Talking trash: New Hanover County landfill explains ‘no out-of-county waste’ rule

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) — When you throw trash away, you probably never think about where it goes. But if you live or work in New Hanover County, chances are it ends up at the county landfill.

New Hanover County Environmental Management director Joe Suleyman said they see about 700 people come through each day.

However, one man’s trash isn’t even the landfill’s treasure if it didn’t originate in the county.

“We’re very clear,” Suleyman said. “If it originated in Pender, Brunswick, Columbus County, it needs to go to their respective waste facilities.”

Suleyman said if staff find even a couple of pieces of out-of-county waste, they reject the entire load.

“It becomes a mixed load, out-of-county waste, we can’t accept that,” he said.

If you’re untruthful about having out-of-county waste when asked, you’ll be paying double what they would’ve charged you, he said.

There are a few reasons why. The landfill has limited capacity and is only expected to last about 30 more years. Following the rule also allows the facility to stay in business, Suleyman said.

“Even though it may be more convenient for you, it’s closer to come here, it’s less expensive,” Suleyman said. “It’s putting our operating permit at risk, so we take it seriously.”

The landfill also can’t accept a list of materials, including liquid waste or recyclables like cans and bottles. Don’t think they won’t check, Suleyman says, they can and they will.

“It’s written into our operating permit that we must conduct random load screenings,” Suleyman said. “But again, if there’s any refuting evidence, like we saw you drive into the county, that’s going to lead to a load inspection.”

Suleyman said staff have been paying more attention to the issue recently because the number of incidents has increased.

As long as you don’t throw out the rules, you have nothing to worry about and you won’t be one of the few people they fine per day, he said.

To learn more about what is accepted at the landfill, click here.