Garbage and Recycling for Businesses

Downtown Raleigh Business Services

Downtown Raleigh businesses may qualify for curbside collection of garbage and recyclable materials. Solid Waste Services runs daily routes through the Central Business District. Solid Waste Services defines the District as the area bounded by Peace Street to the north, Blount Street to the east, Cabarrus Street to the south, and West Street to the west.

All garbage customers must also purchase recycling carts. Some companies that do not receive City garbage service may still be eligible for "recycling only" collection and should contact SWS for more information.

Want to Sign up for City Garbage or Recycling Service?

Call Solid Waste Services at 919-996-3245 to see if your business qualifies for service.
A code enforcement officer will visit your site to assess it.
If your site qualifies, purchase carts and set up billing.

Fee Structure

For fee structure, refer to Solid Waste Fees.

What Types of Businesses Do We Serve?

Solid Waste Services collects garbage and recyclable materials from more than 130 locations in downtown Raleigh. This diverse customer group includes restaurants, bars, stores, and many small companies.

ABC permit holders that need recycling inspections for a new or renewal permit should call 919-996-3245 to schedule a visit.

Proper Prep Required

All refuse must be put in the green City-issued trash carts.
Any refuse not put in the green City of Raleigh carts will be considered improperly prepared for collection.
All restaurants and bars must use City carts to prevent leakage on sidewalks.
Blue carts are for recycling only.
Corrugated cardboard is a recyclable item.
Corrugated cardboard must be broken down into pieces no larger than 3 ft x 3 ft, stacked, and secured.
Yard waste and building materials will NOT be collected.
Violation of these regulations is subject up to a $500 civil penalty.
All trash carts, recycling carts, and uncollected waste must be removed from the curb after being collected.
Carts out for collection must not block the public right of way or placed in the street.
Each business is responsible for ensuring they have adequate garbage and recycling carts.
Each business is responsible for keeping its property in a neat and orderly fashion.

Businesses Outside Downtown Raleigh

downtown_Raleighmural_with_garbage_and_recycling_cart

Unlike residential properties, non-residential properties must purchase garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts from the City. Businesses located outside the Central Business District (CBD), are limited and may qualify for curbside collection if:

The business is in a primarily residential area.
It only requires collection service once per week.
The city-issued 95-gallon garbage and recycling containers meet waste needs. Two cart max.

Garbage collection service is provided weekly. Recyclable materials are collected every other week. Businesses that receive and are billed for garbage services may also receive yard waste cart collection. Yard waste cart service is on weeks opposite recycling collection.

Fees and Carts

Unlike residents, businesses must purchase garbage and recycling carts from the City. Businesses are limited to a maximum of two carts for garbage and two for recycling. In addition to the one-time costs of purchasing carts, participating businesses will pay the Residential Curbside Service fees.

Want to Know if Your Business Qualifies for Service?

Call 919-996-3245 (choose option 4) or send an inquiry to SWSCodeCompliance@raleighnc.gov. A Solid Waste Services Code Enforcement Officer will visit your location to decide if it qualifies for service. Eligible businesses must have adequate space to store carts when they are not out for collection. Generally, mixed-use developments do not qualify for City collection.