December 10, 2002

MECKLENBURG COUNTY EXTENDS HOURS, WAIVES FEES FOR BRUSH AND YARD WASTE DISPOSAL

Charlotte, NC - Mecklenburg County has extended the hours for yard waste disposal facilities from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. through Sunday, December 15.  County residents will also be allowed to dispose of their brush and yard waste at "no charge" for the rest of the week.  Fees normally range from $1 to $7, depending on the size of the load. 

Mecklenburg County's yard waste facilities are:

· Compost Central Mulch and Composting Facility, 5631 West Boulevard
· North Mecklenburg Yard Waste Facility, 12300 North Statesville Road
· Hickory Grove Yard Waste Facility, 8007 Pence Road
· Foxhole Yard Waste Facility, 17131 Lancaster Highway

Residents of the City of Charlotte and the County's six towns can continue to deposit yard waste at the curb, for pick-up by their municipality.  As an additional service to property owners and contractors, the County is also waiving fees for contractor drop-off at the yard waste facilities. Therefore, property owners should expect the clean-up bill from their contractor to reflect the savings.

Through Monday, December 9, the County's facilities have collected 31,000 cubic yards of yard debris resulting from last week's winter storm.  That includes debris delivered by the City of Charlotte and the six towns.  It is estimated that more than 500,000 cubic yards of debris remains strewn across Mecklenburg County.

After collection, the yard waste is ground into mulch or compost.  The mulch or compost is offered for sale at prices varying from $3.50 to $23 per cubic yard, depending on the type and amount.  Mecklenburg County residents can call 704-588-9070 to arrange for delivery of mulch or compost.  The cost for delivery is $45, plus the purchase price of the compost or mulch.  Please allow a week to ten days for delivery. 

Citizens can check the Web site www.wipeoutwaste.com for more information about yard waste disposal and composting in Mecklenburg County.