Importing Trash: NC's New Revenue Source?!

[Triana]

North Carolina is becoming a hot spot for other states to dump their trash. Why? Compared to MidAtlantic and Northeastern states, our land is cheap, we lack a state disposal charge, and numerous North Carolina communities are desperate for new sources of revenue.

Currently in North Carolina, Brunswick County, Camden County, Columbus County, Hyde County, and Richmond County are all considering proposals for new landfills that would permanently receive trash from other states. 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 – but it does saddle each community that hosts a landfill with a potentially expensive, future environmental problem.

If all the proposed landfills are built, North Carolina will become the fourth largest waste-importing state in the nation (currently our exports and imports are roughly equal). 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 we have made in recent years to clean up our rivers and drinking water supplies, reduce air pollution, and to become a national leader in the recycling industry. To turn our state into a destination for waste is to turn away from this vision of strong, healthy communities.

The root causes that have led the waste industry to target North Carolina as a dumping ground must be addressed by our state leaders. Our rural communities need to expand infrastructure and build schools. They need good paying jobs and sustainable economic development State leaders must help provide sustainable economic development opportunities for our rural communities that will protect North Carolina's natural beauty and environmental health.

http://ncconservationnetwork1.org/campaign/importingtrash/