Construction Debris: What You Can (and Can't) Take to the Dump
Renovating your home? Drywall, lumber, concrete, and roofing materials have different disposal rules than regular trash. Here's what to know.
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A practical spot for folks in Sanford to drop off recyclables, the Lee County Recycling Center handles the usual curbside-type materials and gets regular traffic from homeowners doing cleanouts. Neighbors, landscapers, and people clearing out garages tend to use it; it's the obvious local place to try before hauling things to the landfill.
Drive up to a small entrance area with an attendant booth and a few lanes for cars and trucks; pull into the lane that matches how full the load is. The site is mostly open with large containers and piles, so expect to walk a short distance from the vehicle to the drop-off points. The recycling bins and containers are grouped by material - paper and cardboard, containers, metal, that sort of thing - and are easy to spot from the vehicle. Weekends and spring cleanup days get busy, so lines and waiting are common during those times.
Facility Information
Before You Go
- Pre-sort materials at home into bags or boxes so unloading is quicker and keeps the line moving.
- Tie down loose material in truck beds and bring help for heavy items; the containers sit a bit above ground level in places.
- North Carolina has specific rules for electronics and household hazardous items, so set those aside and plan to use the county’s special programs rather than assuming they’ll be accepted at the center.
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Disposal Guides
Learn how to properly dispose of common items.
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Hazardous Waste Collection Days: What They Take and How to Prepare
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