Recycle the Unrecyclable is our annual hard-to-recycle collection event designed to give Raleigh residents a safe, easy, and trusted place to drop off items that are typically excluded from curbside recycling.

Back for our second year, this community event brings together local partners, volunteers, and neighbors to keep difficult materials out of landfills and move them toward responsible reuse, recycling, or disposal.

What Can You Bring?

We are accept a wid range of hard-to-recycle items, including but not limited to:

• Electronics, cords, and small appliances

• Batteries (household and rechargeable)

• Block styrofoam and take out containers

• Clothing and shoes

• Expired medications (handled safely and responsibly)

• Other hard-to-place items you’re unsure about

Not sure if we can take it? Bring it anyway. (👈🏾 THAT PART!)
If it can be recycled, we’ll do our best to find it a second life.

How It Works

Stop by, unload your items with help from our team, and learn where different materials go. Volunteers will be on site to assist with sorting, answer questions, and share tips for responsible recycling year-round.

And yes, you can grab a drink, hang out, and make an impact while you’re here.

Why This Matters

Many materials end up in landfills not because people don’t care—but because access and information are limited. Recycle the Unrecyclable fills a critical gap by:

• Providing centralized access to hard-to-recycle solutions

• Reducing landfill waste and contamination

• Offering hands-on education about recycling and disposal

• Building community around environmental action

This event is part of The Great Raleigh Cleanup’s broader mission to create a cleaner, more connected city through environmental stewardship and dignified work.

Get Involved

We rely on community support to make this event happen.

• Volunteers: We need 4–6 volunteers for short, 2-hour shifts

• Partners: Interested in supporting recycling, education, or material recovery? 🫱🏼‍🫲🏾

• Sponsors: Help fund hauling, processing, and workforce wages 💰

Reach out to us at info@raleighcleanup.org to get involved.