County Solid Waste encourages environmental stewardship
Cumberland County Solid Waste offers many services for residents, from our yard debris program to our paper shredding and convenience centers. We are more than just the landfill or “the dump,” we are environmental stewards.
You can help us dispose of garbage in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner by properly recycling, reducing waste and reusing items.
Recycling is an important step in diverting waste from the Ann Street Landfill. Items that are recycled don’t end up in the landfill, which, is not only good for the environment, but also helps extend the life of the landfill.
The recycling center at the Ann Street Landfill, located at 698 Ann St., accepts aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles, tires, white goods (refrigerators, stoves and freezers) and electronic waste (televisions, computers, cellphones and small appliances). There are also recycling stations at each of the 17 Solid Waste container sites in the county. Paper shredding service is also offered at the landfill on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for 35 cents per pound.
When you sort your recyclables, make sure cardboard is clean and dry; and don’t mix in dirty cardboard, such as greasy pizza boxes. This has hurt recycling efforts as China has now banned recyclables from the United States because of the high rate of contamination.
Reducing the use of materials and reusing materials are important. In fact, reduction and reuse of materials are higher on the solid waste hierarchy than recycling, because recycling requires more energy to change a material into something else.
Tips to help you reduce and reuse include bringing your own bags to the store, using durable non-disposable water bottles, buying in bulk to reduce waste packaging and even small things like using the front and back of paper.
Food waste is a major contributor to the landfill. You might be surprised to learn about 22 percent of the garbage is food. Plan meals and take inventory of what’s in your pantry and refrigerator before you go grocery shopping. Food waste is mostly caused by people buying too much food.
The Wilkes Road Compost Facility, located at 771 Wilkes Road, accepts yard waste, trees, branches, leaves, hedge clippings, grass, non-painted/treated wood, pallets and tree stumps. This waste is converted into mulch, which is available for purchase Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, located at 923 Wilkes Road, accepts household cleaners, motor oil, antifreeze, drain cleaners and more. The center is open the second Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon and the fourth Wednesday of the month from noon to 4 p.m.
Get more tips about recycling, how to reduce and reuse, as well as container site locations and hours at co.cumberland.nc.us/solid-waste.
Meet the Pollinators
The Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Better Living Series workshop “Meet Your Pollinators” will be held May 2. The deadline to register for the workshop is April 29. Participants will learn ways to attract, support and manage pollinating insects in their yard. Call 910-321-6405 or email Susan Johnson at susan_johnson@ncsu.edu to register.
Cumberland Update
• Wednesday: Poetry Workshop and Open Mic. Begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Headquarters Library, 300 Maiden Lane. Part of the 2019 Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Festival. Go to cumberland.lib.nc.us for more information about the festival and other events.
Amanda Bader is director of the Cumberland County Solid Waste Management Department. You can reach her at abader@co.cumberland.nc.us or 910-321-6920.