Davidson County, NC Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal
- At least once every 7 days
- Container
- Durable, rust-resistant, watertight, fly-tight lid
- No curbside carts
- Residents self-haul waste
- First offense
- $75 civil penalty
- Repeat/flagrant
- Up to $500 penalty
Summary
Davidson County requires garbage to be stored in a durable, rust-resistant, watertight container with a close-fitting, fly-tight lid kept in place, and property owners must clear all solid waste at least once every seven days. There's no curbside cart pickup; residents self-haul to county boxsites or the landfill under Chapter 50 of the county code.
(B) The owner, occupant, tenant, or lessee of any property shall remove or cause to be removed all solid waste from his or her property at least once each week, i.e. at least once each seven-day period. (C) Garbage shall be stored only in a container that is durable, rust-resistant, nonabsorbent, watertight, and easily cleaned, with a close-fitting, fly-tight cover in place. Solid waste receptacles, as defined by this chapter, may be used for storage provided they meet the requirements of this section. Each container shall be kept clean so that no odor or other nuisance condition exists.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2024 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance passed 4-22-2024; and State legislation through 2023 North Carolina Legislative Service, Pamphlet No. 6).
Full Breakdown
03(B) of the Davidson County Code of Ordinances requires every owner, occupant, tenant, or lessee to remove or have removed all solid waste from the property at least once each seven-day period; nothing may simply accumulate. 03(C) then sets the container standard for whatever is stored in the meantime: garbage must go in a container that is durable, rust-resistant, nonabsorbent, and watertight, fitted with a close-fitting, fly-tight cover kept in place, and each container has to be kept clean enough that no odor or nuisance condition develops.
Solid waste receptacles defined elsewhere in the chapter can double as storage containers as long as they meet these same standards. 05, rather than setting a cart out for a truck on a fixed day. 03(D) adds that bulky refuse like lumber, boxes, tires, and old furniture must be sorted to resist rodent and vermin harborage and avoid creating a fire hazard, while useful materials such as firewood may be stored on the premises if stacked safely at a reasonable height. 99.
Violations & Fines
Failing to store garbage in a rust-resistant, watertight, fly-tight covered container, or letting waste accumulate past the weekly seven-day removal window, is enforced under §50.99: a first offense draws a $75 civil penalty, a second $200, a third $300, and a flagrant or willful violation can bring a $500 penalty plus possible injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Davidson County provide curbside garbage pickup?
What kind of container does my trash have to be stored in?
What happens if I let trash pile up on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davidson County
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