The Operations Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of public restrooms at facilities such as the Cabana, Middleton Park, as well as the application of Beach Vitex Treatment, Mosquito Fogging operations, and maintenance of the Beach Access Locations. 

For more information on Mosquito Management, click the information tab above. 

To contact the Operations Division and report a hazard, or to request services, call 910-201-8083, or use the Department Contact Form.

ABOUT

Reducing the mosquito population is critical for helping to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone to live, work, and play.  Working to achieve this goal significantly reduces the risk of vector-borne diseases, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Zika Virus, and Malaria. 

The Town of Oak Island has maintained a Mosquito Management Program for over 10 years, as part of an integrated pest management program for public health. The Town's Mosquito Management efforts are licensed by the State of North Carolina, and guided through a partnership with Brunswick County. 

The Town follows all regulations provided through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services by the authority of the NC Pesticide Board. 

The state of North Carolina strictly mandates the products used for Mosquito Management; deviations to different products which are not approved violate state licensing. 

The Town of Oak Island's Mosquito Management Program is administered through the Operations Division of the Public Works Department. The Department maintains vehicles equipped with Smart Flow technology, which apply an organic oil, Biomist 3+15 ULV through an application process known as Fogging. 

Fogging operations are heavily dependent on the immediate wind and weather forecasts, and can be scheduled or cancelled on short notice due to forecast changes. 

PREVENTION

The best response to the mosquito population is to prevent it from growing. This starts at the home through the “Tip-&-Toss” method.

Eliminate breeding grounds for new mosquitos by “tipping” stagnant water out of any containers in your yard. This includes items like bird baths, deck storage boxes, old pet dishes, and children’s toys.

Finally, take inventory of your yard and remove any containers or other items that don’t need to be left outdoors. By “tossing” these items into the recycling bin, they reduce the number of spaces where new mosquitos can grow.

PESTICIDE INFORMATION

For fogging operations, the Town uses Biomist 3+15 ULV, which has been identified as an organic oil. 

• CLICK HERE for manufacturer information on CLARKE Biomist

The application of insecticides during fogging operations is always performed using methods approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with applications made at concentrations that are either very diluted, or at Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) rates, and which are not done very frequently for any given site.

The EPA has concluded that when all product label language and instructions are followed, use of Biomist poses no unacceptable risks to human health, wildlife, or the environment.

As a precaution, people and pets should avoid direct contact with the fogging during operation and should go indoors as the Mosquito Management vehicle passes their home. The fog (mist) will dissipate quickly throughout the treatment area, usually between 5-30 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

TREATMENT AREAS & OPERATIONS

Although heavily dependent on wind and weather conditions, fogging operations occur at DUSK, typically between 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Monday - Thursday.

Town streets are divided into FOUR (4) Fogging Zones:

• Zone 1: Middleton to West End
• Zone 2: NE/SE 1st - 40th
• Zone 3: NE/SE 41st - 79th
• Zone 4: Yaupon and mainland areas

As of 2025, the Town only offers exemptions from fogging operations to verified Apiarists (Bee Keepers) who have registered through the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Apiary Program. Proof of registration can be provided to the Public Works Department through the Department Contact Form.

PROGRAM FACTS

All training and calibration of fogging equipment for the Town is provided through the Brunswick County Mosquito Control Program. The County also provides regular testing and monitoring of mosquito populations. Oak Island values this collaboration with our partners at the County level, and appreciates the insights and oversight it provides. 

CLICK HERE to view a presentation on the services provided by the County.

• The Town of Oak Island typically begins fogging operations when rain totals predict mosquito breeding
• The NC EPA standards must be met before fogging operations can begin, such as recent heavy rain events or a large area of complaints.
• Fogging operations occur at DUSK, typically between 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Monday - Thursday.
  • IMPORTANT: Operations are performed at DUSK, as this is when mosquitos are MOST active, while helpful pollinators (such as bees) are also LEAST active
• Fogging is provided to TWO zones each night, with TWO nights needed to complete all operations -- Fogging Zones are:
  • Zone 1: Middleton to West End
  • Zone 2: NE/SE 1st - 40th
  • Zone 3: NE/SE 41st - 79th
  • Zone 4: Yaupon and mainland areas
• The product only kills mosquitoes that fly through the fog while it is in the air

The Stormwater Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department oversees the maintenance, repair, and installation of the Town's existing stormwater infrastructure. 

