PENDER COUNTY — DRC Emergency Services, the Alabama-based debris removal company contracted by Pender County after Hurricane Florence, has resumed pick-up of storm-related vegetative and construction debris after a holiday break, according to county spokesperson Tammy Proctor.
The deadline to legally place debris on a road’s right-of-way, however, was Dec. 21.
“Materials brought to the road right-of-way now will be considered illegal dumping,” Pender County Emergency Manager Tom Collins said. “Contractors dumping shingles, sheetrock, framing materials and repair debris will be fined.”
RELATED: Pender County Sheriff’s Office announces crackdown on illegal debris dumping
In December, amid numerous reports of illegal dumping, the county announced it was enforcing statutes to deal with the issue. At the time, Collins attributed much of the illegal dumping to commercial contractors.
“They are charging homeowners for demolition and disposal and then illegally dumping debris on our roadways,” Collins said. This, he said, resulted in taxpayers “essentially paying twice,” as those same residents pay taxes to the county, which in turn had to pay DRC to pick up the debris.
“Hurricane Florence left behind a tremendous amount of debris,” Chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners George Brown said last week. “We are working hard to clean the county of storm debris.”
“We are aware of the problem areas and illegal dumping,” County Commissioner David Williams said. “These sites will be cleaned, and illegal dumpers will be prosecuted.
According to Proctor, DRC will not accept household trash, roofing materials, concrete or brick, or new construction waste.
“Private contractors are responsible for disposal of materials at proper landfills,” Proctor said.
Both contractors and residents may also drop-off debris — up to 200-pounds per load, per day — at the county’s three convenience sites located in Rocky Point, Burgaw, and Hampstead:
- Rocky Point Convenience Center (16232 N.C. 210): open daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; closed Sundays and Wednesdays.
- Burgaw Convenience Center (3088 New Savannah Road): open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Hampstead Convenience Center and Transfer Station (250 Transfer Station Road): open Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 7 p.m.; debris weighing over 200-pounds are charged a weigh fee at the Hampstead Transfer Station.
For questions about debris pick-up, the county asks you to call DRC toll free at 1-888-721-4372.
