Trash and Recycling Pickup Schedule for Winston-Salem, NC

The city of Winston-Salem provides trash and recycling collection services for residents. This article explains the regular collection schedule, how holidays impact service, preparation tips, and additional services available.

Regular Collection Days

• Winston-Salem is divided into 4 zones, each with a designated pickup day:

  • Zone 1: Tuesday collection
  • Zone 2: Wednesday collection
  • Zone 3: Thursday collection
  • Zone 4: Friday collection

• Collection occurs between 7am-7pm on the scheduled day.

• Carts should be placed at the curb edge by 7am on pickup days.

• Keep 3 feet of clearance around carts. Avoid placing next to mailboxes, fences, or parked cars.

• Check your zone using the Sanitation Service Finder tool or call CityLink at 311.

Holiday Schedule Changes

Some holidays disrupt the regular collection schedule:

• New Year’s Day – No change
• MLK Day – No change
• Good Friday – Friday pickup moves to Saturday
• Memorial Day – No change
• Independence Day – Pickup slides by 1 day if on/before collection day
• Labor Day – Pickup slides by 1 day
• Thanksgiving – Pickup slides by 1 day
• Christmas – No change

See the holiday schedule for specific dates. The city posts reminders on social media and the website.

Trash Cart Preparation Tips

Follow these guidelines for successful curbside collection:

• All material must be bagged and inside carts with lids fully closed. Do not overfill.

• Break down boxes, cut tree branches to 4 feet sections, and cut/bundle bulky items to lift safely.

• Bag grass clippings, leaves, and other loose materials.

• Keep carts clean by rinsing occasionally. Let drain fully before next pickup.

• Do not bag recyclables – keep loose in bin. Check accepted items.

• Avoid hazardous waste like batteries, paint, chemicals, electronics.

• Report missed pickups within 24 hours by calling 311.

Additional Collection Services

The city offers a few extra collection services:

• Yard Waste Collection – Grass clippings, leaves, branches put in clear bags for weekly Wednesday pickup.

• Bulky Item Pickup – Furniture, appliances scheduled by calling 311 at least 1 day before pickup.

• Household Hazardous Waste – Schedule drop off of paint, chemicals, etc. by calling 311.

• Shredding Events – Free shredding of sensitive documents on select Saturdays.

By preparing carts properly and following the collection schedule, Winston-Salem residents can keep their neighborhood clean and safe! Contact 311 to ask any trash and recycling questions.