Bulk Item Disposal: Cary vs Raleigh
How do bulk item disposal rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Raleigh.
Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County operates 11 Multi-Material Recycling Facilities (Convenience Centers) where unincorporated residents bring bulk items, white goods (appliances), tires, electronics, and household hazardous waste at no cost. Curbside bulk pickup is offered by individual cities (Raleigh, Cary, Apex, etc.), not by the county.
View full Cary rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
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.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Free drop-off | 11 Convenience Centers | - |
| Banned in trash | Yard waste, tires, white goods | - |
| Mattress fee | Charged at landfill | - |
| HHW | Quarterly events | - |
| State law | NCGS §130A-309.81 | - |
| Service | - | Fee-based scheduled bulky item pickup |
| Load Size | - | 4 cubic yards per bulky load |
| Scheduling | - | Call 919-996-3245 to schedule |
| Placement | - | At curb by 6:00 AM on pickup day |
| Excluded Items | - | Refrigerant appliances, tires, hazmat — special handling |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cary FAQ
Where do I take an old fridge?
Any Wake County Convenience Center accepts white goods (refrigerators, washers, dryers, AC units) at no cost. Locations listed at wake.gov/recycling.
Can I throw out paint?
Dried latex paint can go in regular trash. Liquid paint, oil-based paints, and solvents must go to the quarterly HHW event.
Does Raleigh have curbside bulk pickup?
Yes — Raleigh and most Wake cities offer scheduled bulk pickup. Unincorporated residents use the Convenience Centers instead.
Raleigh FAQ
How do I schedule a bulk pickup in Raleigh?
Call Raleigh Solid Waste Services at 919-996-3245 to schedule a bulky item pickup. There is a fee per load. Items must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on the scheduled date.
What items qualify for bulky pickup in Raleigh?
Furniture, mattresses, large household items, and similar items too big for the garbage cart qualify. Appliances containing refrigerants, tires, electronics, and hazardous materials require separate disposal arrangements.
Compare other topics
See how Cary and Raleigh compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool