Clay County Adopts New Solid Waste Fee Ordinance

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — Clay County property owners outside the Town of Hayesville will see a new $100 annual solid waste availability fee on their 2025 property tax bills, following the adoption of Ordinance #25-0717 by the Clay County Board of Commissioners on July 17, 2025.

The ordinance, designed to fund the operations and maintenance of the Clay County Transfer Station, was introduced during a public hearing on June 5, 2025, as part of the county’s 2025-2026 budget discussions. The budget, including the solid waste fee, was approved on June 23, 2025.

The $100 fee applies to each residential property outside Hayesville’s municipal boundaries, regardless of whether owners use a private hauler or personally transport household waste to the transfer station. The fee, which replaces the previous $125 annual trash permit, will be included in the 2025 property tax bills sent out next week, effective January 1, 2026.

According to the ordinance, the fee supports the broader solid waste management system and is not a duplication of private curbside pickup services. Property owners with uninhabitable or non-residential dwellings must notify the Clay County Tax Office to have the fee removed from their tax bill. Vacant properties are exempt.

To use the Clay County Transfer Station and recycling services, property owners must obtain a permit by submitting an application—either online or at the transfer station—along with proof of paid 2025 property taxes. One permit per residence will be issued, with additional permits available for $20 each. Vehicles must display a valid permit sticker to access the facility. Current permits expire on December 31, 2025, with new permits effective January 1, 2026.

The ordinance also outlines waste disposal limits and tipping fees. Each residence is allowed to dispose of up to five large (30- to 40-gallon) bags or 10 small bags of household garbage per week. Excess waste or non-household garbage incurs a tipping fee of 5 cents per pound. Businesses face a fee of $88 per ton, while solid waste hauling businesses are charged $80 per ton.

County officials emphasized that including the fee in property tax bills is a cost-efficient alternative to creating a separate billing system. For more information, property owners can contact the Clay County Tax Office or visit the Clay County Transfer Station.