Trash & Recycling in Rockingham County, NC (2026)
7 rules for unincorporated Rockingham County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Bin Placement Rules
Rockingham County requires franchise customers to set out solid waste and recycling carts only on their designated collection day, then move the empty containers back to a secure location with reasonable promptness after pickup.
Rockingham County Curbside Cart Set-Out And Removal Rule
Some RestrictionsSec. 14-91(a)
Franchise customers shall set out containers and carts for collection of solid waste, recyclable materials, and for enhanced services only on those days designated for pickup pursuant to the franchise applicable to such customer's area. Following each collection, the customer shall, with reasonable promptness, remove said containers and carts to a secure location.
Bulk Item Disposal
Franchised haulers in Rockingham County must give every customer at least one bulky-item pickup a month, on top of weekly trash and biweekly recycling.
Rockingham County Monthly Bulky Waste Pickup
Some RestrictionsSec. 14-90(6)
Each customer shall receive a minimum of one pick-up per week on a regularly scheduled basis, every-other-week pick-up of recyclables on a regularly scheduled collection day basis, and one pick-up per month for bulky solid waste on a regularly scheduled basis for all customers, unless otherwise approved by the director.
Recycling Requirements
Franchised haulers must pick up recyclables curbside every other week under the county's exclusive solid waste franchise ordinance.
Rockingham County Curbside Recycling Rules
Some RestrictionsSec. 14-90(6)
Each customer shall receive a minimum of one pick-up per week on a regularly scheduled basis, every-other-week pick-up of recyclables on a regularly scheduled collection day basis, and one pick-up per month for bulky solid waste on a regularly scheduled basis for all customers, unless otherwise approved by the director.
Illegal Dumping
Dumping solid waste on any property in Rockingham County is a criminal misdemeanor and a civil violation, with civil fines climbing to $500 for repeat offenses.
Rockingham County Illegal Dumping Penalties
Heavy RestrictionsSec. 14-59(3)
Throwing, scattering, spilling, placing, dumping, depositing, causing or allowing to be blown, scattered, spilled, thrown or placed, or otherwise disposing of any solid waste upon any property with or without the consent of the property owner which is inconsistent with proper and lawful solid waste management and disposal practices; the occurrence of any of the foregoing acts resulting from tra...
Yard Waste Collection
Rockingham County's franchised curbside program leaves yard waste off the list: brush, limbs, and yard debris are officially "excluded waste," so residents must arrange their own disposal instead of relying on trash day.
Rockingham County Yard Waste Pickup Rules
Light RestrictionsSec. 14-84, Rockingham County Code of Ordinances
Excluded waste means construction and demolition waste, dead animals larger than ten pounds, hazardous waste, medical waste, special waste, yard waste, toxic substances, storm debris, trees, earth, body wastes, abandoned vehicles, vehicle parts, large equipment or any other type of waste that is not included in the definitions of solid waste or bulky waste material hereunder.
Dumpster Rules
Rockingham County locks commercial dumpster and solid waste collection to the county's exclusive franchised hauler: no outside company can drop a dumpster for hire.
Rockingham County Dumpster Franchise Rule
Significant RestrictionsRockingham County, NC Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-91(b)
It shall be unlawful for any person not franchised by the county to collect solid waste from all residents and hand commercial establishments in the county. This provision shall not apply to any person disposing of solid waste from his own residence or property.
Collection Schedule
Rockingham County franchises exclusive solid waste haulers who must give every residence weekly trash pickup, every-other-week recycling, and monthly bulky-item collection on a director-approved schedule.
Rockingham County Trash Collection Schedule
Significant RestrictionsSec. 14-90(6)
Each customer shall receive a minimum of one pick-up per week on a regularly scheduled basis, every-other-week pick-up of recyclables on a regularly scheduled collection day basis, and one pick-up per month for bulky solid waste on a regularly scheduled basis for all customers, unless otherwise approved by the director.
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