Cleveland County Announces New Convenience Site Standards to Improve Safety, Efficiency, and Access

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24th, 2025
Cleveland County Announces New Convenience Site Standards to Improve Safety, Efficiency, and Access

SHELBY, N.C.– Starting March 1st, Cleveland County Government will implement new standards aimed at enhancing the efficiency, safety, and accessibility of all Convenience Sites and Landfill Sites. Many of the standards in this policy are already part of the Solid Waste Ordinance. By clearly outlining these standards for the public, the County aims to ensure continued service, with fiscal responsibility and accountability to residents and Solid Waste ratepayers.

Key Policy Highlights:

1. Commercial Waste and Vehicles:
    • Commercial, industrial, and institutional solid waste is prohibited at Cleveland County Convenience Sites. All commercial vehicles must access services at the Cleveland County Landfill Sites.
    • All commercial vehicles are required to access solid waste services at the Cleveland County Landfill Sites.
    • Self-McNeilly Landfill (250 Fielding Road, Cherryville) is designated for Municipal Solid Waste, while the Airport Road Landfill (1607 Airport Road, Shelby) is designated for Construction and Demolition Debris/Waste.
    • All lettered vehicles are considered commercial vehicles.
2. Waste Exclusions: The following materials are prohibited at all Cleveland County Convenience Sites:
    • Construction and demolition debris
    • Hazardous waste
    • Liquid waste
    • Infectious waste
    • Radioactive waste
    • Dead animals
    • Burning or smoldering materials
    • Sludge
    • Large quantities or excess lengths of cable, wiring, or spring steel (over 3 feet)
3. Residential Vehicle Restrictions:
    • Only personal passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, flatbed trucks with a valid exempt farm use license plate, and pick-up trucks are permitted access to the Convenience Sites.
    • Single-axle personal utility trailers 12 feet or less in length are permitted.
    • Prohibited: Personal or rental dump trucks, box trucks, dump trailers, enclosed trailers, car trailers, and gooseneck trailers.
4. Waste Containment Requirements:
    • Municipal Solid Waste/Household Waste must be placed in trash cans with secured lids or securely bagged to prevent spillage during transport.
    • Any waste hauled in trailers must be fully covered with a tarp to prevent debris from escaping.
5. Enforcement and Penalties:
    • Failure to comply with these standards will result in warnings. Further violations will be subject to fines, beginning at $100, with escalating penalties for subsequent violations. Repeat offenders may be denied access to Cleveland County Convenience Sites and Landfill Sites.


This policy applies to all authorized patrons accessing Cleveland County Convenience Sites and commercial drivers/owners accessing the Cleveland County Landfill Sites. The implementation of this policy is a part of Cleveland County’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsible waste management, reduce environmental impact, and promote safety for all patrons and County staff.

1.24.25 PDF Press Release Link

Cleveland County Solid Waste Convenience Site(s) Operational Practices & Utilization Standards Policy

Media contact:
Karyn Owens
Marketing and Communications Director
Cleveland County Government
704-484-4800
karyn.owens@clevelandcountync.gov