Wake County a Leader in Business Recycling

If you lead or work for an environmentally conscious company and wonder how your recycling practices will be impacted by a move to Wake County, relax.  Wake is one of the state’s leaders in proactive business recycling programs. 

The main decision you must make is whether you will hire a private hauler to collect materials or haul them yourself to a recycling drop-off that accepts materials from businesses.  For the former, there is a list of firms that hold a required Solid Waste Hauler’s Privilege License to handle recyclables in Wake. Collection costs vary, so check to see which of them offers your business the best deal for your needs in picking up recycling.

If you choose the other option, there are two recycling facilities, one in Raleigh for northern Wake and the other in Apex for southern Wake, which accept everything from telephone books to large appliances.  You may not need this process or a private hauler, however, if you are in a multi-tenant office building or complex that already has a recycling program in place.

Also, if your company is involved in construction and demolition (C&D) debris, including lumber, drywall, metals, masonry (brick, concrete, etc.), carpet, plastic, pipe, rocks, dirt, paper or cardboard - you must recycle it, as any waste load with more than 10 percent C&D debris is subject to Wake County’s Construction & Demolition Surcharge Ordinance.  

Whatever the situation, do not hesitate to examine what is in place and consider improvements.  Every year Wake County Solid Waste Management accepts Commercial Waste Reduction Grant applications of up to $100,000 for businesses that start, expand or improve their waste reduction and/or recycling programs. That can be a real money saver.

Recycling is good for the local economy and the environment.  It is another reason why Wake is one of the fastest-growing counties for business in the nation.