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Louisburg council restores twice-weekly and backdoor pickup policy, discusses curbside recycling
Summary
After strong public comment, the council voted to keep twice-weekly curbside and backdoor trash pickup using the town-provided carts; the council also discussed pursuing curbside recycling grants and gathering more data before changing service levels.
The Louisburg Town Council voted to retain its existing solid waste service model, including twice-weekly trash pickup and backdoor collection for residents who qualify, after several residents and council members objected to a proposed shift to curbside-only collection.
What happened: Councilman Stover and other members described the new policy under consideration as an effort to modernize collection and reduce town costs. Stover noted the town currently spends about $500,000 on solid-waste management and has identified about $180,000 of street-budget spending tied to yard and bulk pickup. The council also heard public comments from residents who said moving to curbside-only pickup would disadvantage elderly and disabled residents who cannot move carts to the curb.
Why it matters: Several speakers said a move to once-weekly pickup or mandatory curbside placement would create health and safety issues and produce overflow at homes. Resident Ted Jones said the change could produce overflowing cans, unpleasant odors and wildlife issues; others cited long driveways and disability as reasons to preserve backdoor service.
Council action and conditions: After discussion of grant possibilities for curbside recycling and presentations on potential costs, a motion to keep the previous trash policy — twice-weekly pickup, backdoor collection and use of the new town-provided carts — passed by recorded vote. Councilmembers also directed staff to pursue available state grants that could subsidize recycling carts and to gather a year—s worth of data on how new containers affect labor and costs before any future fee changes.
Recycling discussion: Council members discussed applying for state recycling grants in early 2026 to defray the cost of additional carts. Staff said vendor estimates for contracting household curbside recycling collection were roughly $120,000 per year in one estimate, compared with the town—s current total solid-waste spend. Council also heard that two regional recycling companies offer facility tours and information for municipalities.
Ending: The council voted to continue twice-weekly trash pickup with backdoor service for qualifying residents and to pursue grant funding for curbside recycling while collecting operational data.
