Changes to Pick-up Schedule
• Davidson curbside householders seem somewhat supportive of
the idea of having their recyclables picked up once every two
weeks – three of five said it is “acceptable” and one in five said it
is “somewhat acceptable.”
– However, those who feel it is somewhat acceptable are perhaps compromising
their answer regarding acceptability for a reason. And once the reality of the
change is experienced, their ambivalence may lead to some level of
dissatisfaction.
– Davidson householders clearly rejected the idea of picking up their recyclables
only once a month.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 14
Summary & Conclusions
Recycling Ideas and Programs
• The idea of making recycling mandatory was explored for all
communities in Mecklenburg, other than Charlotte.
– This represents an estimated 74,600 households with curbside pickup.
– Seven out of ten householders are at least somewhat supportive of mandatory
recycling - Nearly half (47%) are very supportive and 23% are somewhat
supportive.
– The support is not significantly different from one community to the other based
on the percent of total support.
• The idea of a Recycle Bank was explained where you could be
rewarded by local and national sponsors based on how much you
participate in recycling.
– Seven out of ten householders are at least somewhat supportive – 39% are very
supportive and 31% are somewhat supportive.
– Based on the percent of total support, the support is not significantly different
from one community to the other.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 15
Summary & Conclusions
• The Pay-As-You-Throw idea was explained where you would
pay based on the amount of trash you have, thereby
encouraging recycling, a service that would be provided at a
lower cost..
– Less than half of householders are supportive – 20% were very supportive
and 26% were somewhat supportive. Half (49%) were not supportive and a
few (5%) had no opinion.
– Based on the percent of total support, the support in Davidson is higher than
it is in Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 16
Summary & Conclusions
Recycling Websites
• The awareness of the county-wide website, wipeoutwaste.com,
is small - only one in eight Mecklenburg households (12%) have
heard of it; only 4% have accessed it.
• One in three Charlotte/unincorporated households (34%), have
heard of curbit.charmeck.org; one in ten (10%) have accessed it.
• Seven of ten Huntersville households (69%), have heard of the
local huntersville.org; half (50%) have accessed it.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 17
Summary & Conclusions
Composting/Lawn Clippings
• More than half of all householders (56%) recognize that it is
better for the lawn to leave the grass clippings when mowing;
they seem a little more likely (61%) to acknowledge that it is
better for the environment.
– Those in Cornelius, Davidson and Mint Hill are more likely than others to know
that leaving the clippings is better for the lawn.
– These same communities, along with Matthews, are more likely to know it is
better for the environment.
• Half of all households have either participated in compositing
yard and kitchen waste or at least considered doing so
– 31% have actually composted
– 19% have considered composting
– Davidson householders are the most likely to have actually composted garden
or kitchen waste in the past.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 18
Detailed Findings
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 19
Collection Day
Participation
25%
Monday
17%
Tuesday
23%
Wednesday
18%
Thursday
16%
Friday
Don't Know
1%
The collection day for nearly half (47%) of all households with
curbside pickup is Monday or Wednesday.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 20
Collection Day
Recycling
Total
CLT
Corn
David
Hunt
Matt
Mint
Pine
302.7
228.1
7.8
2.7
16.1
8.8
6.6
1.5
Monday
25%
25%
31%
5%
21%
31%
23%
64%
Tuesday
17%
17%
21%
1%
25%
29%
39%
7%
Wednesday
23%
23%
20%
36%
24%
<.5%
21%
6%
Thursday
18%
20%
20%
3%
12%
23%
14%
14%
Friday
16%
15%
8%
55%
18%
16%
4%
3%
1%
1%
-
-
1%
-
-
6%
Curbside Pickup HHs (000)
Don’t Know
Collection days vary by municipality.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 21
Collection Location
Recycling
“Are trash and recyclables picked up by the curbside
or do you take them to one central location?”
84%
An estimated 56,600 households have
trash and recyclables picked up at a
central location.
Central
Jurisdiction
Curbside
Location
302,700
Households
56,600
HHs
Curbside
16%
Mint Hill
98%
2%
Huntersville
97%
3%
Matthews
91%
9%
Davidson
91%
9%
Cornelius
90%
10%
Charlotte
86%
14%
Pineville
83%
17%
Central Location
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 22
Participation in
Recycling
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 23
Recycling
Participation
“Over the two most recent collection days, did your household set out recyclables at the
curbside at least one of those days?”
“On the most recent collection day, did your household set any recyclables at the curbside?”
1+ of 2 most
80%
recent days
Most recent
71%
day
Not recycled
20%
Eight of ten households set out
recyclables one or both of the two
most recent collection days; seven of
ten did so on the most recent
collection day.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 24
Recycling
Total
Mint Hill
Matthews
Davidson
Cornelius
Huntersville
Charlotte
Pineville
Participation
Past
2 Weeks
Past
7 Days
Not Recycle
Past 2 Weeks
80%
92%
90%
89%
88%
84%
81%
70%
72%
85%
86%
84%
83%
77%
73%
60%
20%
8%
9%
11%
12%
16%
19%
30%
The smaller municipalities, other than Pineville, tend to participate more in
recycling with Mint Hill and Matthews leading the way.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 25
Recycling
Participation - Subjective
“Would you say your household participates in recycling . . . ?”
