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

Sec. 7-2005(c)(1) of the Raleigh City Code makes container storage a standing property-maintenance duty, not just a collection-day rule. Every person who is the owner, occupant, tenant, or otherwise has control of any premises, building, or land in the City, including vacant property, must keep it in a clean and orderly condition, free of all nuisances, obstructions, and any condition harmful to public health, public safety, general welfare, quality of life, or the general integrity of the City. Refuse, recycling, yard waste, and other waste awaiting collection must be stored in collection devices that themselves prevent nuisances or harmful conditions, and every storage or collection device on the property must meet Part 7's standards.

Hazardous, combustible, and noncombustible refuse specifically has to be stored in containers built to protect the public and the natural environment, a plain garbage cart isn't enough for that category. The rule sits alongside a related container-condition duty in Sec. 7-2005(b)(3): any refuse container that's damaged, or that has ragged or sharp edges liable to injure a collection worker, cannot be used and must be promptly replaced, with the replacement fee waived only when collection crews caused the damage. Together these provisions put ongoing maintenance and screening of trash storage on the property's owner or tenant, separate from the curbside set-out timing rules in Sec. 7-2005(d).