For the second year in a row Orange County has surpassed it goals for waste reduction.

A total of 69,438 tons of waste were landfilled that originated from Orange County in the fiscal year 2014-15, according to the Waste Management Division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.

This results in an annual landfilling rate of 1,000 pounds per person

“Recycling resources not only improves the environment but creates jobs throughout North Carolina and nationally,” said Earl McKee, chair of the Board of Orange County Commissioners.

Compared with the baseline year of 1991-92 when 2,720 pounds per person were sent to landfills, there has been a 64% reduction in the rate of landfilling.

“While recycling markets are currently weak they are cyclical and will improve again,” McKee said. “The current market conditions are no reason to stop recycling or working on reducing the amount of waste disposed. Reducing waste reduces both landfill costs and the amount we dump on other communities.”

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Changes Its Leaf Collection Policy to Only Accept Containers
With the fall season approaching, the Town of Chapel Hill is changing how it collects leaves and is no longer collecting loose piles.
FEMA Approves Disaster Assistance for Chantal's Flood-Damaged Areas, Including Orange County
Two months after flash floodwaters ripped through central North Carolina, funding from FEMA is headed to the affected areas.
Orange County: Highlights From Commissioners Meeting, CARE Team Expands, More
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, September 10, discussing county news and events. She talked about highlights from the county commissioners meeting, which included a request for more information on the Land Use 2050 Plan. She discussed the recent funding of an expansion for […]
Orange County Creates Work Group to Advise Its Property Tax Revaluation Approach
The Orange County commissioners approved the creation of a work group to review and potentially update its property tax assessment process.
Future Chapel Hill Affordable Senior Housing Development Earns $1.3 Million Tax Credit Award
A future affordable senior housing development in Chapel Hill was recently awarded with $1.3 million in tax credits.
Orange County: Thursday Commissioners Meeting, Economic Impact of Tourism
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, September 3, discussing county news and events. She previewed the upcoming Thursday meeting of the county commissioners. She also talked about tourism in Orange County after some tourism impact data was released by the Orange County Tourism Office. She also discussed upcoming county events and more.
Labor Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County Community (2025)
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, September 1, […]
Orange County: Displaced Residents Funding, Tax Appraisal Work Group
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, August 27, discussing county news and events. She talked about the board of commissioners unanimous vote to further fund housing for residents displaced by Tropical Depression Chantal. She also updated other items from the meeting, including the proposal of a Tax Appraisal Work Group. She talked about the UPROAR Festival which came to a close this past weekend, and more.
Facing End of Temporary Shelter, Displaced Camelot Village Residents Lament Landlord Inaction and Limited Options
Some flood victims from Camelot Village have not received July rent or security deposits back even as they face financial and housing strains.
Triangle Land Conservancy Files Lawsuit Against Union Grove Farm
Triangle Land Conservancy has filed a lawsuit against Union Grove Farm for alleged violations to the nonprofit’s conservation easement.
›