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Being an island at sea level with a high water table, minor flash flooding can occur during significant rain or storm events.
• During such events, water does not drain as quickly as it would on the mainland; however, minor flooding usually recedes after about 48 hours.    
• If flash flooding is experienced, there is usually NO NEED to contact the Public Works Department, as they are already aware of current conditions.  
• HOWEVER, if you are in immediate danger, CALL 9-1-1

PURPOSE

The Town's infrastructure is designed to remove stormwater from developed surfaces (asphalt, gravel, send, etc.) through a series of ditches and pipes, where it is naturally filtered before returning to a water source. It is not intended to prevent flooding or to protect personal property.

Because of this, stormwater will often appear as "clean" water flowing through ditches or culverts.  

Important: If stormwater remains in a ditch or drainage area for more than one week, then you should contact the Public works Department through the Department Contact Form.

The system is in place to meet State and Federal requirements to counter the adverse affects of increased post-development stormwater runoff. 

PUBLIC vs. PRIVATE 

Mitigating flooding on personal property is NOT the objective of the Town's stormwater infrastructure. Changes to personal property are the responsibility of the property owner, and permitted through the Town's Development Service Department.  

This includes Driveways and Driveway Pipes, as these are permitted / installed during the initial property development. These are NOT items which are addressed by the Stormwater Maintenance Division.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information safeguarding your home or businesses from flooding, view the FLOOD HAZRD GUIDE.   

Did you know? Stormwater fees are paid by all residents and businesses, as every property contributes to stormwater runoff.

NOTE: Streetlights are maintained and repaired by the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC). The Town of Oak Island is NOT able to repair or replace these fixtures.

To report damaged or inoperable streetlights, contact BEMC through the Outdoor Light Repair Form at www.BEMC.org or click the link below (also available by phone at 910-457-9808).

The Streets Division of Public Works maintains Town streets, sidewalks, signs and performs road debris and dead animal removal from the Town right of way (not from personal property).

• CLICK HERE for information on street ownership (Town or NCDOT)

To contact the Streets Division and report a traffic hazard, or to request other services from the Streets Division including dead animal removal, pothole, sinkhole, or street repair, call 910-201-8083, or use the CONTACT FORM.

Street Paving Schedule

• CLICK HERE to view the most recent Streets Survey Report 

Click on the tabs below, to view the current and most recent street paving schedules, including with the starting location and paved dimensions for each street.

Tree City USA was created in 1972 by the Arbor Day Foundation, as a designation to recognize communities across the country that are taking steps towards effective management of their public trees.

The Public Works Department performs the vegetation maintenance and all criteria work associated with the Tree City USA designation.  

The Town of Oak Island has consistently met standards and been designated a Tree City USA for the last 27 years!

This is designation applies to Town efforts only, and does NOT reflect or is affected by the efforts or private residents. The designation helps to raise public awareness of tree-related issues within a community. It it used to help encourage public education, and promote tree canopy preservation.

To qualify as a Tree City USA community, four (4) standards must be met, which have been established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters:

1. Maintaining a Forestry Department and / or Board 
   • The Environmental Advisory Committee is acceptable as a board for this standard, while the Public Works Department and its Stormwater Maintenance Division meet the department requirements and perform the needed work.
2. Having a Community Tree Ordinance (Oak Island UDO: Chapter 32)
3. Spending at least $2 per capita for public spaces, tree planting, and hazardous tree removal.
4. Celebrating Arbor Day

To Learn More

For more information on this designation or the work done to achieve and maintain it, please contact the Public Works Department through the Department Contact Form, or click the link below.

