By Michelle Bliss
12-29-10 – With 2011 just on the horizon, WHQR's News Department is counting down the top ten stories of 2010. Coming in at number 6 is the impending privatization of the New Hanover County landfill.
After mulling over whether or not to outsource its landfill and waste-to-energy facility, WASTEC, for nearly two years, the county chose a local start-up called R3 Environmental.
Company representatives say their innovative process is more important than years of experience. That process involves turning organic waste into fuel, which will help divert trash from the landfill.
At the county commissioners' meeting last week, the board approved an extension request, pushing R3's takeover to April. If R3's operations don't start by April 2nd, the company will enter into a penalty period in which it will be fined 24-dollars for every ton that hits the scales.
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