Raleigh, NC Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Sec. 7-2004(a) of the Raleigh City Code lays out who gets what level of solid waste service. Detached single-family dwellings may receive automated curbside collection provided the property has adequate container storage space, safe topography for moving containers to the curb, and at least five feet of clear space around containers at the collection point. Attached dwellings up to six units with individual ground-level entrances and separate driveways can also get automated curbside service if containers are stored where they can't be seen from the public right-of-way.

Larger attached developments without individual driveways, or units stacked vertically, must instead use a common collection facility such as a dumpster or compactor (Sec. 7-2004(a)(2)), and non-residential properties generally must be served the same way (Sec. 7-2004(a)(3)), with a narrow exception for small businesses in residential areas that generate two roll-out containers or less. Service is not optional for properties on the City's water system: Sec. 7-2006(b) requires that 'properties which are connected to the Raleigh Water Billing System shall pay a monthly fee for the collection of solid waste, recycling, and yard waste,' and 'all residential properties in the City of Raleigh shall pay a recycling fee' regardless of how much recycling they set out. Fees are billed monthly through the Raleigh Water Billing System, with billing disputes resolved case-by-case and back-billing capped at three years.