Any construction and demolition (C&D) project that is 1,000 square feet or greater, and located in the unincorporated area of Chatham County, must meet the requirements of Chatham County's C&D Recycling Ordinance.

Purpose of the C&D Ordinance

The C&D Ordinance was developed with the intent to minimize the amount of C&D debris being disposed of in landfills and encourage recycling. View the Solid Waste Ordinance on our Solid Waste & Recycling Documents page.

The ordinance applies to any C&D project that is 1,000 square feet or greater and located in the unincorporated area of Chatham County. C&D projects include construction, remodeling, demolition, or any other activity requiring a building or demolition permit.

Demolition due to fire damage, installation of a pre-fabricated structure, and installation of a swimming pool are exempt from meeting the requirements of the C&D ordinance.

For all projects subject to the C&D ordinance, the permit applicant must complete C&D Debris Management section of the Building or Demolition Permit Application. This section asks if you will mix your C&D debris, source-separate it, or a combination of both. 

• Mixed C&D debris must be hauled to one of the C&D facilities licensed by Chatham County. These licensed facilities meet the C&D ordinance requirements, including a minimum recycling rate of 30%. You must select one of the licensed facilities on your permit application. See the list of licensed C&D facilities. 
   
• Source-separated C&D debris must be hauled to a facility that is capable of reusing or recycling it. Disposal of source-separated debris can cost considerably less than disposal of mixed debris. You will not need to list the facility name(s) on your permit application. In addition to the licensed C&D facilities, there are other local options that can take specific materials.

Keep all disposal records - it's the law! Permit holders are required to obtain and keep ALL disposal records for up to one year after completion of the project. Disposal records are receipts and/or weight tickets. They include the project address or building permit number, type of material, weight of material, date of disposal, and facility name and location.

Permit holders need to work with their hauler to properly direct C&D debris and obtain these records. Disposal records may be subject to inspection by Chatham County's Environmental Enforcement Officer, or other County staff, as proof of compliance with the ordinance.

Small Do-it-Yourself Projects

For small, do-it-yourself projects, completed by the homeowner, C&D waste can be recycled at all 12 of the Collection Centers. Residents must have a current decal to use the Collection Centers. Businesses cannot use the Collection Centers. 

Ask the attendant which container to use. The Collection Center large load policy still applies, so residents are able to bring one pickup truck-size load in a seven-day period. If you have a large load you will need to complete a form.

Learn more about it on the C&D at the Collection Centers page.

If you have any questions, please contact the Main Office Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at (919) 542-5516 or email us anytime at recycle@chathamcountync.gov