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We need your help to make sure curbside collection goes smoothly. Make sure your trash, recycling, and yard waste are prepared correctly.
If you have mobility issues, you could be eligible to participate in the Solid Waste Services Needs Assistance Program.
Trash and Recycling Prep
Ensure that the right item is in the right bin at the right time.
Prep it:
- Bag trash before placing it in your bin. This helps keep your bin clean, lessen odors, and reduce litter.
- Never bag your recycling! Make sure all recyclables are loose in your bin.
Use the right cart:
- Only City-issued carts will be collected.
- Trash goes in your dark green bin.
- Recycling goes in your blue bin.
Bin Placement:
- Place your bins on the curb, not in the street.
- Make sure bins are five feet from other objects, such as cars, mailboxes, light poles, etc.
- Bin lids should not be open more than 12 inches.
- Bin handles should face your house; note the arrows on the lid.
- Put your cart on the curb the night before your collection day or no later than 6 a.m. the day of collection.
- Move your car if needed. Cars near your bins could prevent collection.
Remove your bin after collection day:
- Take your bin back from the curb no later than 7 p.m. after collected.
- Bins should be stored where they can't be seen from the street.
Items NOT accepted in curbside trash or recycling:
Not all items can go into your City trash and recycling bins. Find information and instructions on recycling, reusing, donating, or disposing of any kind of material using our Raleigh Reuse App.
Yard Waste Prep
Yard waste can be placed curbside for collection (see specific instructions below).
To set out yard waste, use any of these options:
- Light green 95-gallon City-issued cart(s).
- Biodegradable paper bags. Limit of 15 bags per collection, with a weight limit of 25 pounds per bag.
- Bundles of sticks tied with rope or twine. Limit of 5 bundles per collection, with a weight limit of 50 pounds per bundle.
Please note: black or clear plastic bags containing yard waste will not be collected.
Fines and Penalties
Part 7 of the Raleigh City Code governs the placement of garbage or recycling containers and yard waste for collection have been established to protect the appearance of neighborhoods and keep the streets free of obstacles for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Garbage or recycling containers or yard waste placed too early or still on the curb after 7 p.m. on the day after your assigned collection day may incur a $50 citation for violation of the Solid Waste Code.
Violations of any provision contained within Part 7 of the Raleigh City Code may result in the following enforcement actions:
| Violation | Fine/Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| Garbage/Yard Waste First Violation | Initial Warning Letter |
| Garbage/Yard Waste Second Violation | $100 Administrative Fee |
| Garbage/Yard Waste Third Violation in a 12-Month Period | $100 Administrative Fee $250 Civil Penalty for each 24 hour period the violation exists |
| Recycling Waste Violation* | $150 Administrative Fee per violation $250 Civil Penalty per violation |
*The placement of items banned from landfills as noted in North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.10(e) in garbage or recycling carts is subject to the enforcement actions in the above table.
Appeal Citation
To appeal a citation, contact Solid Waste Services at 919-996-3245.