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

on the day fixed for collection. Only approved containers count, wooden boxes, barrels or other unapproved receptacles are barred, and collection crews are required to remove any that are used anyway. Containers must sit at ground level; underground containers are banned except those already in place before November 1, 1982. City collection personnel will skip a stop if reasonable access is blocked by parked vehicles, equipment, fixed objects or low-hanging wires. Under subsection (d), every container placed at the street must be removed to the rear of the premises within twelve hours after it is emptied, to a storage spot closer to the house than to the street or any lot line, and no container or movable carrier may be left on any street at all on Saturday or before dusk on Sunday.

A container left out in violation is treated as a public health hazard, reported to the county environmental health division, and subject to the Chapter 25 civil penalty. Willfully breaking or damaging a city-owned automated container requires the resident to buy a replacement and may also draw the civil penalty. Repeated late roll-back after the courtesy first offense also triggers a $25 cart roll-back fee under Section 25-21(k).