Taking residential trash to the county dump on a dual-axle trailer is now allowed.

At its July regular meeting, the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners decided to change an ordinance that previously prohibited residents from bringing trash to county facilities on dual-axle trailers. The original ordinance was an attempt to prevent commercial trash from being discarded at county facilities — trash primarily transported on larger trailers, according to county Public Works Director Christina Smith.

“At the time, there were not a lot of people who had two-axle trailers,” Smith said.

That has changed as more residents have invested in trailers to haul larger items such as ATVs, and they would like to use them to haul trash, as well, she said.

“The number of complaints we have had from residents has increased dramatically,” Smith said.

Those bringing trash to county waste facilities via dual-axle trailers will have fill out paperwork in which the person, along with giving his name and phone number, certifies that he is a resident of Beaufort County, the waste was generated in Beaufort County and that it is not commercial waste, but residential garbage.

“Each and every time they go to the convenience site, they will have to do this,” Smith said.

Though in favor of the change, Commissioner Frankie Waters warned that some would take advantage of the relaxation of the rule.

“I like the idea, but I think you’re still going to get some abuse,” Waters said.

“We always have people who will do things to try to get by,” Smith said.

Smith pointed out that the ordinance change only applies to residential waste.

Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the change.