Carrboro Adopts Recycling Ordinance

This plan is directed toward construction and demolition companies, which often discard many building materials after project completion. It also will restrict the burning of solid waste.

The ordinance will go into effect Oct. 1, but Orange County will continue to solicit the support of other towns after it goes into effect.

The Orange County task force recommended the initiative two years ago after it anticipated the need to find a site for a new landfill.

"I think it was 11 years ago they cited a landfill for construction and demolition waste," said Dave Ghirardelli, an employee of Orange County Solid Waste Management.

Since then the landfill has become full of wood, metal and cardboard -- materials that must be recycled under the new ordinance.

"When people think about waste, they usually think of what's in the trash, but that is only about two-thirds of it," Ghirardelli said.

He describes the locating process for a new landfill as "painful," adding that no one desires to have a landfill near their home or working place.

Although Orange County could have its waste shipped to another site, this is unattractive and expensive, he said.

The lifespan of a landfill is determined by the size of the land, he said, and though 11 years was the expected timetable for the last landfill, this could have been much longer if the recycling ordinance was in effect.

The ordinance was met with some concerns from residents who expressed fears that this plan would implement a charge to those who make home improvements.

Alderman Mark Dorosin said the plan is "fine as long as we put a few conditions on it."

He is concerned that the ordinance is vague and seems to suggest that it applies to residents when it does not actually affect recycling at private residences.

Dorosin said that he supports the ordinance because Orange County officials promise that their plan will not harm residents and that the Board of Alderman ratified it with this intent.

Phil Prete, environmental director for Carrboro's Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department, maintained that the ordinance only applies to major projects, which include whole structure and commercial developments.

Prete said there is a permit required by commercial builders and demolition companies, where the applicant estimates the amount of recyclable waste and pays a small fee of 10 percent of their building permit.

Ghirardelli said that the ordinance has been passed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners but that it is important for individual towns to adopt this policy to help inform building contractors and assist in enforcement.

He said the support from each town will make the process of implementing the plan an easier one.

"(We) need the town of Carrboro's help," Ghirardelli said. (So that) we know that builders get word of the program before they start swinging their hammers."

Alderman Diana McDuffee said she also is pleased with the discourse.

"I'm really happy this (construction and demolition recycling) is coming to discussion," she said. "I am happy to support this."

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.