60%
All of the time
18%
Most of the time
Half of the time
Occasionally
Never
4%
8%
10%
Six of ten Mecklenburg
households said they
participate in recycling
“all of the time.” Nearly
eight out of ten report
they participate at least
“most of the time.”
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 26
Recycling
All Households (000)
Participation - Subjective
Total
359.3
CLT Corn David Hunt Matt Mint Pine
264.6 8.7
3.0 16.6 9.6
6.7
1.8
All the Time
60%
61%
74%
81%
67%
70%
75%
48%
Most of the Time
18%
19%
17%
10%
17%
19%
12%
29%
Half of the Time
4%
4%
2%
2%
2%
2%
3%
4%
Occasionally
8%
7%
4%
2%
6%
5%
5%
9%
10%
9%
4%
5%
9%
4%
5%
10%
Never
Davidson households are the most likely to feel they
participate all the time in recycling. Compared to the other
smaller municipalities, Pineville households are more likely
to participate occasionally or never.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 27
Recycling Behavior
Recycling Participation
Reasons Why They Only Recycle Half the Time, Occasionally or Never
Households That Recycle Infrequently:
Don’t have a container for recyclables
Not enough recyclable materials to set out
It is not convenient
Not always sure what can/cannot be recycled
Recycling isn’t available in my neighborhood
Some members of this HH do not recycle
It will not make a significant difference
It takes too much time
I don’t save any money by recycling
Container is not big enough to hold everything
It costs more to recycle
Recycling is simply unpleasant
76,200
65%
42%
41%
35%
26%
24%
21%
16%
15%
9%
8%
5%
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 28
Demographic Profile
Recyclers vs. Non-Recyclers
Number of HHs (000)
Gender of Householder
Women
Men
Recycled
Past 2 Weeks
Did Not
Recycle
285.8
73.5
59%
41%
70%
30%
The person asked for was the “person who is most likely to make
decisions regarding the collection of trash and recyclables for
this household.” Non-recycling households were a little more
likely to be represented by a woman.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 29
Recyclers vs. Non-Recyclers
Demographic Profile
Number of HHs (000)
Age Group
18 to
25 to
35 to
45 to
55 to
65+
24
34
44
54
64
Recycled
Past 2 Weeks
Did Not
Recycle
285.8
73.5
3%
20%
22%
24%
15%
17%
5%
27%
24%
22%
12%
12%
Those householders who do not recycle are somewhat younger.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 30
Recyclers vs. Non-Recyclers
Demographic Profile
Number of HHs (000)
# of Adults in HH
One
Two
Three
Four or more
Recycled
Past 2 Weeks
Did Not
Recycle
285.8
73.5
18%
66%
12%
4%
35%
52%
12%
1%
Those households that do not recycle are more likely to have one adult in them.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 31
Recyclers vs. Non-Recyclers
Demographic Profile
Number of HHs (000)
Children in HH
Yes
No
Refused
Recycled
Past 2 Weeks
Did Not
Recycle
285.8
73.5
43%
56%
1%
43%
57%
<.5%
Recycling and non-recycling households are equally likely to have children in them.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 32
Recyclers vs. Non-Recyclers
Demographic Profile
Number of HHs (000)
Education
HS or less
Some College/Spec
College Grad +
Recycled
Past 2 Weeks
Did Not
Recycle
285.8
73.5
17%
19%
63%
36%
24%
40%
Householders who do not recycle tend to be less educated.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 33
Recyclers vs. Non-Recyclers
Demographic Profile
Number of HHs (000)
Race
Caucasian
African-American
Asian/Pacific Islander
Latino/Hispanic
Multiracial
Other
Refused
Recycled
Past 2 Weeks
Did Not
Recycle
285.8
73.5
64%
24%
5%
3%
2%
1%
2%
43%
50%
2%
3%
2%
<.5%
<.5%
Half of non-recyclers are African-American; over four of ten are Caucasian;
less than one in ten are other races
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 34
Recyclers vs. Non-Recyclers
Demographic Profile
Number of HHs (000)
Household Income
<$20,000
$20,000 to
$30,000 to
$40,000 to
$50,000 to
$60,000 to
More Than
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$75,000
$75,000
Recycled
Past 2 Weeks
Did Not
Recycle
285.8
73.5
3%
7%
7%
11%
13%
17%
42%
15%
12%
9%
16%
14%
9%
27%
Non-Recyclers are more represented by lower income households.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 35
Understanding of What can be Recycled
Knowledge
“Do you feel you have an . . . . understanding of which
materials can be recycled and which ones can’t ?”
