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Residents raise water-quality and trash-collection complaints as town shifts to contractor
Summary
Mount Olive residents and commissioners described ongoing discolored water on the east side, about 30 water leaks in the past month, and problems after the town contracted household trash pickup to NC Waste & Recycling; town staff said iron levels are below the state limit and are flushing the system and that the contractor collects one cart per household.
Several residents used the Sept. 8 public forum to raise service issues affecting Mount Olive neighborhoods.
Joe Hatch asked why some residents—particularly on the east side—continue to experience poor water quality and what the town was doing beyond addressing iron. Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland said town staff are working to flush iron from the system and reported iron levels averaged less than 0.10 at both wells last month (the transcript notes a state limit of 0.30). Residents experiencing discolored water were asked to call town offices at 919-658-9539.
The board is now using a private contractor, NC Waste & Recycling, for household trash collection effective Aug. 11, 2025. Holland said the contractor is paid to pick up one cart per household and that the automated trucks do not allow collection of additional material left outside carts. Several commissioners and residents said trash boxes and scattered materials are creating complaints; Commissioner Tommy Brown clarified the town sold the carts to the contractor rather than giving them away.
Commissioner Vicky Darden said staff have been repairing potholes but that problems persist; staff reported 16 potholes repaired this month and about 30 water leaks in the past month. Commissioner Delreese Simmons said some residents have called him at 3:00 a.m. to complain about trash collections and requested better communication about contract terms.
The town will continue yard waste and roadside collections; staff have obtained quotes to repair ditches and will schedule drainage work as funds allow. The interim manager noted the new street maintenance machine is scheduled for delivery in September 2025.
Outcome and next steps: Town staff will continue flushing the water system and asked residents with discolored water to contact town offices. Staff will post trash-collection details on the town website and respond to complaints about cart placement and contract expectations.
