The Department of Environmental Management oversees the operations of the Landfill and the Recycling programs.

In 1989, Environmental Management was underway closing the old landfill and constructing the new Subtitle-D Landfill on Campbell Road in Woodleaf.  This landfill was one of the first built in the state that met the new State requirements that allowed for the protection of the soil and groundwater around the area. At this time Rowan County, also, established the recycling program with the addition of staffed convenience centers. Rowan County was one of the first to implement recycling for its citizens in the state.