Proposed South Wake Landfill Expansion Sparks Discussion

Questions remain about the potential impact on surrounding Apex and Holly Springs neighborhoods and each town's infrastructure.

Holly Springs, NC, December 20, 2024 — Greenway Waste Solutions of Apex LLC has filed a petition with the town of Apex to expand its recycling and composting facility on Old Smithfield Road, raising questions about the potential impact on surrounding Apex and Holly Springs neighborhoods and the town's infrastructure. The proposed expansion involves rezoning from Light Industrial (LI) and Sustainable Development Conditional Zoning (SD-CZ) to Light Industrial Conditional Zoning (LI-CZ).

The facility primarily handles construction and demolition (C&D) debris and does not accept general household trash or hazardous waste. The expansion aims to increase the facility's capacity for recycling C&D materials, aligning with its current operations. According to the company, the initiative is consistent with the 2045 Land Use Map and would enhance local recycling efforts without including general trash disposal.

Greenway Waste Solutions hosted a virtual neighborhood meeting on November 26 to discuss the plans, but no community members attended, leaving concerns about potential environmental and logistical impacts unanswered. Notifications about the meeting were sent to nearby property owners as required, and the company remains open to feedback.

Local regulations mandate a public hearing before the rezoning can proceed. Notices for the hearing will be published, and residents will have the opportunity to express concerns about environmental impacts, increased traffic, and other issues. Apex’s planning board will review the proposal to ensure it meets the town’s zoning and environmental standards.

Potential challenges include increased traffic from construction vehicles, which may strain local infrastructure and environmental concerns such as stormwater runoff and dust. However, Greenway Waste Solutions has pledged to comply with town regulations and address these issues through mitigation measures.

While the lack of attendance at the neighborhood meeting suggests limited community awareness or engagement, the public hearing offers a second chance for residents to weigh in. Residents can also contact Greenway Waste Solutions at mike@griffinbros.com or 919-367-2895 to learn more or voice concerns.

This rezoning proposal underscores the balancing act between accommodating industrial growth and preserving community well-being. The decision will likely set a precedent for how Apex manages future development in environmentally sensitive areas.

The Apex Town Council encourages all stakeholders to participate in the public hearing to ensure the community’s voice is heard.

For updates, visit the Town of Apex’s website or contact the planning department at 919-249-3426.