Wake County, NC Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 50.04(B)
- Minimum frequency
- Once every 7 days
- Who is responsible
- Owner, occupant, tenant or lessee
- Enforcement
- Solid Waste Division
Summary
Wake County property owners must remove all solid waste from their property at least once every seven days, whether by a private hauler or self-hauling.
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 (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 with adequate handles or bails to facilitate handling. Solid waste receptacles, as defined by this chapter, may also be used for storage provided they meet the requirements of this section. The number of containers shall be adequate to store one week’s accumulation of garbage. Each container shall be kept clean so that no odor or other nuisance condition exists.
(D) Refuse shall be stored in a manner that will resist harborage to rodents and vermin and will not create a fire hazard. Regulated refuse under this section includes, but is not limited to, lumber, boxes, barrels, bottles, cans, tires, paper, cardboard, rags, old furniture and other bulky waste, and white goods.
(E) No owner, occupant, tenant or lessee of a building or dwelling, other than a licensed junk dealer, may place or leave, or cause to be placed or left, outside the building or dwelling any bulky waste for longer than 72 hours.
(F) No owner, occupant, tenant or lessee of any building or dwelling may leave outside the building or dwelling, in a place accessible to children, any
Full Breakdown
County Code § 50.04(B) requires the owner, occupant, tenant or lessee of any property in unincorporated Wake County to remove or have removed all solid waste from the property at least once each week. The county doesn't run its own curbside truck; § 50.04(O) notes residents are typically offered service by a private collector, but anyone not using one must be able to show the Division how and where they dispose of their waste on request.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor up to $500 fine or 30 days jail, or a civil penalty up to $500 under G.S. § 153A-123; each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must trash be removed in Wake County?
Does the county run curbside collection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wake County
Compare Wake County to another location·View the North Carolina trash & recycling overview
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