32%
Excellent
56%
Good
9%
Fair
Poor
3%
The vast majority of households
(88%) feel they have an excellent
or good understanding of which
materials can be recycled.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 36
Understanding of What Can Be Recycled
Knowledge
All Households (000)
Total
359.3
Excellent/Good
88%
88%
85%
92%
87%
86%
75%
83%
Excellent
32%
32%
36%
42%
35%
31%
32%
29%
Good
56%
56%
49%
51%
52%
55%
44%
55%
Fair
9%
8%
13%
6%
10%
11%
19%
12%
Poor
3%
3%
1%
1%
3%
2%
6%
4%
<.5%
1%
<.5% <.5% <.5%
1%
1%
1%
Don’t Know
CLT Corn David Hunt Matt Mint Pine
264.6 8.7
3.0 16.6 9.6
6.7
1.8
Compared to the two lowest ratings (excellent or good) received by Mint Hill and
Pineville, Davidson and Charlotte households have a significantly better
understanding of what can or cannot be recycled.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 37
Satisfaction Level
Recycling
“Overall, how satisfied are you with the current
recycling service for your household?”
44%
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
41%
7%
5%
3%
No Opinion
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 38
Satisfaction by Geography
Recycling
All Households (000)
Total
359.3
CLT Corn David Hunt Matt Mint Pine
264.6 8.7
3.0 16.6 9.6
6.7
1.8
Total Satisfied
85%
87%
89%
94%
85%
92%
91%
83%
Very Satisfied
41%
42%
44%
55%
36%
54%
43%
33%
Satisfied
44%
45%
46%
39%
49%
39%
49%
49%
Dissatisfied
5%
6%
5%
3%
9%
2%
4%
2%
Very Dissatisfied
3%
2%
3%
1%
2%
3%
1%
9%
Total Dissatisfied
9%
8%
8%
4%
11%
5%
5%
11%
No Opinion
7%
5%
3%
2%
4%
3%
4%
7%
Based on total satisfaction and the percent very satisfied, Matthews and Davidson
are more satisfied with their recycling service than Charlotte, Cornelius,
Huntersville and Pineville.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 39
Recycling
Satisfaction by Collection Type
Total Satisfied
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total Dissatisfied
No Opinion
Total
HHs
Curbside
Central
Location
85%
41%
44%
5%
3%
9%
7%
90%
46%
44%
4%
2%
6%
4%
57%
14%
44%
14%
8%
22%
21%
Curbside collection of recyclables yields greater satisfaction
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 40
Separating Recyclables
Recycling
Curbside Customers
“Does your household currently separate any
of your recyclables into different groups?”
3%
48%
48%
1%
Yes
Sometimes
No
About half of all
households that
recycle,
separate their
recyclables into
different
groups.
Don't Know
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 41
Separation by Geography
Recycling
Curbside Customers
“Does your household currently separate any of your recyclables?”
Curbside Pickup HHs (000)
Yes
Sometimes
No
No Opinion
Total
CLT
Corn
David
Hunt
Matt
Mint
Pine
281.2
213.2
7.7
2.7
14.8
8.4
6.2
1.4
48%
46%
53%
62%
51%
40%
51%
34%
3%
3%
3%
3%
2%
1%
1%
6%
48%
50%
43%
35%
48%
59%
48%
59%
1%
1%
1%
<.5%
<.5%
<.5%
<.5%
1%
Matthews and Pineville are the least likely to separate recyclables compared
to the other municipalities.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 42
Recycling
Separating Recyclables
Curbside Customers
“Are residents required to separate the materials in any way or can
they mix it all together in the same recycling container?”
67%
19%
Yes, Required
No
14%
Don't Know
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 43
Separating Recyclables
Recycling
Curbside Customers
“Are residents required to separate the materials in any way or can
they mix it all together in the same recycling container?”
Total CLT
302.7 228.1
Corn
7.8
David
2.7
Hunt
16.1
Matt
8.8
Mint
6.6
Pine
1.5
Yes, required
19%
19%
15%
13%
18%
9%
22%
15%
No
67%
70%
63%
71%
72%
81%
58%
76%
Don’t Know
14%
12%
22%
16%
10%
10%
21%
10%
Curbside Pickup HHs (000)
Over one in five Mint Hill residents feel separating recyclables is required.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 44
Recycling
Items Households Typically Recycle:
Plastic Bottles/ Containers
92%
86%
Glass Bottles/Jars
85%
Aluminum Cans
83%
Cardboard
80%
Magazine, Tel Books, Catalogs
78%
Newspaper
72%
Paper Containers/ Packaging
56%
Junk Mail
Computer Paper
Spiral Cans
38%
31%
Responses based on
households that
participate in recycling.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 45
Recycling
Items Households Typically Recycle:
Total
CLT
Corn
David Hunt
Matt
Mint
Pine
HHs Participating in Recycling (000)
323.5
239.5
8.4
2.8
15.2
9.2
6.3
1.6
Plastic containers
92%
93%
94%
99%
97%
96%
96%
92%
Glass containers
86%
86%
91%
96%
90%
91%
87%
80%
Aluminum cans
85%
85%
91%
92%
91%
88%
88%
84%
Cardboard
83%
82%
89%
95%
90%
87%
77%
79%
Magazines, tel. books, etc
80%
81%
87%
93%
88%
91%
90%
78%
Newspaper
78%
79%
89%
94%
92%
88%
87%
77%
Paper containers/packaging 72%
73%
84%
87%
78%
85%
72%
68%
Junk mail
56%
56%
59%
73%
55%
68%
63%
58%
Computer paper
38%
38%
42%
54%
34%
45%
37%
36%
Spiral cans
31%
33%
30%
35%
35%
26%
32%
31%
Generally, Davidson tends to lead the way in the recycling of most categories of
recyclable materials.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 46
Recycling Influences
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 47
Influencers
Your Neighbors
“When thinking about your neighbors, the ones you can see from
your home, how many would you say participate in recycling?”
