Every three years, Mecklenburg County works with the State of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County residents, and local municipalities to create a ten-year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP), a comprehensive strategy concerning the collection and processing of trash and recyclable material. The most recent SWMP was approved by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners in 2009.

In the plan, local governments establish waste reduction goals and identify programs and policies necessary to meet them. The plan also describes the methods used to collect and transport solid waste and recyclables to disposal and processing facilities in an environmentally sound manner. Resident input and feedback is an important component of the SWMP. Visit wipeoutwaste.com for a copy of the proposed 2012 Solid Waste Management Plan.

The Ten year Solid Waste Management Plan Public Meeting is open to all Mecklenburg County residents, and is set for 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. on April 17, 2012 at the auditorium in the Hal Marshall County Services Center at 700 N. Tryon St. Parking is free.