The Coastal Regional Solid Waste Management Authority was formed in 1990 as a partnership between Carteret, Craven and Pamlico counties. The name was shortened in 2008 to the Coastal Environmental Partnership, or CEP.

CEP's purpose is to provide an environmentally sound, cost effective system of solid waste disposal for the citizens of the three member counties. CEP is a public authority, governed by a 7 member Board of Directors appointed by the County Commissioners of the member counties.

CEP operates four facilities:

• Main Administrative Office
• Tuscarora Landfill
• Newport Transfer Station
• Grantsboro Transfer Station