Frequently Asked Questions

The previous ordinance was adopted in 1974 and did not accurately describe the current management of solid waste within Beaufort County.  The new ordinance outlines current operations, provides guidance of disposal options, and includes enforcement actions.

Residents should not notice major changes in their handling of regular household solid waste.  The notable changes in the ordinance are:

• Licensing of Household Solid Waste Collectors
• Clearly defines rules and regulations for use of County solid waste facilities
• Regulates storage of solid waste
• Implements penalties for violation of the ordinance and provides for enforcement of such

Yes.  The ordinance details the assessment of annual solid waste fees which are included on all applicable tax bills throughout the county.  Also, as a Beaufort County resident, you can use the County’s solid waste collection system.  There are however certain provisions of the ordinance that are not enforceable by the County inside municipal limits unless the municipality has adopted the County’s ordinance.

An annual solid waste fee is billed to the owner of each inhabitable structural unit in the county.  For example, a duplex would be assessed two annual solid waste fees.  A ten-unit apartment building would be assessed ten solid waste fees.

The County pays the disposal fee for almost all of the household solid waste serviced by private collection services.  Therefore, the annual solid waste fee may only be waived if you have a dumpster that is serviced by a front-load truck, and you are billed the disposal cost of the waste.  Residents should contact the Beaufort County Tax Assessor’s Office in person at 220 North Market Street, Washington, NC 27889 or by phone at (252) 946-7981 to request the fee waiver.  Tax Assessor personnel will conduct a visual inspection of the property to determine eligibility.  

No.  Burning of solid waste is prohibited by North Carolina law (15A NCAC 02D.1903).

An application can be found on the Solid Waste page of the County’s website.  A completed application and a $40.00 license fee shall be submitted to the Beaufort County Public Works Solid Waste Division.  If approved, decals will be mailed to the applicant to affix to the equipment being used for the collection of Beaufort County household solid waste. 

Residents should first contact their Solid Waste Collector as it could have been missed by mistake or not picked up for another reason such as weather issues or holidays.  If the situation is not resolved and continues, contact the Beaufort County Public Works Department – Solid Waste Division at 252-975-0720 Option 2 or Email Solid Waste.

No, a business should contract with a private solid waste provider to collect their solid waste.

No.  If you are paid by others to collect and dispose of their solid waste, you are a Solid Waste Collector and must be licensed in accordance with the ordinance and you must carry waste directly to the transfer station.

The Beaufort County website is the best place to find current information regarding solid waste services.  Signs are also at each location which detail operating hours and acceptable/unacceptable waste.

No.  Certain items, such as electronic waste and scrap metal are only collected at certain sites.  Please visit the Solid Waste page of the Beaufort County website for information related to what types of waste are accepted at each site.

No.  Certain items, such as electronic waste and scrap metal are only collected at certain sites.  Learn more about waste types accepted at each location.

Effective means shall be any method to properly prevent blowing or spilling of materials from a vehicle.  Straps or ropes may be appropriate for larger items, but a tarp may be needed to cover a load of smaller items.

Yes, if the operator of the vehicle cannot be identified.  The owner or operator of a vehicle used in the process of littering or illegal dumping may be issued a violation.  

Waste can be searched for the owner’s name and address with those identified held as responsible for the illegal action of dumping.  The owner or operator of a vehicle used in the process of littering or illegal dumping can also be held responsible for the violation.  

Recycling collection is offered for electronics, scrap metals, white goods, used motor oil, yard waste, and corrugated cardboard at collection sites.  Currently recycling services are not offered for plastics,  aluminum or steels cans, or glass bottles.  Beaufort County encourages its residents to find alternate recycling options for these items.

Scrap tire collection is offered at the Beaufort County Landfill located at 1342 Hawkins Beach Rd, Washington, NC 27889.  Learn more about regulations and restrictions regarding scrap tire disposal  and hours of operation.

No, salvaging is strictly prohibited.  

If you are a resident disposing of yard waste that came from your yard, no.  If you are performing cleanup services for hire, you must pay the current posted disposal rate. 

The ordinance may be enforced by the Beaufort County Public Works Solid Waste Division, the Beaufort County Health Department, or the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

Littering along roadways can be reported by submitting a NCDOT Swat-A-Litterbug report or calling 1-800-331-5864.  Illegal dumping can be reported to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at 252-946-7111 or  to by Emailing the Beaufort County Public Works Solid Waste Division.

Penalties can include revocation of use of the County Solid Waste system, payment of clean-up costs, repairs, etc., and potential civil and/or criminal penalties.

Contact the Beaufort County Public Works Department – Solid Waste Division at 252-975-0720 Option 2 or Email Solid Waste.