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Cary, NC Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Participation
Voluntary, residential only
Collection frequency
Weekly curbside
Eligible customers
Residential accounts only
Materials
Set by town collection policy

Summary

The Town of Cary runs a voluntary curbside recycling program for residential customers, separating selected materials from trash for weekly town pickup rather than requiring participation.

The town hereby establishes the voluntary separation of selected recyclable solid waste materials from garbage, rubbish and other trash, by the residential solid waste collection customers of the town, and the collection of those selected recyclable solid waste materials at the customer's curbside by the town or its agents.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).

Full Breakdown

Cary's recycling ordinance is framed as voluntary, not mandatory: residential solid waste customers may choose to separate out the selected recyclable materials listed in the town's collection policy, and the town collects them curbside once a week alongside regular service. The program is limited to residential accounts, institutional, business, commercial and industrial customers aren't served, and only the materials named in the town's policy qualify for pickup.

Violations & Fines

There's no penalty for opting out since participation is voluntary. Materials outside the town's approved list, or a recycling cart left at the curb past the return deadline, simply won't be collected and can draw a roll-in fee on repeat occurrences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in Cary, NC?
No. Cary Code of Ordinances § 26-111 establishes curbside recycling as voluntary for residential customers; the town collects only what residents choose to separate out.
Can Cary businesses use the curbside recycling program?
No: the town's recycling ordinance limits curbside service to residential customers, not institutional, business, commercial or industrial accounts.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cary

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Organics RecyclingSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsHeavy Restrictions

All Cary rules

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