Abandoned Manufactured Homes: What's Next?

The state’s Abandoned Manufactured Homes Program has been underway for a decade but has not had the impact that its sponsors had hoped for. Over 100,000 abandoned manufactured homes litter the landscape posing environmental and public health concerns in every county in North Carolina. This post looks at the history and changing fortunes of the program and what could happen next. In 2008, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation[1] to encourage counties to develop plans for the deconstruction of abandoned manufactured homes, the removal of reusable or recyclable components, and the abatement of such homes determined to be a nuisance. The Act also designated a proportion of the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund to fund the deconstruction and removal of abandoned manufactured homes. The Act became effective July 1, 2009 and is set to expire October 1, 2023. Counties had the discretion to decide whether to implement a management program for this purpose. Those that did so were expected to develop a written plan and include it as part of their comprehensive solid waste management plan. The Act prescribed a process for disposal and provided grants to counties to reimburse their expenses, provide technical assistance and support, and cover various administrative costs. There was a limit on reimbursement of $1,000 per unit, although Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties could apply for a supplemental grant for up to 50 percent of expenses over $1,000 up to a limit of $1,000. These counties could also request a planning grant of up to $2,500 from the Fund [...]