Trash Bin Storage: Cary vs Raleigh
How do trash bin storage rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Raleigh.
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 →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
Raleigh regulates trash cart placement under the city's Solid Waste ordinance (Raleigh City Code Part 10, Chapter 2). City-issued 95-gallon garbage carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day and removed by the end of the collection day. Carts should not be left at the curb overnight or stored in a manner visible from the street on non-collection days. Overfilling carts is prohibited.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| County rule | None | - |
| Raleigh rule | Behind front building line | - |
| Pickup window | 24 hr before/after | - |
| HOA rules | May be stricter | - |
| Code | Wake §50.04 | - |
| Code Reference | - | Raleigh Code Pt. 10, Ch. 2 — Solid Waste |
| Cart Size | - | City-issued 95-gallon cart |
| Set-Out Time | - | By 6:00 AM on collection day |
| Retrieval | - | Remove from curb by end of collection day |
| Storage | - | Should not be visible from street on non-collection days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Raleigh FAQ
When should I put my trash cart out in Raleigh?
Place your city-issued garbage cart at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day. Remove it by the end of the day after collection.
Can I leave my trash cart at the curb between collections?
No. Carts should be stored out of view from the street on non-collection days. Leaving carts at the curb between pickups may result in a code violation.
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