Johnston County, NC Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

8 defines bulky waste as large items of solid waste such as household appliances, furniture, mattresses, bedding, automobiles, large machinery parts, trees, branches, stumps, and other waste whose size precludes or complicates handling by normal solid waste collection, processing or disposal methods. Separately, § 20-37(5) makes it unlawful for an owner, occupant, tenant or lessee of a building or dwelling, other than a licensed salvage and recycling operation, to place or leave bulky waste outside the building for longer than one week. Once the county's division or enforcement officer notifies a property owner to remove bulky waste, the owner has 72 hours to comply before facing a civil citation.

The sheriff, the designated solid waste officer, or an authorized division employee can issue the citation, and the county allows a violator to perform cleanup work instead of paying the fine if a written request is made before the citation is enforced. Because bulky items include tree limbs and stumps as well as furniture and appliances, the rule reaches both routine storm debris and abandoned household goods left at the curb or in a yard in unincorporated Johnston County.