Garbage and Recycling for Businesses

Downtown Raleigh Business Services

Solid Waste Services runs daily routes throughout the Central Business District in Downtown. The District is the area from 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 businesses that do not receive City garbage service may still be eligible for "recycling only" collection.

Want to Sign up for City Garbage and Recycling Service?

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

Fee Structure

For the fee structure, refer to Solid Waste Fees.

What Types of Businesses Do We Serve?

Solid Waste Services collects garbage and recycling from more than 130 locations in downtown Raleigh, including restaurants, bars, stores, and many small businesses.

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 garbage must be put in the dark green City-issued carts.
Garbage not in the green City-issued carts will be considered improperly prepared and not collected.
All restaurants and bars must use City carts to prevent leakage on sidewalks.
Blue carts are for recycling only. (Download poster for common items that can be recycled)
Corrugated cardboard is a recyclable item but must be broken down into pieces no larger than 3 ft x 3 ft, stacked, and secured. (Download poster for how to properly prep cardboard for recycling)
Yard waste and building materials will NOT be collected.
Violation of these regulations is subject to a civil penalty of up to $ 500.
All trash and 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 and should not be 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.    
Recycling is collected Monday through Saturday.
All recycling must be placed on the curb for collection no earlier than 3 p.m. but no later than 5:30 p.m.
Recycling  placed on the curb before 3 p.m., after 5:30 p.m., or on Sundays is a violation of Raleigh Municipal Code.
All recycling carts and uncollected waste must be removed from the curb by 9:30 a.m. the day after collection.

Businesses Outside Downtown Raleigh

downtown_Raleighmural_with_garbage_and_recycling_cart

Non-residential properties must purchase garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts from the City. Businesses located outside the Central Business District 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 carts maximum.

Garbage is collected weekly, and recycling is collected bi-weekly. Businesses that receive and are billed for garbage services may also receive yard waste cart collection.

Fees and Carts

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 see 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.