PRESS RELEASE
April 1, 2026
The Alleghany County transfer facility is undergoing major repairs and renovations necessary to ensure the continued operation of the only solid waste disposal option in our county. To clarify recent questions and procedures, Alleghany County would like to provide some information regarding solid waste disposal.
Our transfer facility is now thirty (30) years old and in need of repairs, renovations and upgrading to keep up with growth and sustainability. All solid waste/trash must be transported from Alleghany County to a landfill that is permitted to accept disposal from our area, the closest being Caldwell County.
Solid waste facilities are heavily regulated by North Carolina State entities, and the Department of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources (DEQ). Alleghany County must comply with all regulations. Tonnage of solid waste has been increasing in Alleghany County over the past few years from seven hundred (700) tons per month to over twelve hundred (1,200) tons per month. Many factors contribute to this increase: new construction, natural disasters, vacation rentals, campers, increased population, etc. The cost to transport residential and commercial waste out of Alleghany County runs between $700,000 and $800,000 per year.
To ensure the waste that Alleghany County is paying to transport from our facility is only from the county, a decal/sticker system was put in place about seven years ago. An availability fee for residential disposal purposes is determined on a yearly basis, currently $98. When tax bills are sent to citizens in July each year, properties that have been assessed the fee receive two solid waste decals/stickers for that residential property owner’s vehicles, which allows them entry into the transfer facility to dispose of their solid waste. If decals/stickers are misplaced, or a renter did not receive one from their landlord, they can be purchased from the Tax Office at 348 S. Main Street, Monday thru Friday for $5.
Staff at the transfer facility check for decals/stickers and out of state license tags (VA, TN, etc.) to ensure no one is dumping waste that should not be accepted.
Part-time residents that own property in Alleghany receive decals/stickers like the full-time residents. The transfer facility staff are currently assisting with the sale of solid waste decals/stickers, but this is only temporary.
There will be several stages of repairs and construction at the transfer facility in the near future, and throughout upcoming years. The condition of the buildings and pavement have deteriorated significantly due to the volume of disposal and natural disasters. In the coming weeks, traffic patterns, routes, ways to dispose of trash, and processes will be changed to allow everyone’s ease of access and safety during these repairs. Please pay attention to new signage, staff directions and check the Alleghany County website for updates. All construction updates will be posted for the public to view as progress happens. https://alleghanycounty-nc.gov
Recycling programs are also being revamped and expanded with the expansion of this facility. Please keep in mind that recycling removes waste from the trash stream that must be transported out of Alleghany County and will ultimately be a savings in disposal costs and make us a greener community. We would like to encourage all citizens and visitors to consider recycling as many materials as possible.
For all solid waste fees and more information on the transfer facility and recycling in Alleghany County, visit the county’s website. https://alleghanycounty-nc.gov
All fees and processes approved by the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners, including the decal/stickers, will be enforced at the facility by staff.