Pickup Rules & Schedules: Cary vs Raleigh
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
Cary, NC
Wake County
Wake County Code §50.04 requires every property owner, occupant, or tenant to remove solid waste at least once per week. Wake County does not run curbside pickup itself; service in unincorporated areas is provided by private haulers licensed under §50.05.
View full Cary rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
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.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum pickup | Weekly | - |
| Hauler license | Required §50.05 | - |
| County curbside | Not provided | - |
| Banned items | Yard waste, white goods, tires | - |
| Code | Wake County Ch. 50 | - |
| Garbage Collection | - | Weekly curbside pickup |
| Recycling Collection | - | Bi-weekly curbside pickup |
| Set-Out Time | - | By 6:00 AM on collection day |
| Cart Orientation | - | Handle facing house, lid closed |
| Service Provider | - | Raleigh Solid Waste Services |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cary FAQ
Does Wake County pick up my trash?
Not directly. Unincorporated residents hire a licensed private hauler. Inside cities, the city collects (Raleigh, Cary, etc.).
Where do I take old appliances?
Wake County Convenience Centers accept white goods at no charge. The closest one to you can be found at wake.gov/recycling.
Can I burn yard waste instead?
Only under restrictive open-burn rules and not during a county burn ban. See fire/outdoor-burning for details.
Raleigh FAQ
How often is garbage collected in Raleigh?
Garbage is collected weekly. Recycling is collected every other week. Place your carts at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day.
What if my garbage doesn't fit in the cart?
All garbage must fit inside the 95-gallon cart with the lid closed. Extra bags left beside the cart will not be collected. You can request an additional cart from Solid Waste Services for an extra monthly fee.
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