Connect With Us

Cleveland County Announces Policy Amendment to Grant Exemptions for Lettered Vehicles and Flatbed Trucks

Web Release Icon (66) - Copy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2025                
Cleveland County Solid Waste Announces Policy Amendment to Grant Exemptions for
Lettered Vehicles and Flatbed Trucks

SHELBY, N.C.- Following input from residents, Cleveland County Solid Waste has amended its policy to grant exemptions for lettered vehicles and flatbed trucks under certain conditions. This policy change allows qualifying residents to use these vehicles at County convenience sites for solid waste disposal, subject to the following criteria:

  • The vehicle is not used for commercial, industrial, or institutional solid waste disposal.
  • The vehicle is not used in the construction industry.
  • The vehicle owner has submitted a completed Convenience Site Exemption Application and received approval from the Solid Waste Director.

To obtain an exemption, vehicle owners must submit a completed Convenience Site Exemption Application to the Cleveland County Solid Waste Department. The application must include the following information:

  • Owner's name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Vehicle description (make, model, year, color)
  • Vehicle license plate number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Reason for exemption
  • Agreement that the vehicle will not be used for commercial, industrial, or institutional solid waste disposal, and that all loads will be secured to prevent spillage.

Application Process and Location

Starting Monday, March 17th, residents can submit their applications at the Self McNeilly Landfill Scale House, located at 250 Fielding Road in Cherryville. Applicants are strongly encouraged to bring the vehicle they are applying for and the vehicle’s registration.

The application process is free of charge for residents at this time. Please note that exemptions will not be granted for vehicles in the construction industry.

Approval and Verification Process

The exemption approval process may take several weeks, as applications are not instantly approved or issued. The Solid Waste Director or a designated representative will review each application and may conduct additional verification, which may include:

  • Inspecting the vehicle to confirm its use and condition.
  • Verifying that the vehicle owner has an approved method for disposing of commercial waste, such as a dumpster.
  • Conducting a site visit to the owner’s residence or business to confirm the nature of their operations.

The Solid Waste Director will issue written confirmation for granted exemptions, which may be for a specific period of time or subject to revocation for cause.

For more information, please contact the Cleveland County Solid Waste Department at 704-477-8200 or visit www.clevelandcounty.com.

3.13.25 PDF Press Release Link
Official Solid Waste Policy Amendment

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