66%
Almost all
13%
Three-quarters
Half
One-quarter
8%
3%
or Almost none
5%
No Opinion
4%
Two-thirds of householders,
with curbside service, said
that “almost all” of their
neighbors participate in
recycling.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 48
Influencers
Your Neighbors
“When thinking about your neighbors, the ones you can see from
your home, how many would you say participate in recycling?”
Total CLT
HHs Participating in Recycling (000) 323.5 239.5
Corn
8.4
David Hunt
2.8
15.2
Matt
9.2
Mint
6.3
Pine
1.6
Almost All
66%
68%
68%
86%
71%
74%
75%
49%
Three-quarters
13%
12%
15%
7%
10%
15%
11%
15%
Half
8%
8%
8%
2%
8%
6%
7%
17%
One-quarter
3%
4%
2%
<.5%
4%
<.5%
3%
8%
Almost None
5%
5%
3%
1%
4%
1%
3%
7%
No Opinion
4%
4%
4%
4%
2%
4%
2%
5%
Davidson householders are the most likely to feel that “almost all” their neighbors
recycle. Pineville householders are the least likely to feel this way.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 49
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Total Mecklenburg County
Recycling is the right thing to do
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is good for my community
We save natural resources when we recycle
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
Recycling saves money
Recycling creates jobs in my community
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
92%
92%
89%
84%
84%
59%
52%
37%
7%
7%
9%
13%
11%
25%
29%
22%
The feeling that recycling is the “right thing to do” and that it is “good for the
environment” are the two strongest messages that were tested. Only 59% of
householders disagree that it costs more money to recycle.
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 50
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Charlotte
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is the right thing to do
Recycling is good for my community
We save natural resources when we recycle
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
Recycling saves money
Recycling creates jobs in my community
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
94%
93%
90%
85%
84%
61%
55%
39%
5%
5%
9%
12%
11%
24%
28%
23%
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 51
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Cornelius
Recycling is the right thing to do
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is good for my community
We save natural resources when we recycle
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
Recycling saves money
Recycling creates jobs in my community
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
93%
91%
89%
86%
86%
60%
53%
40%
6%
8%
9%
12%
11%
29%
36%
23%
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 52
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Davidson
Recycling is the right thing to do
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is good for my community
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
We save natural resources when we recycle
Recycling creates jobs in my community
Recycling saves money
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
86%
86%
83%
82%
76%
49%
44%
32%
13%
13%
16%
12%
21%
37%
34%
21%
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 53
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Huntersville
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is the right thing to do
Recycling is good for my community
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
We save natural resources when we recycle
Recycling saves money
Recycling creates jobs in my community
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
94%
92%
92%
89%
87%
59%
54%
34%
4%
8%
6%
8%
10%
23%
31%
25%
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 54
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Matthews
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is good for my community
Recycling is the right thing to do
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
We save natural resources when we recycle
Recycling saves money
Recycling creates jobs in my community
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
90%
89%
89%
85%
81%
57%
56%
32%
9%
10%
9%
10%
18%
24%
29%
21%
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 55
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Mint Hill
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is good for my community
Recycling is the right thing to do
We save natural resources when we recycle
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
Recycling saves money
Recycling creates jobs in my community
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
94%
91%
91%
84%
83%
63%
50%
35%
5%
8%
7%
12%
12%
22%
34%
22%
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 56
Influencers
Attitudes Toward Recycling
Pineville
Recycling is the right thing to do
*It is a waste of time to recycle (% Disagree)
Recycling is good for the environment
Recycling is good for my community
We save natural resources when we recycle
Recycling saves money
Recycling creates jobs in my community
*It costs more money to recycle (% Disagree)
Strongly
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
92%
90%
90%
86%
80%
68%
68%
46%
8%
9%
8%
12%
17%
18%
22%
15%
* Different from other questions, a disagree response to question is desirable
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 57
Information
Sources of Information
Total Mecklenburg
“Would (source) be an effective way to provide you with information about recycling?”
Percent Who Said “Yes”
85%
Local Television
70%
Local Radio
Flyers in Utility Bills
69%
Local Newspaper
69%
66%
Through Mail
65%
Internet website
59%
Bill Boards
Town Newsletter
47%
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 58
Sources of Information
Information
“Would (source) be an effective way to provide you with information about recycling?”
