Trash & Recycling in Raleigh, NC (2026)
4 verified trash & recycling rules for Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Raleigh provides weekly garbage collection and bi-weekly recycling collection to single-family residences. Garbage carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day with the lid closed and handle facing the house. Items must fit inside the 95-gallon cart with the lid closed. Bulk items, yard waste, and recyclables each follow separate collection schedules. Collection is managed by Raleigh Solid Waste Services.
Raleigh Trash Pickup Schedules & Rules
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Raleigh requires garbage and recycling carts to be placed at the curb with the handle facing the house and the opening facing the street. Carts must be placed at least 3 feet from mailboxes, vehicles, and other obstacles to allow automated collection. Carts should be placed on a flat surface at the edge of the curb or street. On non-collection days, carts should be stored out of public view.
Raleigh Trash Bin Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Raleigh offers fee-based bulky item collection for items too large to fit in the standard garbage cart. A single bulky load is approximately 4 cubic yards. Residents must schedule a pickup by calling Solid Waste Services at 919-996-3245. Items must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on the scheduled collection date. Certain items like appliances with refrigerants, tires, and hazardous materials require special handling.
Raleigh Bulk Item Disposal & Pickup
Some RestrictionsRaleigh City Code, Section 7 (Bulky, Special, and E-Waste Collection rules)
The City of Raleigh offers fee-based collections for items like furniture and appliances that are unsuitable for donation and too large to fit in a garbage cart. Bulky Load Collection is for household items that do not fit in City-issued garbage carts. A single Bulky Load is four cubic yards, which is approximately the size of two couches or three queen-sized mattresses. There is a $35 fee for ...
Recycling Requirements
Raleigh operates a single-stream recycling program. Residents place all accepted recyclables in the blue recycling cart for bi-weekly collection. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-#7), metal cans, and glass bottles and jars. Items must be clean, dry, and loose (not bagged). Contaminated recycling may not be collected. Businesses and multi-family properties must provide recycling access under city ordinance.
Raleigh Mandatory Recycling Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Raleigh city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Wake County →