What if I don’t want a 95-gallon yard waste bin?
Residents requesting pickup of any cart (yard waste included) can call our Customer Care Center at 919-996-3245 or send the request to SWS@raleighnc.gov.
If I don’t have a bin, will I still receive curbside yard waste collection?
Yes, residents can still participate in curbside yard waste service using biodegradable paper bags and properly prepared bundles.
How do I get a yard waste bin if my new home does not have one?
You can call us at 919-996-3245 or send a request to SWS@raleighnc.gov.
Will yard waste be collected on the same day as my garbage and recycling?
Currently, yard waste collection is on a bi-weekly schedule on the opposite week of recycling collection (ex. Week 1 – garbage and recycling; Week 2 – garbage and yard waste). But beginning September 8, yard waste collection will be weekly.
To see your collection calendar, enter your address in the Raleigh Reuse App.
How should yard waste be prepared for curbside pickup?
There are three options for yard waste preparation:
- Place yard waste in the lime-green City-issued yard waste bin - only City-issued bins will be collected
- Place yard waste in biodegradable paper bags; and/or
- Tie small limbs in tied bundles, using natural jute twine.
What are the bag and bundle limits?
- 15 biodegradable bags (25-pound limit)
- 5 bundles (5 feet in length, 18 inches in diameter, and 50-pound limit)
Can yard waste be placed in plastic bags?
- No, you must use biodegradable paper bags.
Biodegradable or compostable plastic bags do not break down in the composting process at the City of Raleigh Yard Waste Center.
Can I use the City of Raleigh trash bin for yard waste collection?
- No, all carts should be used for items as labeled. Only put yard waste in your yard waste bin.
What should I do if I miss my collection day or have too much for pickup?
- Residents can hold their yard waste until their next collection day or schedule a Special Load Collection. Call 919-996-3245 to schedule a Special Load Collection. Refer to Solid Waste Fees for more information.
- Residents may take excess yard waste to the Yard Waste Center located at 900 N. New Hope Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.
- The Yard Waste Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- There is a tipping fee for all customers at the Yard Waste Center.
How will the Needs Assistance Program customers receive yard waste collection?
Our Needs Assistance Program customers are eligible to receive a yard waste bin unless they opt out. Needs Assistance customer bins will be collected from the same location as garbage and recycling. Bags and bundles are not part of the Need Assistance Program; they will not be collected.
Can townhomes have yard waste bins?
If you have space to store a yard waste bin in accordance with the City code, yes. If not, residents can still participate in the yard waste program by using biodegradable paper bags and properly prepared bundles.
Why is a yard waste fee included on my bill if I choose not to use a yard waste bin?
Households that opt out of having the yard waste bin can still utilize yard waste collection using up to 15 biodegradable paper bags and up to five (5) stick bundles at the curb for collection.
NOTE: Plastic bags and customer-owned containers are not accepted.
Can I purchase an additional yard waste bin?
Yes, call the customer support center at 919-996-3245 or complete the request form.
Can I get a smaller bin?
No, only 95-gallon yard waste bins are available.
Should I bag my yard waste before placing it into my City-issued yard waste bin?
No. Yard waste should be placed loosely inside the bin. This assists with collection and processing.
Where can I purchase biodegradable paper bags?
Biodegradable paper bags are available for sale at hardware stores, grocery stores, or big-box stores.
Will the City be supplying the biodegradable paper bags?
Yes, the City will provide residents with one bundle of five free bags, they are available for pickup at the Solid Waste Services Building at 630 Beacon Lake Dr., Raleigh, NC 27610.
Can Christmas trees be placed in the yard waste bin?
No, Christmas tree pickup runs annually from late December through February. Please leave trees intact on the curb.
More Information
Email us with your questions at sws@raleighnc.gov.