Naturally, the right thing to do.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a different kind of place in part because of its unique ties to nature. Two ocean currents converging, dynamic barrier islands dancing with the waves of the Atlantic. Did you know half of Dare County is water? Or that around 80% of the land within the County cannot be developed because it belongs to a National or State park, preserve or wildlife refuge? Even with these assurances, we're working hard to make sure the Outer Banks remains a place of uncommon natural beauty, that there is always Outer Banks!
Here are a few things we're doing:
The Outer Banks is the only East Coast destination banning thin plastic bags that damage our natural environment and harm wildlife.
- Major grocery stores and retailers must offer recycled paper bags or reuseable shopping bags.
Making a Difference Today by....
- 475 tons of glass from local restaurants and private residences are kept out of landfills through a state of the art glass crusher.
- Tons and tons of oyster shells are making their way back to local waters from the dinner table thanks to an innovative recycling program.
The State’s Leader in Recycling
- Top ranked county (out of 100) in per capita recycling rate for the last seven years.
- Local businesses, schools, residents and visitors participate in the voluntary recycling program.
ANNUAL RECYCLABLES COLLECTED:
| Mixed Plastics |
68 tons |
| Mixed Papers |
483 tons |
| Aluminum Cans |
21 tons |
| Glass |
475 tons |
| Steel |
18 tons |
| Cardboard |
691 tons |
| Batteries |
5,000 pounds |
| Computers |
32,000 pounds |
| Paint |
3,000 gallons |
| Oil |
19,000 gallons |
| Oil Filters |
6,000 filters |