Percent Who Said “Yes”
Total
CLT
Corn
Matt
Mint
Pine
All Households (000)
359.3
264.6
8.7
David Hunt
3.0
16.6
9.6
6.7
1.8
Local Television
85%
88%
81%
69%
80%
82%
85%
80%
Local Radio
70%
73%
59%
58%
58%
60%
71%
64%
Flyers in Utility Bill
69%
69%
56%
59%
64%
61%
70%
74%
Local Newspaper
69%
71%
85%
66%
68%
67%
78%
68%
Through the Mail
66%
68%
60%
60%
65%
63%
73%
67%
An Internet Website
65%
68%
58%
68%
58%
60%
57%
57%
Billboards
59%
64%
44%
47%
50%
46%
60%
67%
Your Town Newsletter
47%
47%
72%
75%
67%
75%
77%
68%
Local television is the preferred choice overall and along with radio may be most effective with
the larger Charlotte area. Utility bill flyers appear most effective in Pineville. Local newspaper
appears to be most effective in Cornelius; whether this is a local weekly paper or a “Neighbors”
section of The Charlotte Observer is unclear. The town newsletter is much more effective for
those living in the smaller municipalities.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 59
Sources of Information
Information
Mecklenburg – Those Favoring Internet as Information Source
“Would you prefer that it be . . . [one choice]?”
Regional Website like Charlotte.com or
GoCarolina.com
41%
36%
Meck County's Website
Town's Website
9%
Social Networking Website Like
Facebook/MySpace
9%
No Opinion
5%
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 60
Sources of Information
Information
By City/Town – Those Favoring Internet as Information Source
“Would you prefer that it be . . . [one choice]?”
Prefer Internet Site (000)
Total CLT
232.2 178.5
Corn
5.1
David Hunt
2.0
9.6
Matt
5.7
Mint
3.8
Pine
1.0
Regional Website like
Charlotte.com/GoCarolina.com 41%
45%
35%
20%
45%
29%
40%
33%
Meck County Website
36%
34%
33%
13%
25%
35%
28%
29%
9%
6%
25%
58%
14%
27%
22%
21%
Social Networking Website such
as FaceBook/MySpace
9%
9%
4%
3%
11%
7%
4%
9%
No Opinion
5%
4%
6%
6%
3%
6%
8%
Town’s Website
5%
Charlotte householders appear to favor the regional websites, such as charlotte.com and
gocarolina.com. Davidson, compared to most other municipalities, is less favorable about
the Mecklenburg County website but has a significantly stronger preference for its own
local website.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 61
Single-Stream Recycling
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 62
Mecklenburg County Residents were read the following description
sections about dual-stream and single-stream recycling.
Those With Curbside Pick Up
Currently, Mecklenburg County jurisdictions use dual-stream recycling. Residents
use a 20-gallon bin to collect recyclables. When picked up, the person operating the
truck separates paper-like material such as newspapers from plastic, glass and
aluminum containers. The truck dumps the two types of material separately at the
recycling center.
Some propose going to single-stream recycling where residents put all recyclable
material into a larger container with wheels, similar to what you currently use for
garbage. All recyclables are dumped in the truck together and then separated at the
recycling center. This eliminates the need for anyone to separate items before they
go into the truck and they can be unloaded all at the same time at the recycling
center. In short, it makes the collection process more efficient.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 63
Mecklenburg County Residents were read one the following description
sections about dual-stream and single-stream recycling.
Those With Pick Up at a Central Location
Currently, Mecklenburg County jurisdictions use dual-stream recycling. Residents
living in multi-family dwellings, such as apartment complexes, are required to
separate these materials into different containers at the place where the truck picks it
up. The truck has to dump each type of material separately at the recycling center.
Some propose going to single-stream recycling where residents put all material in
one container and it is only separated when it gets to the recycling center. This
eliminates the need for anyone to separate items before they go into the truck and
they can be unloaded all at the same time at the recycling center. In short, it makes
the collection process more efficient.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 64
Impact on Recycling
Single-Stream
Single Stream Recycling
“If your [city or town/Mecklenburg County] was to go to single-stream
recycling, do you feel your household would recycle . . . ?”
32%
More often
64%
No change
Less often
No Opinion
1%
3%
Essentially, there is only an upside to
implementing single-stream recycling in
terms of how often householders will
recycle. One in three said they would
recycle more often.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 65
Impact on Recycling
Single-Stream
“If your [city or town/Mecklenburg County] was to go to single-stream
recycling, do you feel your household would recycle . . . ?”
All Households (000)
Total CLT
359.3 264.6
Corn
8.7
David
3.0
Hunt
16.6
Matt
9.6
Mint
6.7
Pine
1.8
More Often
32%
30%
32%
13%
33%
19%
19%
33%
No Change
64%
65%
66%
85%
62%
78%
78%
61%
Less Often
1%
2%
<.5%
<.5%
3%
3%
2%
4%
No Opinion
3%
3%
2%
2%
2%
<.5%
2%
2%
With single-stream recycling, the feeling that they would recycle more often is less so in
Davidson, Matthews and Mint Hill. Perhaps this is due to a stronger feeling that they recycle
enough already and feel they have less of a need to change.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 66
Impact on Recycling
Single-Stream
Those Who Recycle
Single Stream Recycling
“Would it cause you to recycle more items, less items or
would it not affect how many items you recycle?”
