Understanding Trash and Recycling Pickup in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina provides weekly garbage collection and bi-weekly recycling and yard waste pickup to residents. This article will explain Raleigh’s trash and recycling schedule to help homeowners follow city guidelines.

Overview of Collection Services

The City of Raleigh offers the following waste collection:

• Weekly garbage pickup
• Bi-weekly recycling collection
• Bi-weekly yard waste pickup

Residents are designated as either Schedule A or Schedule B. Recycling and yard waste alternate weeks for each schedule.

The city provides one garbage cart, one recycling cart, and one yard waste cart to all households. Additional carts can be requested for a fee.

Finding Your Collection Schedule

To lookup your garbage, recycling and yard waste collection days:

1. Go to the Collection Schedules page.

2. Enter your street address.

3. The results will indicate your Schedule A or Schedule B designation.

4. Download the collection calendar for your schedule.

Holidays and Schedule Changes

Some holidays like Christmas and July 4th can alter the regular collection schedule. Check the city website for updated holiday schedules each year.

Last minute schedule changes due to weather or other factors are announced via the city’s Twitter account and local media.

Garbage Collection

• Garbage is picked up weekly.

• Carts must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day.

• The city provides one 96-gallon cart per household. Additional carts can be requested for $60 per year.

Recycling Collection

• Recycling is collected bi-weekly on alternating weeks.

• Accepted items include paper, cardboard, aluminum, tin, plastic and glass. No plastic bags.

• Carts must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on recycling day.

• The city provides one 96-gallon recycling cart.

Yard Waste Collection

• Yard waste is collected bi-weekly on alternating weeks from recycling.

• Accepted items include leaves, grass clippings, branches. Must be in paper bags, reusable containers or bundles.

• Yard waste carts must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on pickup day.

• The city provides one 96-gallon yard waste cart. A second cart can be ordered for $60 per year.

Missed Collection

If your garbage, recycling or yard waste is missed on the scheduled pickup day, report it right away to Solid Waste Services:

• Call 919-996-3245

• Email [email protected]

• Submit a report online

Additional Resources

• Raleigh Solid Waste Services – Department home page
• Recycling Guide – Accepted materials
• Garbage and Recycling Carts – Ordering extra carts

Following Raleigh’s posted collection schedule for trash, recycling and yard waste keeps neighborhoods clean and minimizes waste sent to the landfill. Contact Solid Waste Services with any questions.