The Wake County government meeting on June 9, 2025, focused on the regulation of construction and demolition (C&D) landfills, with a significant presentation by Solid Waste Director John Roberson. The meeting aimed to prepare the commissioners for an upcoming public hearing regarding modifications to the Shotwell Environmental Park's C&D landfill franchise.

Roberson explained the differences between C&D landfills and municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, emphasizing that C&D facilities handle materials like wood, metal, and concrete, which typically produce less methane due to the absence of organic waste. He noted that there are four primary C&D landfills in Wake County, including Shotwell, Brownfield, Greenway Waste, and Red Rock, all of which are crucial for local builders and contractors.

The main agenda item for the next meeting will be a request from Meridian Waste, the operator of Shotwell, to modify their franchise to extend the landfill's operational capacity. This request does not involve increasing the tonnage of waste accepted or changing the source of waste but rather aims to optimize the use of their existing footprint.

Roberson outlined the regulatory framework governing these landfills, highlighting that the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees permitting, while the county regulates franchise agreements, including tonnage limits and waste source restrictions. The modification process involves a public hearing and a subsequent meeting for approval, ensuring community input and compliance with state statutes.

The discussion underscored the importance of C&D landfills in managing construction waste effectively while maintaining environmental standards. The upcoming public hearing is set for next Monday, where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed changes.