33%
More Items
64%
No change
Less Items
No Opinion
1%
2%
The answers to this question and the previous
question are very consistent. In fact, 82% of
the respondents answered both questions the
same. In any event, both questions support
the feeling that there is no negative impact to
recycling behavior.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 67
Impact on Recycling
Single-Stream
Those Who Recycle
“If your [city or town/Mecklenburg County] was to go to single-stream
recycling, do you feel your household would recycle . . . ?”
Total CLT
HHs That Recycle (000) 323.5 239.5
Corn
8.4
David
2.8
Hunt
15.2
Matt
9.2
Mint
6.3
Pine
1.6
More Items
33%
34%
36%
24%
38%
26%
25%
29%
No Change
64%
62%
61%
75%
60%
72%
72%
66%
Less Items
1%
1%
<.5%
<.5%
2%
2%
1%
4%
No Opinion
2%
3%
2%
<.5%
1%
<.5%
1%
<.5%
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 68
Single-Stream
Impact on Recycling
Curbside Pickup Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
“Do you feel being able to place all your recyclables into one
larger roll-out container would cause you to recycle . . . ?”
36%
More often
62%
No change
Less often
No Opinion
1%
1%
Those jurisdictions other than Charlotte were
asked if the larger container that would be
used in single-stream recycling would
impact how often they recycle. Again, there
is no downside – over one in three would
recycle more often.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 69
Impact on Recycling
Single-Stream
Curbside Pickup Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
“Do you feel being able to place all your recyclables into one
larger roll-out container would cause you to recycle . . . ?”
Corn
All Households (000) 7.8
David
2.7
Hunt
16.1
Matt
8.8
Mint
6.6
Pine
1.5
More Often
32%
20%
41%
26%
36%
25%
No Change
64%
78%
56%
69%
62%
67%
Less Often
1%
2%
1%
4%
2%
7%
No Opinion
3%
<.5%
1%
<.5%
1%
1%
Huntersville is significantly more likely than most of the other municipalities to
feel that having a larger roll-out container will cause them to recycle more
often.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 70
Single-Stream
Preferences
Curbside Recyclers Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
“Would have a large roll-out container cause you to recycle more items,
less items or would it not affect how many items you recycle?”
45%
More Items
54%
No Change
Less Items
1%
No Opinion
<.5%
For these jurisdictions, the idea of
having a larger container does seem
to increase their feeling that they will
recycle more items.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 71
Preferences
Single-Stream
Curbside Recyclers Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
“Would have a large roll-out container cause you to recycle more items,
less items or would it not affect how many items you recycle?”
Curbside HHs(000)
Corn
7.7
David
2.7
Hunt
14.8
Matt
8.4
Mint
6.2
Pine
1.4
More Items
44%
29%
52%
30%
36%
32%
No Change
54%
69%
47%
68%
62%
61%
Less Items
1%
1%
1%
2%
1%
7%
No Opinion
1%
1%
<.5%
<.5%
1%
<.5%
Again, Huntersville is significantly more likely than most of the other
municipalities to feel that having a larger roll-out container will cause them to
recycle more items.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 72
Size of Container
Preferences
Curbside – Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Unincorporated
“If you have a choice, which size would you prefer
for a recycling container – 96 or 64 gallons?”
74%
64-Gallon
19%
96-Gallon
No Preference
Neither
No Opinion
4%
2%
<.5%
After an explanation of the
container type and the
two different sizes, the
preference, for those
communities in which it
was asked, is clearly for a
container that is the 64gallon size.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 73
Size of Container
Preferences
Curbside – Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Unincorporated
“If you have a choice, which size would you prefer
for a recycling container – 96 or 64 gallons?”
Curbside (000)
Corn
7.8
David
2.7
Hunt
16.1
Matt
8.8
64-Gallon
75%
76%
72%
80%
96-Gallon
18%
14%
20%
14%
No Preference
3%
4%
5%
3%
Neither
2%
5%
3%
3%
No Opinion
3%
1%
<.5%
<.5%
The preference for the 64-gallon size recycling container is similar across those
communities that were asked the question.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 74
Color of Container
Preferences
Curbside – Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Unincorporated
“If you had a choice, what color would you prefer for this container?”
Blue
31%
29%
Green
9%
Red
White
Other
No Opinion
<.5%
12%
19%
Among the communities in which it was asked, blue is a slightly preferred over
green as a color for the recycling container.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 75
Color of Container
Preferences
Curbside – Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Unincorporated
“If you had a choice, what color would you prefer for this container?”
Curbside HHs(000)
Total
66.6
Corn
7.8
David
2.7
Hunt
16.1
Matt
8.8
Blue
31%
28%
19%
30%
29%
Green
29%
32%
33%
27%
35%
9%
5%
9%
10%
12%
White
<.5%
<.5%
<.5%
2%
<.5%
Other
12%
10%
9%
10%
6%
No Opinion
19%
26%
30%
20%
18%
Red
However, those in Cornelius, Davidson and Matthews have a slight preference for a green
container. Note: The total results are impacted by those living in unincorporated
Mecklenburg – the number of responses are too few to provide a separate analysis of this
segment of the population.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 76
Number of Containers
Huntersville
Huntersville Curbside Customers and Change to Single-Stream Recycling
“This means most residents would end up having three roll-out containers. . . consider
this to be a positive or negative change or does it not make a difference to you?”
