Emerald Isle will implement a more robust Pack It In/Pack It Out program at public beach accesses in 2023. Previously practiced only during the winter months, the Town now extends the Pack It In/Pack It Out program throughout the year.
Pack It In/Pack It Out is part of the Seven Principles of the ‘Leave No Trace’ program. The principles provide guidance to enjoy our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts.
The reduction of beachside waste bins can help reduce invasive rodents, insects and eliminate odors. Less cans will further enhance natural and scenic views along Emerald Isle’s 12-plus miles of beach.
Similar programs in Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and other Outer Banks beaches have successfully reduced visitor-induced impacts. Guests of Emerald Isle are asked to help keep our community beach pristine and carry out all their trash.
The Town of Emerald Isle maintains 75 public beach access points to the Atlantic Ocean. Each of these access areas will continue to have trash receptacles at the street, near each entry point. Public trash cans will be emptied every Monday and Friday. The frequency of service can be increased as needed.
In addition to the public trash receptacles located along Ocean Drive, approximately 22 high density locations will retain trash containers on the beach strand during peak season. Oceanfront cans will be serviced at least 3 times per week. These bins are located at 3rd, EORA, Cedar Tree, James, Lee, Cedar, Beach Front RV, Bogue Inlet Pier, Camp OC Forest, Ocean Crest, Sound of the Sea, Boardwalk RV, Islander, WORA, Queens Ct, Holiday Trav L, Pebble Beach, Dolphin Ridge, Spinnakers, Point Emerald Villas, Lands End and Channel.
The Town of Emerald Isle wishes to thank our partner, Surfrider Foundation Bogue Banks Chapter, for supporting this valued effort to further preserve our natural resources.
As a reminder, the public can stay connected in multiple ways! Visit the town’s official website at www.emeraldisle-nc.org, follow EI on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. For up-to-the-minute information, including weather alerts and ocean conditions, be sure to download the official Town of Emerald Isle APP on your smartphone.