PETITION TO THE PENDER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Restore Accessible and Equitable Waste Disposal Services for Rural Residents

Subject: Urgent Request for Replacement Convenience Centers and Fee Adjustments Following Closures of Montague and Canetuck Sites

We, the undersigned residents of Pender County, North Carolina, particularly those in rural and unincorporated areas, respectfully petition the Board of Commissioners to address the ongoing crisis in solid waste management caused by the closure of our local convenience centers without adequate replacements.

Background and Concerns

• The Montague Convenience Center at 2003 Montague Road permanently closed on July 1, 2025, leaving many rural residents without a nearby facility for household trash and recycling disposal.

• The Canetuck Convenience Center at 721 Canetuck Road is reportedly scheduled for closure soon, further exacerbating the issue and affecting even more communities.

• Residents in rural areas pay an annual $200 solid waste decal fee, yet receive no curbside pickup services and now face excessive travel to alternative sites (e.g., Rocky Point or Atkinson), often exceeding 30 minutes round-trip due to road construction, traffic, and distance. This results in additional costs for gas, vehicle wear, and time—burdens that are particularly hard on elderly, low-income, and working families.

• The lack of accessible services increases risks of illegal dumping, environmental pollution, and public health hazards, while undermining the value of the fees we pay.

• Despite repeated contacts with county officials, attendance at Board meetings, and community feedback, no timely solutions have been implemented, leaving residents feeling unheard and underserved.

Petition Requests

We respectfully urge the Pender County Board of Commissioners to take immediate and concrete actions, including:

1. Expedite the Opening of Replacement Convenience Centers: Provide temporary mobile collection units immediately or expanded hours at existing sites in the interim. Prioritize funding and approval for new sites in western and rural Pender County to replace Montague and Canetuck, with a target opening date within the next 6 months.

2. Implement Curbside Pickup Pilot Programs: Launch affordable curbside trash and recycling services in affected rural communities, potentially through partnerships with private haulers like Eastern Waste & Recycling or GFL Environmental, to eliminate the need for long-distance self-hauling.

3. Adjust or Refund the $200 Decal Fee: Offer prorated refunds or waivers for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 period for residents impacted by closures, or reduce the fee until services are restored to pre-closure levels.

4. Increase Community Engagement: Hold dedicated public hearings on solid waste issues, form a citizen advisory committee for rural waste management, and provide regular updates on progress via the county website and local media.

5. Monitor and Prevent Illegal Dumping: Enhance enforcement and education programs to mitigate environmental impacts during this transition.

We believe these measures will ensure equitable access to essential services, reduce financial and logistical burdens on residents, and promote a cleaner, healthier Pender County. We are committed to working collaboratively with the Board and county staff to achieve these goals.