If you want to see innovation at work, take a tour around the New Hanover County landfill.
You won’t just see a pile of trash; you’ll see one of the state’s most advanced integrated solid waste management systems that includes recycling, waste diversion and initiatives that target long-term sustainability. These programs are extending the life of the landfill, protecting the environment, and are much more cost effective than landfill expansion.
The Environmental Management Department oversees recycling and solid waste for the county, and they operate as an enterprise fund. That means they operate like a business by generating their own revenue and they do not use any property or sales taxes that you may pay.
Since Environmental Management Director Joe Suleyman joined our team over six years ago, I have been impressed with the innovative business model he has brought to New Hanover County. The department has implemented new programs to divert materials from the landfill and improve the environment, developed public/private partnerships that have led to increased exports and created jobs, and they are providing stability and predictability in our waste management program.
As New Hanover County grows, so does our waste. Over the past four years, waste disposal has increased 10 percent each year. Our priority must be to prolong the life of the landfill as much as possible. And, as it stands with our diversion efforts, we will be able to extend the lifespan of the landfill from 90 years, where it was three years ago, to more than 180 years.
Here’s a look at some of those innovative efforts that are increasing recycling, reuse, and waste reduction.
Q&A: Veteran Starts Her Own Real Estate Firm
Cece Nunn
-
Jan 15, 2021
|
|
Some Area Golf Greens See More Green During COVID-19
Jenny Callison
-
Jan 14, 2021
|
|
Historic Wilmington Foundation Names Next Executive Director
Christina Haley O'Neal
-
Jan 15, 2021
|
|
Additional Apartments Planned Off South 17th Street
Cece Nunn
-
Jan 15, 2021
|
|
With More Than $2B In Sales, Brunswick County Real Estate Market Sets Record
Staff Reports
-
Jan 15, 2021
|
While COVID-19’s impact on the economy will remain a focus this year, other expected newsmakers in 2021 include New Hanover Regional Medical...
Residential and commercial real estate in the Wilmington area is expected to thrive in certain areas and struggle in others this year....
Since she left the corporate world less than 10 years ago, Diane Hodapp has been on a roll....
The 2020 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.