Dare County Public Works will be modifying trash can collection procedures for four roads located off Old Lighthouse Road in Buxton beginning Monday, December 15, 2025. These changes are necessary due to severely deteriorated road conditions, including sand buildup and low-hanging tree limbs, which have made sections of these roads too narrow or unsafe for collection trucks to access.

In order to ensure safe and reliable service and to minimize damage to county equipment, residents are asked to follow the updated placement guidelines below according to their road. 

As a reminder, please place your trash can out the night before collection and return it to your home after collection.

Please note: Residents on these affected roads may also choose to place their trash cans on Old Lighthouse Road, which will serve as an alternative collection location.  

Ocean Drive 

All trash cans must be placed on the north side of Ocean Drive. This allows the truck to safely back down the road, collect all cans on one side, and then pull straight out. The truck can only back as far as the Cape Hatteras Seashore cottages before the road becomes impassable.

Cottage Avenue 

All trash cans must be placed on the north side of Cottage Avenue. The truck will back down the road, collect cans on the same side, and pull out. The truck can safely back nearly the full length of the road before reaching sand buildup.

North Tower Circle Road

All trash cans must be placed on the north side of North Tower Circle Road. The truck will back in, collect cans, and pull straight out. The truck will proceed only as far as conditions allow before reaching sand.

South Tower Circle Road 

All trash cans must be placed on the south side of South Tower Circle Road. The truck will pull in forward, collect cans, and then back out safely. The truck will travel only as far as it can before sand prevents further access.

Tower Circle Road (Connector Road)

This road, which connects North Tower Circle and South Tower Circle, is no longer accessible by truck from either direction due to severe sand and road narrowing. Residents on this stretch must take their trash cans to North Tower Circle Road or South Tower Circle Road and follow the instructions provided above or take their trash cans directly to Old Lighthouse Road.