Solid Waste and Recycling Recognized for Environmental Stewardship Efforts

Construction project managers Amber Grzymski and Darren Steinhilber accept the Rising Steward of the Year Award.
Construction project managers Amber Grzymski and Darren Steinhilber accept the award.

Mecklenburg County has been recognized for its environmental stewardship efforts. The Solid Waste and Recycling division received the North Carolina Rising Environmental Steward of the Year Award from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) at its annual meeting. 

ESI supports agencies that implement practices to reduce their impact on the environment. Membership in ESI’s Rising Steward Program recognizes Solid Waste’s commitment to going above and beyond what is required by law. Solid Waste has been part of the voluntary program for five years and has received exemplary ratings for every annual audit.

“This award exemplifies the commitment of our staff toward protecting the environment,” Solid Waste Director Jeff Smithberger said. “Staff are truly the heroes of this effort, as without their support, dedication and commitment to environmental protection, we could not have gotten to this point.”

Solid Waste and Recycling is a division of the Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency. It is responsible for managing solid waste processing, overseeing full-service drop off centers, and conducting residential, business and school community outreach efforts focusing on sustainability and waste reduction.