Residential Yard Debris Collection Guidelines

• Yard debris must be placed in the right-of-way, free from obstructions such as mailboxes, signs, or limbs, at the beginning of the scheduled collection week. Once a Town collection trucks pass through an area, they will not return until the next cycle.
• Place leaves and grass in one pile. Do not bag leaves or grass.
• Brush and limbs not greater than six (6) inches in diameter must be in a separate pile.
• Do not mix any other trash or materials with your yard debris. The Town will not collect yard debris in bags or mixed piles.
• Yard debris must be placed on the right-of-way in front of your residence, not an adjacent lot.
• Debris pickup is not provided for landscaping companies or tree services.
• The Town will not collect yard debris generated by lot clearing, demolition or new construction.

Yard Debris Collection Schedule

Removal of yard debris from the public right-of-way (streetside) is provided on the following schedule:

Yard Debris Zone 1  Middleton Street to the West end (including beachfront areas) – Collected the FIRST & SECOND full weeks of the months of January, March, May, July, September & November.

Yard Debris Zone 2  From NE/SE 40th Street to NE/SE 1st Street (including beachfront areas) – Collected the THIRD & FOURTH full weeks of the months of January, March, May, July, September & November.

Yard Debris Zone 3  From NE/SE 79th Street to NE/SE 41st Street (including beachfront areas) – Collected the FIRST & SECOND full weeks of the months of February, April, June, August, October & December.

Yard Debris Zone 4  From NE/SE Crowell Street to Yaupon Way and all mainland areas within Town limits (including beachfront areas) – Collected the THIRD & FOURTH full weeks of the months of February, April, June, August, October & December.

REMINDER: This service is not for disposal of Brown or White goods or any other bulk household trash items – this service is for yard debris only.

TOWN ORDINANCES

• Sec. 24-65. – Leaves and yard debris

(a) Residential leaf and yard debris service shall be limited to the amount of tree limbs, cuttings, shrubbery, and the like that a typical resident shall produce in normal yard work. Debris must be placed in the right-of-way in front of that resident’s property and shall be out of the paved roadway, cannot obstruct stormwater assets or ditches, must be placed away from sewer clean outs, water meters, electrical lines and in accordance with other instructions that shall be published by the town, for collection by the town. The debris shall not be placed in any other area without written permissions from the other property owner affected and shall be submitted to the public works director. Debris pickup is not a service provided to a landscaping firm, a private tree company or to individuals, who are compensated to trim trees, modify landscaping, or perform major yard work, and those that perform this type work will be solely responsible for removal and disposal of all materials.

The town will not collect yard debris that is generated in conjunction with new construction, remodeling, demolition, or the clearing of trees and brush from properties in preparation for future development of those properties.

(b) Penalty for violation.

(1) Items found in violation of this section will be tagged as such and written notification shall be given to the property owner, resident, or tenant stating violation and corrective action to be taken. If the violation is not corrected, the city will take action to remedy the violation. The property owner, resident, or tenant may be fined as described below and will be charged the actual costs of cleanup and disposal.

(2) Any person in violation of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500.00 as permitted by G.S. 14-4 and shall also be subject to appropriate equitable remedies including but not being limited to injunctive relief. The department of development services may stay enforcement of the civil penalty if the offender takes corrective actions within ten days of receipt of notice of violation. Appeals of decisions of the department of development services concerning enforcement of this section may be made to the board of adjustments within ten days of the decision. Appeals to the board of adjustments shall be made in accordance with section 18-334 of this Code.

• 4110 Airport Road

Hours of Operation:

• Wednesdays: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• Fridays: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• First Saturday of the Month: 8:00 AM - NOON

The Public Works Department operates the Disposal Convenience Site, (formerly referred to as the Town Dump).  The site is available to all Town residents and owners of non-commercial property, for free disposal of household garbage and recycling; including Brown and White Goods.

