Scotland County to end recycling 'swap shops' and reconsider scrap-tire acceptance after DEQ guidance

County staff told the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 2 they are proposing to end 'swap shops' at recycling centers and to limit scrap-tire acceptance after guidance from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Staff said swap-shop items often go uncollected and end up in the trash; DEQ also advised that accepting larger volumes of scrap tires may require the county to be a certified scrap-tire dealer, a status that involves tracking and certification. The manager noted recycling-center attendants can see large loads and act, but small, recurring deliveries from an unregistered dealer could evade detection and create compliance risks.

Commissioners discussed trade-offs: halting swap shops could reduce unsanitary piles and improve DEQ compliance, but could also push illegally disposed tires to roadside locations if disposal options are restricted. Some commissioners urged locating tires in a secure building or ensuring convenient options to reduce illegal dumping. No final ordinance or policy change was adopted at the meeting; staff will present recommended operational steps for board consideration.