What Happened
After losing recycling services in 2020 due to low tonnages, 7,200 households in Alleghany County, North Carolina now have regained drop-off recycling thanks to a grant from North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ).
The grant included support from The Recycling Partnership, helping the county plan, implement, and educate residents about the improved program.
Why It Matters
Nearly a quarter of North Carolina households lack recycling access. Rural communities like Alleghany County are critical to closing that gap, but limited staffing, funding, and geographic challenges can stand in the way. By reopening and redesigning its transfer station, the county didn’t just restore service. It created a simplified, single-stream drop-off experience making recycling easier for residents and more efficient for the county to operate.
Partnering for Statewide Impact
Scaling recycling in rural communities requires expertise and coordination. The Recycling Partnership worked closely with Alleghany County, leveraging its experience in planning, community engagement, and education to make the grant investment more effective. By combining NC DEQ funding with hands-on support, The Partnership helped the county implement the program efficiently and equip residents with the knowledge to participate.