NOTE: Curbside collection of bulk items is NOT provided by the Town, or the contracted solid waste collection provider, GFL Environmental Inc. Items must be disposed of at the Convenience Site, or at one of the locations provided by Brunswick County, listed below.

Proof of residency is required for use of the Disposal Site. This can be provided through any identification showing a Town address (i.e. drivers license, utility bill, etc.

Hours of Operation:

• Wednesdays: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
• Fridays: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• First Saturday of the Month: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Accepted Items

Items accepted for disposal at the Convenience Site include:

Household Garbage & Recycling

• Bagged household trash
• General household recycling items

Brown Goods

• Carpet 
• Discarded Furniture
• Mattresses & Box Springs

White Goods

• Air Conditioners
• Dishwashers 
• Freezers
• Grills (charcoal or gas, but must have fuel tanks removed) 
• Microwaves
• Ranges 
• Refrigerators
• Washing Machines & Dryers
• Water Heaters

Electronics

• Computers
• DVD & VCR players 
• Printers & Monitors 
• Televisions

Non-Accepted Items 

Items which are NOT accepted for disposal at the Convenience Site include:

• Yard Waste & Debris (grass clippings, tree limbs, leaves, etc.)
• Vehicles, boats, trailers, or other equipment designed to be self-propelled or towed
• Tires, lead-acid batteries, antifreeze or motor oil**
• Flammable, combustible, poisonous or explosive materials or containers (i.e. gasoline, antifreeze, solvents, liquid paint, pesticides, poisons)
• Construction, demolition and remodeling debris: such as treated wood, sheetrock, doors, windows, siding, pipe, shingles, and other residue from the renovation, repair, construction or demolition of buildings and supporting structures such as sheds and fences.
• Solid fill materials such as bricks, stones, concrete, soil, etc.

**Used motor oil can be recycled at auto parts stores or at the Brunswick County Landfill. Other oils must be recycled at the County landfill. Check the Brunswick County website for more information.

Alternative Disposal Options 

Alternative options for disposing of bulky items include:

• Donating usable furniture items and working appliances to a charitable organization, such as Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and others.
• Brunswick County Southport Convenient Site (8392 River Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461)
  • Facility Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Brunswick County Landfill (172 Landfill Road NE, Bolivia, NC 28422)
  • Facility Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Privately contracted haulers (see local or online advertisements)

Service Reminders

• ROLL BACK service is NOT offered, it is the responsibility of resident or property manager to bring carts to the streetside for collection and return them from the roadway afterwards (NOTE: there are some privately contracted businesses which offer this service). 

• CARTS should be placed curbside no earlier than the afternoon prior to collection; and should be rolled back to storage no later than the evening following collection.

• STORAGE of carts should always be on ground-level, non-elevated surfaces.

• COLLECTION is provided for the carts only; the contracted service provider, GFL Environmental, Inc is not obligated to collect items placed in the right-of-way or beside the carts.

The full policy regarding Garbage Collection & Recycling can be found in Chapter 24 of the Town Code of Ordinances,

Report Broken Carts and Request New Replacement Carts

• Please see the New & Replacement Carts tab on this page.

Cart Placement

The contracted service provider, GFL Environmental Inc. works hard to ensure all carts are collected on each service route; however, carts MUST be properly placed to be collected.

• Place carts by the streetside with the wheels facing the home and the lid opening towards the street.

• Keep carts FOUR (4) feet apart and at least FOUR (4) feet from any obstacles, such as mailboxes, cars, lamp posts, fire hydrants or  utilities connections (water, sewer, power, etc.).

• Keep carts at the streetside until the end of the day if they haven't been collected, as sometimes collection is delayed or arrival times change temporarily.

• It's a best practice to place carts streetside the night before collection, so that even if collection occurs early it won't be missed. 

Holiday Schedule

The contracted service provider, GFL Environmental Inc. only modifies the collection schedule for TWO two holidays each year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Collection for these holidays will be rescheduled to the next Saturday after the holiday.