21%
Positive
51%
Neither + or -
25%
Negative
No Opinion
3%
Huntersville householders were either
indifferent or somewhat evenly split
between having a positive or negative
reaction to this suggestion.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 77
Recycling Ideas
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 78
Collection Schedule
Davidson
Davidson Curbside Customers
“Assuming the roll-out container was an adequate size, how acceptable would it
be if the pick-up schedule was changed to once every two weeks?”
61%
Acceptable
19%
Somewhat Acceptable
17%
Unacceptable
No Opinion
3%
Eight of ten Davidson
house-holders feel
that having their
recyclables picked up
every two weeks is at
least somewhat
acceptable.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 79
Collection Schedule
Davidson
Davidson Curbside Customers
“What if the pick-up schedule was changed to once a month?”
Acceptable
11%
22%
Somewhat Acceptable
64%
Unacceptable
No Opinion
4%
Changing to a once-a-month schedule would be unacceptable to most.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 80
Recycling Ideas
Making Recycling Mandatory
Curbside Pickup in Townships Other Than Charlotte
Making Recycling Mandatory - How Supportive?
47%
Very Supportive
23%
Somewhat Supportive
29%
Not Supportive
No Opinion
1%
Seven of ten are somewhat or very supportive of mandatory recycling.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 81
Recycling Ideas
Making Recycling Mandatory
Curbside Pickup Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
Making Recycling Mandatory - How Supportive?
Curbside HHs (000)
Corn
7.8
David
2.7
Hunt
16.1
Matt
8.8
Mint
6.6
Pine
1.5
Total Support
77%
77%
74%
68%
69%
76%
Very Supportive
53%
48%
48%
44%
46%
47%
Somewhat Supportive
24%
29%
26%
24%
23%
29%
Not Supportive
21%
23%
26%
29%
30%
23%
2%
1%
<.5%
3%
1%
1%
No Opinion
Although Matthews and Mint Hill appear a little less supportive based on Total
Support (very/somewhat combined), the difference is not significant.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 82
Recycle Bank
Recycling Ideas
Curbside Pickup Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
*Recycle Bank Explained - How Supportive?
39%
Very Supportive
31%
Somewhat Supportive
26%
Not Supportive
No Opinion
4%
Seven in ten
are somewhat
or very
supportive of
this proposal.
* Explained – “This is where the recycling truck records your participation based on how often you recycle
and how many items you recycle. And this get converted into points that you can use to earn rewards
and discounts from local and national sponsors.”
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 83
Recycle Bank
Recycling Ideas
Curbside Pickup Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
*Recycle Bank Explained - How Supportive?
Curbside HHs (000)
Corn
7.8
David
2.7
Hunt
16.1
Matt
8.8
Mint
6.6
Pine
1.5
Total Support
70%
70%
69%
63%
63%
72%
Very Supportive
41%
43%
38%
31%
36%
42%
Somewhat Supportive
30%
27%
31%
32%
27%
30%
Not Supportive
26%
28%
30%
34%
35%
26%
4%
2%
1%
2%
3%
2%
No Opinion
Based on Total Support (very/somewhat combined), the difference
in support between these communities is not significant.
* Explained – “This is where the recycling truck records your participation based on how often you recycle
and how many items you recycle. And this get converted into pointes that you can use to earn rewards
and discounts from local and national sponsors.”
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 84
Recycling Ideas
Pay-As-You-Throw
Curbside Pickup Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
*Pay-As-You-Throw Explained - How Supportive?
20%
Very Supportive
26%
Somewhat Supportive
49%
Not Supportive
No Opinion
A little less than
half support this
proposal and
half do not
support it.
6%
* Explained – “This is where residents would pay for trash collection based on the amount of trash they
have and curbside recycling is offered at no cost or a cheaper cost, thereby encouraging more recycling.”
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 85
Pay-As-You-Throw
Recycling Ideas
Curbside Pickup Living in Townships Other Than Charlotte
*Pay-As-You-Throw Explained - How Supportive?
Curbside HHs (000)
Corn
7.8
David
2.7
Hunt
16.1
Matt
8.8
Mint
6.6
Pine
1.5
Total Support
52%
57%
40%
34%
44%
47%
Very Supportive
19%
23%
14%
20%
17%
20%
Somewhat Supportive
34%
34%
26%
14%
27%
27%
Not Supportive
44%
39%
56%
59%
51%
49%
4%
4%
4%
7%
6%
3%
No Opinion
Based on Total Support (very/somewhat combined) it appears that Davidson is significantly
more supportive of this program than Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill or Pineville.
* Explained – “This is where residents would pay for trash collection based on the amount of trash they
have and curbside recycling is offered at no cost or a cheaper cost, thereby encouraging more recycling.”
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 86
Recycling Websites
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 87
Wipeoutwaste.com
Websites
All Mecklenburg Households
“Prior to now, have you ever heard of wipeoutwaste.com?”
“Have you accessed or gone to the website wipeoutwaste.com?”
