white styrofoam cup and green plastic bag with word plastic reduction initiative

Single-use plastic reduction initiative comes to a close

It is the City of Asheville’s mission to support a thriving local economy and a clean, healthy environment. Community cleanliness was identified by City Council as an area of concern and in October 2022, Asheville City Council directed the Sustainability Department to take a phased approach to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic.  The first phase [...]

BID survey information with image of downtown

Share your input to further shape the Downtown Business Improvement District services

The City of Asheville is seeking input from the public, including those who live, work and visit downtown, to help further shape the service needs and priorities for the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) based on the following focus areas: Safety & Hospitality: Ensuring a welcoming and secure environment for everyone Enhanced Cleaning: Keeping [...]

construction equipment at downtown restroom site

Progress continues on the downtown restroom project at College Street and Rankin Avenue

UPDATE: July 11, 2024   Progress continues on the Rankin Avenue and College Street bathroom facility downtown.   Contractors have been on site this week as groundwork continues.   Cameras will soon be installed to bring added security to the area.   Delivery of the restroom facility will take place during later summer.    The Portland Loo restroom will be delivered via crane, followed by [...]

two women sitting on bench, one holds reusable water bottle, the other holds styrofoam cup

Less Plastic Asheville: That’s a wrap!

This past spring, the City of Asheville conducted a voluntary initiative called “Less Plastic Asheville Challenge” inviting Asheville residents to reduce their single-use plastic consumption. The City supported community member efforts by providing information, resources, and a little friendly competition. The campaign ran from February 19 – May 31 and consisted of two key components: [...]

trash truck with flames

Help avoid accidents: How to properly dispose of combustible/flammable materials

On June 18, Sanitation staff encountered a fire in one of our trash trucks due to improper disposal of combustible/flammable materials such as car parts, linseed oil, and possibly fuel filters.  Thankfully, the truck was close to a local fire department. Sanitation staff and firefighters quickly responded, dumped the load, and extinguished the fire. No injuries [...]

house under construction

Calling all Asheville homebuilders: Share your input on sustainability rebates

The City of Asheville is reevaluating its Sustainability Rebate Program and wants to hear directly from local home builders. The program currently provides rebates on permit fees for new or renovated one and two family dwellings built under the North Carolina Residential Code that include above-minimum state code elements like solar panels, energy efficiency upgrades, [...]

beauty shot of downtown Asheville shows downtown skyline against blue skies

Recent statistics show a year on year reduction in property and violent crimes

At the most recent Environment and Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Asheville Police Department (APD) Chief Lamb and Captain Aardema updated committee members on city-wide crime statistics for the first quarter compared to the same quarter in 2023.  Good News in Crime Reduction The comparisons are positive according to APD data.  Statistics show an [...]

drink this that shows a view of reservoir, not that showing bottles of water

Bottled water vs. tap water? In Asheville, the answer is easy.

In recent years, many cities have been in the news when water from their distribution systems did not meet national safe drinking water standards. It’s easy to understand why more and more residents are feeling concerned about their water. Some are choosing bottled water over tap, because they think it’s a safer alternative. However, take [...]

spring free store information

Donate and attend the Spring Free Store in May!

Did you know the City of Asheville has a goal to reduce landfill waste by 50% by 2035?  Please join us in being part of the solution! The Spring Free Store is a  fun “shopping” event that is good for your wallet and for the planet. The Spring Free Store is like a yard sale, but [...]

electrify buncombe logo

Electrify Asheville-Buncombe brings an “Electrification” Marketplace to local residents

Buncombe County and the City of Asheville are partnering on a unique program designed to support Asheville and Buncombe County’s clean-energy goals. The innovative program, Electrify Asheville-Buncombe, provides support to residents of Asheville and Buncombe County by helping homeowners explore new proven electric technologies, choose participating local contractors, and get help with identifying discount purchase [...]

Earth Day photo illustration

Earth Day is here!

The Sustainability Department invites you to join in the fun of making a cleaner, greener Asheville at home, at work, and in our community. Keep reading to find ways to get involved and have a positive impact, while enjoying the outdoors and our community. Earth Day is today, but if it snuck up on you [...]

spring sweep graphic with city of asheville logo

Participate in the 2024 Spring Sweep!

The 2024 Spring Litter Sweep is taking place April 13-27. Traditionally scheduled for the last two weeks of April and September, Litter Sweep is the N.C. Department of Transportation’s biannual statewide roadside litter removal initiative. Residents throughout the state participate in local efforts to help clean up North Carolina’s roadways. We invite you to lend a [...]

baby black bear getting into trash

The City of Asheville marks a significant milestone in addressing economical bear-resistant solutions

The City of Asheville Sanitation Department is pleased to announce an additional 340 additional bear carts have been ordered and Ultimate Trash Locks have been approved for use. This marks a significant milestone in addressing economical bear-resistant solutions. 340 additional bear trash carts are on the way The City of Asheville has purchased an [...]

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