NOTE: All other holidays have normal collection times; however, collection after ANY holiday may be different and / or take longer, as there is usually a high collection volume.

Accepted Materials

DID YOU KNOW? Latex paint (LATEX ONLY) can be dried out by filling with kitty litter or paper shreds! Once absorbed into these materials, it can be bagged and disposed of in the curbside garbage bin. However, oil-based paints must be disposed of at the County Landfill.

GFL Enterprises, the Town's contracted provider of residential garbage & recycling collection services, has provided the following list of items which are accepted for recycling.  Help the Town's recycling efforts to become more efficient, by considering what is and isn’t allowed in curbside recycling bins.

ACCEPTED:

• Aluminum Cans
• Cardboard & Paper Bags
• Clear Glass
• Colored Glass
• Household Plastic
• Food & Beverage Cartons; such as milk (dairy, soy, almond), juice, soup, broth, wine
• Junk Mail
• Newspaper
• Office Paper
• Paperboard Magazines & Catalogs
• Plastic Jugs/Bottles
• Phone Books
• Steel & Tin Cans

NOT ACCEPTED:

• Chemicals (Dry or Liquid)
• Concrete
• Electrical Cords/Batteries
• Flammable Liquids
• Garbage / Compost Food Waste
• Garden Hoses
• Household Cleaners
• Medical Waste/Syringes
• Plastic Bags
• Propane Tanks
• Styrofoam Containers/Packing
• Tires
• Wood Items

For more information on accepted recycling, as well as general information about recycling effort within Oak Island, please contact the Public Works Department at 910-201-8083, or through the CONTACT FORM.

There are several ways to order a new or replacement Garbage & Recycling Cart, depending on the specific need.

Please choose the best option below:

To REPORT or REQUEST: 

• Missed Garbage & Recycling Collection
• Damaged Garbage Carts 
• Missing Recycling Carts
• Missing EXTRA Garbage Carts (NOT the standard cart provided)
• Carts for New Construction (must have their Certificate of Occupancy for at least 7-10 business before requesting)

Please contact GFL Environmental directly at 910-253-4177 or use the Customer Portal at  gflenv.com/support.

To REPORT garbage-only carts that go missing on days OTHER than Collection Day, contact Brunswick County Solid Waste at 910-253-2520 or EMAIL HERE.

To REQUEST any additional carts beyond the standard number provided, contact the Oak Island Public Works Department by EMAIL HERE.

CLICK HERE to view the Collection Zones Map

ZONE 1: NW / SW Middleton to West End &  Off Island, S. Harbour Village

• GARBAGE Collection: EVERY Monday 
• RECYCLING Collection: Every OTHER Monday

Recycling Collection Schedule

12/29/2025

1/12/2026
1/26/2026
2/9/2026
2/23/2026
3/9/2026
3/23/2026
4/6/2026
4/20/2026
5/4/2026
5/18/2026
6/1/2026
6/15/2026
6/29/2026
7/13/2026
7/27/2026
8/10/2026
8/24/2026
9/7/2026
9/21/2026
10/5/2026
10/19/2026
11/2/2026
11/16/2026
11/30/2026
12/14/2026
12/28/2026
1/11/2027
1/25/2027

CLICK HERE to view the Collection Zones Map

ZONE 2: NE / SE 29th St. to NE / SE 1st St. 

• GARBAGE Collection: EVERY Monday 
• RECYCLING Collection: Every OTHER Monday

Recycling Collection Schedule

12/22/2025

1/5/2026
1/19/2026
2/2/2026
2/16/2026
3/2/2026
3/16/2026
3/30/2026
4/13/2026
4/27/2026
5/11/2026
5/25/2026
6/8/2026
6/22/2026
7/6/2026
7/20/2026
8/3/2026
8/17/2026
8/31/2026
9/14/2026
9/28/2026
10/12/2026
10/26/2026
11/9/2026
11/23/2026
12/7/2026
12/21/2026
1/4/2027
1/18/2027

CLICK HERE to view the Collection Zones Map

ZONE 3: NE / SE 52nd St. to NE / SE 30th St. 

