Volunteer Joel Newton honored for repairing town trash and recycling carts

The Town of Southern Shores presented a volunteer appreciation award to resident Joel Newton on Sept. 1 for his work repairing residents' trash and recycling carts and helping reduce waste.

Town Manager Cliff Ogburn described a town program prompted by a 2022 planning-board review of solid waste that led to code changes requiring fully functional lids and wheels on residential receptacles and increased education and notice-of-violation (NOV) remedies. Ogburn said the town purchased lids, axles and wheels and partnered with Newton to strengthen local service. "We partner with Joel Newton who's here," Ogburn said, introducing Newton to the council.

Newton told the council that many homeowners simply did not know replacement parts were available and that outreach remained the key barrier to repairs. "If I only knew I could get these parts through you, you know, we'd have this cart repaired," Newton said, adding that last month he repaired "8 carts out here on 3 for 3 houses owned by 2 different owners." The mayor said Newton has repaired "over 280 carts" to date and that residents pay only for parts while Newton donates labor.

Council members emphasized the program's goals of reducing landfill waste and saving residents money. The town will continue NOV guidance and public-information efforts to connect homeowners with repair parts and Newton's service.