Apex, NC Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Cart placement in Apex is governed by Chapter 12, Article IV (Solid Waste Disposal) and Article V (Yard Waste Collection) of the Apex Code of Ordinances together with the operational requirements of contract hauler GFL Environmental. Roll your trash and recycling carts to the curb the night before your collection day. Because GFL uses automated side-arm trucks, carts need adequate clearance: position carts 3-4 feet apart from each other and at least 3-4 feet away from any vehicle, mailbox, fire hydrant, utility pole, tree, or fence; place the cart in the street/gutter or at the edge of the driveway apron (not on the sidewalk and not blocking the sidewalk); orient the cart with the wheels toward the house so the lid opens toward the street. All trash items must be INSIDE the cart with the lid fully closed — overfilled carts are skipped and 'trash spills onto the street.' PROHIBITED in the trash cart: yard waste (grass, limbs, leaves, dirt, rocks), construction debris (wood, carpet, sheet rock), automotive parts and tires, hazardous materials (paint, oil), hot ashes, and metal. Yard waste rules (Article V Sec. 12-134 et seq.) are distinct because Apex currently does not use carts for yard waste — yard waste is set out LOOSE at the curb (not bagged). Two collection trucks service yard waste: a chipper truck for sticks/limbs (maximum 8 feet long and 8 inches in diameter) and a vacuum truck for leaves, grass, and small shrubbery clippings (under 4 inches long and 1/4 inch diameter). PROHIBITED in yard waste: dirt, sod, mulch, rocks (damage equipment and cause street dusting). Christmas trees with lights/decorations/nails removed are accepted. Cart introduction for yard waste is planned but not yet implemented. Return carts out of the right-of-way the same day after collection.