• GARBAGE Collection: EVERY Tuesday 
• RECYCLING Collection: Every OTHER Tuesday

Recycling Collection Schedule

12/30/2025

1/13/2026
1/27/2026
2/10/2026
2/24/2026
3/10/2026
3/24/2026
4/7/2026
4/21/2026
5/5/2026
5/19/2026
6/2/2026
6/16/2026
6/30/2026
7/14/2026
7/28/2026
8/11/2026
8/25/2026
9/8/2026
9/22/2026
10/6/2026
10/20/2026
11/3/2026
11/17/2026
12/1/2026
12/15/2026
12/29/2026
1/12/2027
1/26/2027

CLICK HERE to view the Collection Zones Map

ZONE 4: NE / SE 54th St. to NE / SE 62nd St. 

• GARBAGE Collection: EVERY Tuesday 
• RECYCLING Collection: Every OTHER Tuesday

Recycling Collection Schedule

12/30/2025

1/13/2026
1/27/2026
2/10/2026
2/24/2026
3/10/2026
3/24/2026
4/7/2026
4/21/2026
5/5/2026
5/19/2026
6/2/2026
6/16/2026
6/30/2026
7/14/2026
7/28/2026
8/11/2026
8/25/2026
9/8/2026
9/22/2026
10/6/2026
10/20/2026
11/3/2026
11/17/2026
12/1/2026
12/15/2026
12/29/2026
1/12/2027
1/26/2027

CLICK HERE to view the Collection Zones Map

ZONE 5: NE / SE 63rd St. to East End (includes Yaupon area)

• GARBAGE Collection: EVERY Tuesday 
• RECYCLING Collection: Every OTHER Tuesday

Recycling Collection Schedule

12/23/2025

1/6/2026
1/20/2026
2/3/2026
2/17/2026
3/3/2026
3/17/2026
3/31/2026
4/14/2026
4/28/2026
5/12/2026
5/26/2026
6/9/2026
6/23/2026
7/7/2026
7/21/2026
8/4/2026
8/18/2026
9/1/2026
9/15/2026
9/29/2026
10/13/2026
10/27/2026
11/10/2026
11/24/2026
12/8/2026
12/22/2026
1/5/2027
1/19/2027

CLICK HERE to view the Collection Zones Map

ZONE 6 & 7: ALL of E Beach Drive (from S Middleton Ave to SE 58th St and Barbee Blvd.), E Dolphin Dr., E Pelican Dr.

• GARBAGE Collection: EVERY Wednesday 
• RECYCLING Collection: Every OTHER Wednesday

WINTER Recycling Collection Schedule

1/7/2026
1/21/2026
2/4/2026
2/18/2026
3/4/2026
3/18/2026
4/1/2026
4/15/2026
4/29/2026

SUMMER SCHEDULE: 5/09/2026 through 9/26/2026

WINTER Schedule Resumes

10/7/26
10/7/2026
10/21/2026
11/4/2026
11/18/2026
12/2/2026
12/16/2026
12/30/2026
1/13/2027

CLICK HERE to view the Collection Zones Map

ZONE 8: ALL of W Beach Drive, W Dolphin Dr., W Pelican Dr., Kings Lynn Dr.

• GARBAGE Collection: EVERY Wednesday 
• RECYCLING Collection: Every OTHER Wednesday

WINTER Recycling Collection Schedule

1/14/2026
1/28/2026
2/11/2026
2/25/2026
3/11/2026
3/25/2026
4/8/2026
4/22/2026
5/6/2026

SUMMER SCHEDULE: 5/09/2026 through 9/26/2026

WINTER Schedule Resumes

10/14/2026
10/28/2026
11/11/2026
11/25/2026
12/9/2026
12/23/2026
1/6/2027
1/20/2027