Wake County Officials Consider New Landfill In Holly Springs

The North Wake Landfill, which opened in 1986, is nearly at full capacity.

"It's a continually growing community and if we're not planning ahead 15 to 20 years, we're falling behind. We're not at a crisis, but we need to decide what we're going to do with the solid waste," county commissioner Herb Council said.

County solid waste managers said the options are: take trash out of the county to other landfills or build one in Holly Springs. In 1992, when the county first proposed to use the land in Holly Springs, there was little development in the area, but that has changed.

"It was a good idea in 1992. Today, it's not such a good idea. We're the fastest-growing town in North Carolina and it's right in the center of all kinds of development," Holly Springs Mayor Dick Sears said.

Leaders of all 12 communities in Wake County are helping shape the decision. Most believe cost is the biggest factor.

"This comes down to, 'What are the numbers? What's the cost involved? Is there a more efficient way or cheaper way to do it if we go out of county?' That's what we're going to have to decide," Council said.

Holly Springs leaders said they will continue fighting against the proposal.

"It's like numero uno priority," Sears said.

The county is currently looking at bids from solid waste contractors to do both options. The contract deal to handle the county's trash will be for a 25-year period. The commissioners are expected to vote on a plan in late June or early July.