88%
Not Heard Of
Heard of
Accessed
12%
4%
Most households, nine in ten, have not
heard of the website, wipeoutwaste.com.
Very few have accessed it.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 88
Wipeoutwaste.com
Websites
All Mecklenburg Households
“Prior to now, have you ever heard of wipeoutwaste.com?”
“Have you accessed or gone to the website wipeoutwaste.com?”
Total CLT Corn David Hunt Matt Mint Pine
All Households (000) 359.3 264.6 8.7
3.0 16.6 9.6
6.7
1.8
Not Heard Of
88%
89%
90%
87%
84%
92%
83%
85%
Heard Of
12%
11%
10%
13%
16%
8%
17%
15%
4%
4%
3%
6%
5%
<.5%
3%
4%
Accessed/Visited
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 89
Curbit.charmeck.org
Websites
Charlotte and Unincorporated Mecklenburg
“Prior to now, have you ever heard of curbit.charmeck.org?”
“Have you accessed or gone to the website curbit.charmeck.org?”
66%
Not Heard Of
64%
34%
Heard of
Accessed
36%
10%
Total
12%
Charlotte Only
One in three of those living in Charlotte/Unincorporated Mecklenburg County,
have heard of the curbit.charmeck.org website.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 90
Websites
Huntersville.org
Huntersville Households
“Prior to now, have you ever heard of Huntersville.org?”
“Have you accessed or gone to the website Huntersville.org?”
Not Heard Of
31%
69%
Heard of
Accessed
50%
Seven of ten Huntersville householders have heard of the website Huntersville.org.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 91
Composting
Lawn Clippings
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 92
Lawn Clippings
Yard Waste
“When you mow, is it better for the lawn if you collect the clippings and
dispose of them or is it better to leave the clippings on the lawn?”
“Which is better for the environment?”
27%
Collect
20%
56%
Leave on Lawn
No Difference
No Opinion
61%
2%
Better for Lawn
Better for Environment
2%
16%
16%
There appears to be a small, but greater likelihood that householders will feel
that leaving grass clippings on the lawn is better for the environment than they
will feel that it is better for the lawn.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 93
Lawn Clippings
Yard Waste
“When you mow, is it better for the lawn if you collect the clippings and
dispose of them or is it better to leave the clippings on the lawn?”
Total CLT Corn David Hunt Matt Mint Pine
All Households (000) 359.3 264.6 8.7
3.0 16.6 9.6
6.7
1.8
Collect
27%
29%
15%
16%
28%
24%
18%
30%
Leave on Lawn
56%
52%
70%
70%
55%
62%
70%
47%
2%
2%
1%
3%
5%
3%
6%
2%
16%
17%
15%
12%
7%
21%
No Difference
No Opinion
11% 12%
Those in Cornelius, Davidson and Mint Hill are most likely to know it is
better for the lawn to leave the grass clippings when mowing.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 94
Lawn Clippings
Yard Waste
“When you mow, is it better for the environment if you collect the clippings
and dispose of them or is it better to leave the clippings on the lawn?”
Total CLT Corn David Hunt Matt Mint Pine
All Households (000) 359.3 264.6 8.7
3.0 16.6 9.6
6.7
1.8
Collect
20%
23%
9%
8%
15%
13%
9%
31%
Leave on Lawn
61%
57%
75%
76%
68%
74%
77%
51%
2%
2%
2%
3%
3%
2%
3%
<.5%
16%
18%
14%
11%
11%
17%
No Difference
No Opinion
12% 15%
Those in Cornelius, Davidson and Mint Hill are also most likely to know it is
better for the environment to leave the grass clippings when mowing.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 95
Composting
Yard Waste
All Households
“Have you ever composted your yard or kitchen waste?”
If No: “Have you ever considered composting?”
19%
Half of all
households have
either composted
or considered
composting yard or
kitchen waste.
31%
Yes
47%
3%
No but considered
No, never considered
Don't Know
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 96
Composting
Yard Waste
All Households
“Have you ever composted your yard or kitchen waste?”
If No: “Have you ever considered composting?”
Total CLT Corn David Hunt Matt Mint Pine
All Households (000) 359.3 264.6 8.7
3.0 16.6 9.6
6.7
1.8
Yes
31%
30%
40%
51%
36%
43%
46%
28%
No, but considered
19%
18%
18%
21%
25%
13%
17%
15%
No, never considered 47%
49%
41%
26% 37%
42%
37%
55%
4%
2%
2%
2%
2%
Don’t know
3%
2%
2%
Households in Davidson, Matthews and Mint Hill are significantly
more likely than Charlotte, Huntersville and Pineville households
to have actually composted yard or kitchen waste.
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding or because refusals/don’t know responses not shown.
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 97
Thank You
We appreciate working with you. For questions:
Jack E. Clark, PhD
704.998.9661
jclark@clarkandchase.com
Greg W. Chase, MBA
704.998.9664
gchase@clarkandchase.com
Clark & Chase Research, Inc.
4600 Lebanon Road – Suite A
Charlotte, NC 28227
Mecklenburg County Recycling Survey 98