So far, no rush to use convenience sites for free

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County’s solid waste convenience sites are now to free to use.

But so far, county residents aren’t flocking to the sites with their trash and recycling.

“We are still in the early stages but haven’t noticed a significant change in usage since the elimination of decals,” said Brian Beasley, the county’s director of solid waste.

Still, whether new or longtime convenience site users, Johnstonians have given a thumbs-up to the move to free, Beasley said. “Overall, the public response has been positive,” he said.

“We meet a wide variety of residents, from lifelong inhabitants to those who have just recently moved,” Beasley added. “Our goal is to provide them with a pleasant experience in what could be considered a dirty job.”

Beasley expects convenience site use to rise. “We are a growing county, and we will adapt with the growth and provide the best possible service that we can,” he said.

Even before the county dropped the annual usage fee, traffic at convenience sites could get congested. But the sites are adapting, Beasley said.

“There are some traffic concerns, primarily at our most busy sites,” he said. “We are making some improvements to address these issues.”

“A few years ago,” Beasley noted, “we modified our airport site located on Swift Creek Road to handle more traffic. Most recently, we have upgraded our Buffalo Road convenience site with the addition of two compactors and a better traffic pattern.

“We are currently planning upgrades for another of our busier locations.”

Johnston operates 12 convenience sites:

• 39/42 junction — 9527 N.C. 42 East, Kenly.

• 701 — 820 Stewart Road, Four Oaks.

• Airport — 3505 Swift Creek Road, Smithfield.

• Barber Mill — 369 Barber Mill Road, Clayton.

• Bentonville — 1096 Scout Road, Four Oaks.

• Brogden — 4141 Stevens Chapel Road, Smithfield.

• Buffalo Road — 15031 Buffalo Road, Clayton.

• Jones Brothers — 22 Shelter Way, Smithfield.

• McGee’s Crossroads — 3805 Stephenson Road, Angier.

• Meadow — 9349 N.C. 96 South, Benson.

• Oak Grove — 5677 U.S. 301 North, Kenly.

• South Johnston — 10580 U.S. 301 South, Benson.

Beasley has this advice for Johnstonians to the convenience sites. “Use the service; please don’t hoard your trash,” he said. “Household garbage is meant to be dealt with on a weekly basis.”

The sites welcome both household garbage and household recycling, Beasley said.

“We have brochures and handouts available at each site that explain all the details,” he said.

Johnstonians can also learn more at johnstonnc.com/solidwaste.

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