There are a lot of misunderstandings about the proper management of solid waste in North Carolina.  Some people think it's OK to burn trash in barrels.  Some people think it's OK to bury land clearing debris without a permit.  Others think it's ok to leave trash on their property without being properly contained.  The information below will inform and educate you about the proper management of your solid waste.

Illegal Disposal:

Dumping on an unpermitted site
Burying without a permit
Burning
Disposal in Water

Please see the Ordinance and Regulations Governing the Storage, Collection, Transportation, Processing, Recycling and Disposal of Solid Waste in Davidson County.  

Illegal Burning:

"If It Doesn't Grow, Don't Burn It" is the basic message of the state open-burning rule.  Only leaves, branches and other plant growth can be burned - nothing else.  If local pickup is available you can't burn even leaves and branches.

Do not burn:
Garbage, paper and cardboard
Tires and other rubber products
Building materials, including lumber and wood scraps
Wire, plastics and synthetic materials
Asphalt shingles and heavy oils
Paints, household and agricultural chemicals
Buildings, mobile homes and other structures
Anything when the air quality forecast is Code Orange, Red or Purple

Before burning allowable materials, please check with your local town to see if a permit is required.

The N.C. Division of Air Quality enforces the state open-burning rules and the Davidson County Solid Waste Enforcement Officer investigates illegal burning in Davidson County.  Violating these rules can have fines as high as $25,000 or more for serious cases or repeat violations.  Substantial fines can be assessed, even for minor or first-time violations.