Frequently Asked Questions
I. Convenience Center
II. Customer Service
III. Employment
IV. Water & Sewer
Q. Can anybody use the Convenience Centers?
A. Berkeley County's Convenience Centers are for residential use only. All businesses need to come across the scales at the landfill. In addition, residents who are hauling single axle trailors over 10', or are in oversized trucks, will have to bring their debris to the landfill.
Q. What can I bring to the landfill?
A. The landfill accepts yard debris, construction and demolition materials, MSW (special wastes and putresciables - household garbage). We also take in appliances and tires.
Q. Is there any material the landfill will not accept?
A. Yes, we cannot accept hazardous or radioactive materials, medical red bag waste, or anything considered a free liquid.
Q. Do I have to pay for items that I bring to the landfill?
A. In most cases, yes. The following is a breakdown of the charges.
- Yard Debris - $28/ton
- Construction & Demolition (C&D) - $28/ton
- MSW - $50/ton
Metals such as appliances might be able to come in at no charge after inspection. If there are contaminates in the load there will be a charge.
Tires:
- Skidder tires - $170/ton
- Truck tires - $92/ton
- Car tires - $50/ton
Q. What types of payment will you accept?
A. We accept in-state checks, credit and debit cards, and cash. In order to present a check, your information must be on the check and you must present your driver's license. We cannot accept out of state checks.
Q. I have a boat I need to dispose of. What do I need to do, and is there a charge?
A. If you bring in your boat with an inboard motor the fee is $50/ton. Without the motor, the fee is $28/ton. Absolutely no gas or oil is accepted, all tanks must be triple-rinsed.
Q. I have to dispose of burned material. Will the landfill accept it?
A. Once the materials are inert you can bring them to the landfill. However, you must inform the scale clerk that you are bringing in burnt debris, and your load will be inspected. These articles must go up on the MSW hill as they are considered special waste and must be handled properly to prevent fires. If your burnt materials have hot spots, or are still smoldering, the load will be turned away. If your debris has hot spots and they cause a fire, you may be assessed the cost of putting that fire out.
Q. Is the landfill open on Saturday?
A. The landfill is usually open six days a week.
| Monday-Friday |
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday |
7:30 AM - 1 PM |
Q. What are the hours and locations of the Convenience Centers?
| Monday |
7 AM - 7 PM |
| Tuesday |
3 PM - 7 PM |
| Wednesday |
7 AM - 7 PM |
| Thursday |
3 PM - 7 PM |
| Friday |
7 AM - 7 PM |
| Saturday |
3 PM - 7 PM |
*The Oakley Road Convenience Center's hours are Monday - Saturday 7 AM - 7 PM, Sunday 3 PM - 7 PM. All other convenience centers are open 3 PM - 7 PM on Sunday.
Please click here for convenience center locations.
Q. What items are accepted at Solid Waste Convenience Centers?
A. The following items are accepted at the convenience centers:
- Construction and Debris
- Cooking Oil
- Furniture and Miscellaneous Items at Swap Shops
- Household Garbage
- Lead Acid Batteries and Nickel Cadium (NiCd)
- Tires
- Used Motor Oil
- White Goods (Appliances and Scrap Metal)
- Yard Waste
Q. What is the Landfill Fee that I see on my property tax bill?
A. This is a solid waste user fee (SWUF) that helps to cover the operation of the landfill. Every building or unit in the county is assessed this fee.
Q. If I am tax exempt do I still have to pay the SWUF?
A. This is a solid waste user fee (SWUF) that helps to cover the operation of the landfill. Every building or unit in the county is assessed this fee.
Q. Is there a deposit required to start new services?
A. No, we charge an administrative fee that will be added to your first month's bill.
Q. What is the waiting period for starting new services?
A. We require 24 hours notice, and we don't start services on the weekend.
Q. Does a customer get a credit for filling a pool?
A. No, a residential customer is charged for water used and sewer is a flat rate.
Q. Are customers responsible for running a water and/or sewer line from their house to service connection?
A. Yes, it is the customer's responsibility to run the lines.
Q. Does BCWS charge a fee when services are cut off for non-payment?
A. If service is disconnected for non-payment , BCWS charges a processing fee of $40.00.
Q. Does BCWS charge a late fee?
A. BCWS accesses $5.00 late fee if your payment is not received before the next billing.
Q. How does BCWS bill for services?
A. BCWS bills monthly in arrears for water and sewer charges.
Q. How long will my application remain actively on file?
A. When you submit an application for a position that is currently advertised, your application will remain active until that position closes. If you submit an application for a position that is not currently available, your application will be kept on file for twelve (12) months and will be considered if the position becomes vacant during that period.
Q. If I apply for one position will I be considered for any other open positions that I am qualified for?
A. If you would like to be considered for more than one position, you must submit an application for each position for which you would like to be considered.
Q. Do you accept resumes?
A. Yes, resumes may be attached as a supplement; however it will not be considered as a substitute for any section of the application.
Q. Is it safe for our animals to drink the water if there is a boil water notice?
A. Yes.
Q. Is the water safe to wash dishes if there is a boil water notice?
A. No. You will need to boil the water before washing any kitchen utensils, dishes, etc.
Q. I have no water. Could you tell me if they are working in the area and how long can I expect to be without water?
A. We are not sure at this time but please know that we are working as promptly as possible to restore your services.
Q. Will I receive notification when the water service has been restored?
A. Yes. Our technicians will notify each customer by written notification which should be placed on each door.
Q. I have received a letter from another Water Specialist stating I need to send in a sample for water testing. Should I respond?
A. No. These are not BCWS certified testers. This notification should be disregarded.
Q. What size PVC Pipe do I need in order to run the water line from the meter to my home?
A. Please contact BCWS for the appropriate measurements.
Q. I'd like to have my well water tested. Does BCWS provided this service?
A. We do provide this service. Please contact BCWS for more information.