Macon County • Solid Waste Management
Special Waste Handling

The Macon County Solid Waste Management Department offers the following information on the disposal of Asbestos, Fluorescent Tubes, Hazardous Waste, & Paint and Liquid Wastes.

Asbestos Waste

Procedure for disposal of non-friable asbestos A sample of the waste must be brought to the landfill for testing of friability. If approved:

• The wastes must be double bagged and wet down to reduce dust.
• The waste should be delivered to the landfill separate from all other wastes Mon-Fri between 9am - 3pm.
• Upon arrival identify the waste as asbestos and take it to the landfill. Do not unload the waste unless landfill personnel are with you and have instructed you on where to place the waste.
• For more information on disposal of friable asbestos visit one of the listed websites above or contact the Solid Waste Department at (828) 349-2100.

Fluorescent Tubes and Ballasts

Fluorescent Tubes and ballasts from Commercial, Industrial and Institutional generators are banned from landfills. Household generated tubes are exempted from this rule. For a list of companies that can recycle these items contact the Solid Waste Department at (828) 349-2100.

TIPS: Tubes with green tips can go into the landfill, ask your supplier to provide you with these tubes if possible. Ask your supplier if they will provide recycling of your old bulbs as part of their service to you.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous Wastes are banned from all MSW landfills. There are also many wastes that require special handling for disposal or recycling. The following (below) are a few examples of common items that require special consideration for disposal.

If you have questions or concerns about a specific waste, please contact the Macon County Department of Solid Waste Management for more information before you throw them away. Additional information regarding disposal and recycling of hazardous wastes can be found at the following websites: www.wastenotnc.org or www.p2pays.org.

Paint and Liquid Waste

Liquid Wastes are banned from landfills in North Carolina.

• Paint cans should be empty for disposal or recycling Paint remaining in can must be dried prior to disposal. You may mix cat litter, sawdust or other bulking agent with paint to dry. Once material is dry, can may be disposed of in the landfill.
• The best practice for all liquid wastes is to finish using the product for it's intended purpose Many common liquids are considered hazardous when attempting to dispose of them.
• Many hazardous liquids have special disposal requirements. If you have questions regarding disposal of hazardous liquids, visit one of the listed websites or contact the Macon County Solid Waste Department.