The town of Southern Pines will begin its curbside recycling program in January.

Prior to the beginning of the program, all residential customers will receive an 18-gallon bin that is to be used to collect the recyclable materials.

The recycle bins are to be placed curbside by 7 a.m. on the day of collection.

The collection day will be the same day of the week that service is provided for residential solid waste collection.

For multi-family dwellings, a 96-gallon cart will be provided for the collection of recyclables from the complex. The collection cart will be in the same general area where the Dumpster container equipment is housed.

Commercial establishments that receive solid waste collection service from the town will be served the same as residential customers.

The recycling program involves the collection, processing and transportation to markets of the following designated post-consumer recyclables: metal drink cans, glass, plastics, steel cans, newspapers and other papers. Metal drink cans include aluminum and bi-metal containers. Glass includes clear, brown and green soft drink bottles, beer bottles, juice containers, food containers, and wine and liquor bottles. Plastics include plastic bottles with a neck, numbered 1 through 7.

Newspapers include newsprint and inserts that come with the newspapers. Other papers include magazines, catalogs, junk mail, copy paper, cereal boxes and similar boxes, and old corrugated cardboard cut down to 2 by 3 feet to fit in the bin. Steel cans include tin cans used for fruits, vegetables, soups, juices, pet food and other food items.

All of the recyclable materials may be deposited into the same bin. No separation is required from the customer.

Unacceptable items include Styrofoam, plastic films and bags, plastic trays and dishes, containers with food or hazardous materials, mirrors, plate glass, drinking glasses, ceramic cups and plates, and coat hangers.

Unacceptable items will not be collected and will be left in the container with an explanatory note stating the reason for refusal.

The Recycling Center at the intersection of Memorial Park Court and West Iowa Avenue will close for all collections effective Dec. 31, with the exception of the old corrugated cardboard Dumpsters.

Anyone needing more information can contact the Public Services Division at 692-2463 or the Streets and Sanitation Superintendent at 692-1983.