Alexander County's Dumping Regulations

March 11, 2023

Waste disposal is a critical process that every individual and organization must prioritize for the well-being of our planet. The improper disposal of waste poses a significant threat to the environment and public health, leading to pollution, contamination of water bodies, and other hazardous effects. Alexander county dumping regulations ensure proper waste disposal methods are adopted to reduce the negative impact of waste on the environment and minimize public health risks.


Alexander county's dumping regulations


Household hazardous waste (HHW) is not accepted at the transfer station. Residents are encouraged to participate in HHW collection events to dispose of items such as cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and paint.


Disposing of solid, hazardous, or other pollutants in any area that is not permitted for disposal is illegal.


The Solid Waste Ordinance of Alexander County requires all residents and businesses to dispose of their solid waste in a manner that complies with the county's regulations.


  • The county operates a landfill, where all waste generated within the county must be disposed of, except for yard waste. It can be disposed of in designated areas where composting and mulching will be easy.
  • No person may dump, deposit, or place solid waste on public or private property in the county without the property owner's consent.
  • No person may dump, deposit, or place hazardous waste on public or private property in the county, even with the property owner's consent.
  • It is illegal to litter in Alexander County. Litter includes cigarette butts, food wrappers, cans, bottles, etc.
  • No person may dispose of any waste in any water body, including rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds.
  • The county requires all waste haulers operating within its boundaries to obtain a permit and comply with its regulations.
  • The local government has banned the disposal of dead animals, except in designated areas.
  • All individuals, businesses, or organizations that generate waste in the county must appropriately segregate and dispose of recyclable materials.
  • Proper waste disposal from construction and demolition activities is regulated in the locality, and using designated facilities is mandatory.
  • The county regulates electronic waste disposal and mandates using designated facilities for removal.
  • The authorities have established penalties for those violating the locality's dumping regulations, which may include fines and imprisonment.



What items can legally be dumped?


  • Household garbage and refuse. This includes food waste, packaging, paper products, and other similar items.
  • Construction and demolition waste.The county accepts concrete, bricks, wood, and other materials from construction or demolition projects.
  • Yard waste. Grass, leaves, limbs, and other organic materials generated from maintaining yards and gardens comprise this waste.
  • Appliances. The county allows the disposing of refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, and other similar items. Appliances can only be disposed of if all hazardous materials have been removed. For example, refrigerators and air conditioners need to have the refrigerant removed and properly disposed of before they can be taken to the transfer station.
  • Furniture and mattresses.This includes sofas, chairs, tables, and other similar items. Recycling and donation programs can help reduce the impact of this waste.
  • Tires. This refers to tires no longer being used for their intended purpose.
  • Electronic waste. E-waste includes computers, televisions, and cell phones. Improper disposal of e-waste can pose environmental and health hazards due to the toxic materials they contain, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.



Items Prohibited From Dumping In Alexander County, NC


  • Hazardous waste. This includes toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive materials. Examples include batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and paint.
  • Medical waste. This waste refers to materials produced by households or healthcare facilities that contain infectious agents or chemicals. These materials include chemotherapy drugs, needles, and syringes, among others.
  • Liquid waste. This waste is like oil, gasoline, and chemicals.
  • Radioactive waste. This includes materials that emit radiation, such as nuclear power plant waste.
  • Industrial waste. This refers to waste generated from manufacturing or commercial operations. Examples include chemicals, solvents, and metals.
  • Asbestos waste. Refers to any material that contains asbestos and has reached the end of its useful life, either due to damage or wear and tear. Asbestos waste can come in various forms, including insulation, tiles, roofing, and siding. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
  • PCB-containing materials. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) include electrical transformers and capacitors.



Is there a dumping fee?


Yes. These fees are established by the Alexander County Board of Commissioners and are subject to change. Residents are charged $43 per ton, and non-residents $55 per ton for all types of solid waste, including household garbage and construction debris. The landfill has specific operating hours and is closed on Sundays and certain holidays. It typically operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday. 


Alexander county dumping fees may change based on various factors, and landfill operators may offer discounts or special rates. It is important to be aware of applicable fees and to factor them into your waste management plan when disposing of solid waste.


Why should you hire a junk removal business instead?


  • Save time. Removing and disposing of waste can be time-consuming, especially for large or bulky items. Junk removal businesses have the experience and equipment to remove and dispose of waste efficiently, saving customers time and effort.
  • Junk Removers Know how to properly dispose of junk. Junk removal businesses understand the appropriate disposal methods for different types of waste. They will ensure that all waste is disposed of correctly and complies with Alexander County dumping regulations.
  • Eco-friendliness. Many junk removal businesses have eco-friendly practices, such as recycling or donating items that can be reused. This helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills and minimizes the environmental impact of waste disposal.
  • Cost-effective. While there may be fees associated with hiring a junk removal business, the convenience, time-saving, and proper disposal benefits outweigh the costs in the long run. Some junk removal businesses may offer competitive rates or discounts for larger jobs.



Looking for reliable junk removal services? Look no further than Mejias Junk Removal! Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch service to our clients, no matter how big or small the job may be.


Share by: