Solid Waste Programs Fee

Introduction to the Orange County Solid Waste Programs Fee (SWPF)

Each improved property in Orange County is assessed an annual Solid Waste Programs Fee (SWPF) to fund recycling, waste management, and waste reduction services offered by the County. 

Solid Waste Advisory Group

The Board of Orange County Commissioners along with its Town partners in the Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG) selected this financing mechanism for long term, sustainable, predictable provision of solid waste services. It was approved by all four governmental bodies in April 2015.

What services does the SWPF pay for?

The SWPF funds the direct and indirect costs of public recycling efforts by Orange County including curbside, multifamily, commercial recycling, drop-off sites, electronics recycling, hazardous waste collections, education and outreach, enforcement and environmental support. The SWPF also funds recycling and processing services including mattress recycling, yard waste processing, clean wood waste processing, large appliance and scrap tire management, cardboard and scrap metal recycling.

If you have questions about programs provided by the Orange County Solid Waste Management Department, please call us at 919-968-2788 or email: recycling@orangecountync.gov

Solid Waste Programs Fee Assistance Programs

If you have a limited income, there is a fund created by the Board of County Commissioners to assist you. To qualify, citizens must complete an application and provide the financial documentation required. If you are a property owner who receives the Homestead exemption for seniors, you are eligible for relief from the SWPF. 

Contact the Orange County Tax Office at 919-245-2100 press Number 2 or email the Tax Office regarding the Homestead exemption or regarding receiving financial assistance to pay the SWPF. Visit the Tax Office Solid Waste Fee Assistance page for the assistance form and other information regarding the SWPF.

Who pays the Solid Waste Programs Fee?

• All owners of improved property in Orange County must pay the SWPF. If a property has multiple units such as an apartment complex or shopping center, each individual unit, or each “front door,” is assessed a Solid Waste Programs Fee.
• Owners of the parcel of land on which there are single-wide mobile homes or leaseholds on which there are double-wide homes or other habitable structures, will be assessed the SWPF for all units on their property eligible to receive service. The SWPF will be assessed to the real property owner for each habitable unit on that property.
• All public buildings such as schools, local government, state government, and OWASA pay the fee.
• UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Health Care (on campus) do not pay the fee as each has its own comprehensive recycling program.

What if I believe the fee is inaccurately assessed and wish to appeal?

Appeal

When you receive your 2019 tax bill, you may feel that the fee has not been accurately assessed for your property(s). Orange County has developed a formal SWPF appeals process for this type of situation. The appeal form (PDF) can be returned via email the Tax Office  or by mail:
Orange County Tax Office
Attention to Solid Waste Programs Fee Appeal
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough NC 27278

Review

A review of the appeal will then be conducted by County Solid Waste staff utilizing information provided by County Land Records, the County Assessor’s Office and Solid Waste Management. Appellants will receive written notification of the outcome of their appeal.