What's At Stake?

Importing Trash-North Carolina's New Revenue Source

North Carolina has been selected as the hot spot for dumping other state's trash. The reasons for this are due to our vast open spaces, lack of disposal fees and hospitable local communities desperate for new sources of revenue. As North Carolina continues to grow so does the need for our smaller rural communities to create jobs, expand infrastructures and build new schools. The problem with importing trash is that it is a short term revenue fix for these communities. It does not get to the heart of economic woes in these counties.

It is important to note that as a state, North Carolina is also facing the issue of needing additional landfill space for our own trash. NC currently already exports over one million tons of waste. (Page 4)

North Carolinia needs opportunities that create good paying jobs and long-term economic development which adds to the overall quality of local communities and our state. As North Carolinians we pride ourselves on the deep historical roots and rich natural beauty of our state. We are also very proud of the great strides in recent years to clean up our drinking water supplies, reduce air pollution, and to become a national leader in the recycling industry.

The root causes that led to North Carolina being targeted as a dumping ground must be addressed by our state leaders. State leaders must help provide sustainable economic development opportunities for our rural communities that will protect North Carolina's natural beauty.

Our Growing Rural Communities Need Revenue-Alternative Revenue Sources

Recycling Industry- Recycling Means Business! Impact of Recycling on North Carolina's Economy:

"North Carolina's 'recycling economy' is one of the fastest growing job engines in the state." (page 2)
"Recycling employs more people than the bio-tech and agricultural livestock industries in North Carolina." (page 3)

NC Heritage Tourism - "The goal of the Heritage Tourism Program is to work in cooperation with strategic partners to develop and support sustainable efforts that strive to protect, preserve and promote the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources thereby enhancing the economic well being and quality of life for all North Carolinians."
Red Wolves: Creating Economic Opportunity Through Ecotourism in Rural North Carolina

So The Waste Has to Go Somewhere-Alternatives to Landfill

Proposed Landfill Locations

Currently in North Carolina Brunswick County, Camden County, Columbus County, Hyde County, and Richmond County are considering landfill proposals that would permanently house trash from other states. Below you will find links to community groups, information on the county's economy and news articles related to the landfills. To view a ranking of North Carolina's economies by county click here. To view a map of North Carolina's counties click here.

Brunswick County Site:

Swamp Watch Action Team (SWAT)

NC Rural Economic Development Center Rural Data Bank County Profile for Brunswick County

Camden County Site: