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Curbside Collection
What do I do with items that do not fit into the garbage cart?
Please refer to our Non-curbside Large Garbage services.
I just had one extra bag of garbage, so I set it next to the garbage cart, but they didn't collect it, why not?
Carts are serviced by fully automated garbage trucks operated by one driver. The routes are set up to service the maximum number of carts in a ten-hour day efficiently and safely. If items are not in the cart, the driver would have to stop, get out, put the bag(s) in the cart, and operate the robotic arm again. If several households each put out an extra bag in the course of the day, the routes could not be completed. Do NOT place excess bags so that the lid does not close or on top of the lid as it will likely fall off and litter your neighborhood. You can hold the excess bag until your next collection or take the bag to one of Wake County's Convenience Centers at no charge.
I am physically unable to take the cart to the curb for collection. What can I do?
You can register for the Needs Assistance Program. Backyard garbage and recycling service is available to qualified disabled residents when no one in the home is physically able to place the container curbside. Please call the Customer Support Center at 919-996-3245 for information on obtaining the doctor's verification form. This service is not available for yard waste collection.
My neighbors never take their garbage cart/recycle bin/yard waste container(s) back to their house! They are always out and make our neighborhood look "trashy." What can I do?
City ordinance allows containers to be at the curbside for collection only from noon the day before the assigned service day to 7 p.m. the day after the assigned service day. If you are aware of someone repeatedly leaving their containers out beyond these time frames, please contact Solid Waste Services Customer Support at 919-996-3245.
Garbage & Recycling Carts
My garbage / recycling cart is broken or was stolen. What do I do?
From time to time maintenance is required on containers or they may need to be replaced. Call Solid Waste Services Customer Support Center at 919-996-3245 to request a repair or replacement. A supervisor will assess the container. If it is beyond repair due to normal wear and tear, or was damaged while being serviced, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Containers will not be replaced for free as a result of vandalism or abuse.
For assistance with any of these situations, contact the Customer Support Center.
Can I get an extra garbage / recycling cart?
Yes. Additional carts are available for a fee.
Visit Garbage and Recyling Containers for more information.
I will be moving soon. What do I do with the garbage / recycling cart?
The city-issued garbage cart (and recycling bin or cart) are the property of the City of Raleigh. Please leave them in the rear yard or garage of the residence when you move.
I never fill the 95 gallon cart, can I get a smaller one?
Residents that do not fill the 95 gallon cart can has it swapped out for a 65 gallon cart. This swap can only be done once unless circumstances of your household change (family size increases/decreases) or the property has a new owner.
How do I get a garbage / recycling cart?
Contact the Customer Support Center.
Note: Garbage / recycling carts will not be delivered to vacant houses so please do not make your request until after you have moved in.
Can I use the City of Raleigh garbage cart as a yard waste container?
No. The City-issued roll out container should only be used for garbage. It is illegal to dump yard waste material in the landfill. Should the garbage truck pick it up by accident the City may be issued a fine by the State of NC. Residents also should not use their recycling bin for yard waste material. Recycling bins are issued for materials collected in the curbside recycling program.
Recycling
Which items are recycled by the City of Raleigh?
Please visit Recyling for information on recyclable and non-recyclable items.
What about plastic bottle caps? Cap the bottles, loose in the cart or throw them away?
Plastic bottle caps that are screwed back on will get recycled in the Raleigh Recycling program. Loose caps fall through the screens and end up being thrown out with the other trash that sifts through. You can also drop them off at an Aveda store to be recycled.
Where can I recycle some of the materials that are not accepted in the curbside recycling program?
Information on recycling items that are not collected in the curbside recycling program is available in the Reuse Web Tool.
Can my old household electronics be recycled?
Yes. There is limited collection of these items. Search for the item in the Reuse Web Tool.
What should residents do with common household alkaline batteries (non-rechargeable)?
Regular household (non-rechargeable) batteries are rarely considered to be hazardous since only very few manufactured since 1994 contain mercury. Alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals - steel, zinc and manganese - and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal.
If you are taking other items to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, take them along; otherwise you can safely be disposed of in the garbage.
Fees
Is there a charge for the garbage and recycling collection?
Households that receive curbside collection see a monthly solid waste fee, a yard waste fee, and a recycling fee on their City of Raleigh utility bill. The recycling fee offsets the cost of the entire recycling program, including curbside collection, electronics, recycling in the parks, dropping off spent rechargeable batteries at neighborhood fire stations, the Swap Shop, events, presentations, and many other components.
Customers with a second yard waste cart pay an additional fee to aid in the operation, equipment, and personnel costs required to collect and process additional waste materials.
These fees, set annually by the City Council as part of the City's budget process, help fund this essential public service for the benefit and sustainability of the community. Households with access to curbside service will see these service fees, whether they elect to participate in yard waste / recycling collection or not.
Are there fees for Special Garbage Pick Up?
There is a fee of $70 per four cubic yard load for items that can not be taken to the landfill. Visit Non-curbside Large Garbage for more information.
How much does it cost for an extra cart?
Visit Garbage and Recycling Containers for cost, payment, and more information.
Can I be required to pay a fee for leaving my garbage/recycling carts out at the curb?
Yes. Violations may result in administrative fines and civil penalties.
Are there resources for financial assistance for utility bills? Customers may qualify for payment plans to help meet your monthly utility costs. For more information, please visit Raleigh Water Self-Service or email customercare@raleighnc.gov to apply and for further qualification information.
Didn't Find Your Answer?
If you did not find your answer here, please email the Solid Waste Services Customer Support Center or call 919-996-3245.
