Trash Bin Storage: Apex vs Cary
How do trash bin storage rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Apex.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Residential garbage and recycling in Apex is collected weekly by GFL Environmental (formerly Waste Industries) under contract with the Town. Carts must be rolled to the curb the night before the assigned collection day, with garbage and recycling carts spaced 3-4 feet apart for the automated arm. Yard waste is collected on the business day after garbage/recycling. Holiday collection slides one day for the rest of the week. Missed pickups, damaged carts, and bulk-item collection are handled by Apex Customer Service at 919-249-3311.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County does not regulate where residents store trash bins on their own property in unincorporated areas. Inside Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest and other towns, municipal codes typically require bins to be stored behind the front building line of the home and out only on collection day.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Hauler | GFL Environmental (formerly Waste Industries) — Town franchise | - |
| Collection Frequency | Garbage + recycling weekly; yard waste next business day | - |
| Cart Spacing | 3-4 feet apart for automated arm | - |
| Set-Out Time | Night before collection day | - |
| Holiday Schedule | Slides one day for the rest of the week | - |
| Yard Waste | Loose at curb; no plastic bags; pumpkins not accepted | - |
| Bulk Items | Scheduled via 919-249-3311 or online request | - |
| Tracking Tool | ApexCollects app | - |
| County rule | - | None |
| Raleigh rule | - | Behind front building line |
| Pickup window | - | 24 hr before/after |
| HOA rules | - | May be stricter |
| Code | - | Wake §50.04 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
What day is trash pickup in Apex, NC?
Collection day varies by address. Apex contracts with GFL Environmental (formerly Waste Industries) to collect household garbage and recycling weekly. Use the ApexCollects app or apexnc.org/277 to look up your address. Roll your cart to the curb the night before your scheduled day, with garbage and recycling carts spaced 3-4 feet apart for the automated arm.
What happens if my Apex trash pickup falls on a holiday?
Collection slides one business day. When a holiday falls on a collection day, garbage and recycling collection is postponed to the following day, and the rest of that same week is also postponed by one day. During inclement weather, collection is postponed until it can be safely resumed. Report missed pickups to Customer Service at 919-249-3311.
Cary FAQ
Can my HOA make me hide my trash cans?
Yes — under NCGS §47F (Planned Community Act), HOA architectural rules are enforceable as long as they're in the recorded CCRs.
Where should I store my bin in Raleigh?
Behind the front-most face of your house, screened from public view, except 24 hours before/after pickup day.
Are there fines for leaving the bin out?
In Raleigh and most Wake cities, yes — typically $50-100 after a warning. Repeat offenses escalate.
Compare other topics
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