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10/03/2025 9:57 am

Solid Waste Education Corner

Updated: Oct 3, 2025

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Event and Tour Options Education Videos Educational Materials Raleigh Reuse Web Tool and App Request a Solid Waste Services Event

At Solid Waste Services, we're more than just waste management. We're stewards of the environment, champions of sustainability, and integral members of the community. Ready to learn more about our department and the important work we do? Dive deeper into our website to discover educational resources, informative articles, and interactive tools to help you better understand our mission and how you can get involved.

Event and Tour Options

The Raleigh Solid Waste Services Outreach team is here to inform, engage, and inspire the community.  We offer a variety of in-person tours and presentations to educate people of all ages about the importance of waste management and recycling. Read the descriptions below and then request an event using our online form.

Sonoco Recycling Facility Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sonoco Recycling Facility! See first-hand how recyclables get sorted, processed, and prepared. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the process of recycling. A few key things to note about the facility:

  • Visitors under 18 cannot take the factory tour.
  • Each tour group accommodates a maximum of 20 visitors.
  • Meet at Solid Waste Services building and ride on a bus to Sonoco.

Touch-a-Truck

Climb into the driver's seat at a Touch-a-Truck event! Kids will learn about the City’s Solid Waste Services and have the chance to explore the bells and whistles of a garbage truck.  A crew member will be onsite for a one-on-one meet and greet and truck demonstration.

School Presentations

Bring Solid Waste Services to the classroom with fun, age-appropriate lessons about recycling, composting, and how Raleigh manages trash. Hands-on activities will engage students as they learn more about taking care of the environment.

Community Presentations 

The Solid Waste Services team is available to come to your community event! We'll answer questions, share resources, and tailor an educational presentation for you.

Request a Solid Waste Services event.

Education Videos

Missed the chance to visit us in person? Check out a virtual tour of our recycling processor video and other educational videos.

This is What I Do: Dead Animal PIckup

Virtual Recycling Plant Tour

This is What I Do: Dead Animal PIckup

Virtual Recycling Plant Tour

Educational Materials

We offer many educational materials for you, from educational posters showcasing how to properly prepare your cardboard and detailing what our recycling program accepts, to many articles for you to read. 

Raleigh Reuse Web Tool and App

But wait, there's more! If you're curious about something not covered on the posters, fear not! Simply use the search function in our Raleigh Reuse Web Tool and App to find the answers you seek. Happy exploring!

Download Posters:

 

Recycling

Cardboard Collection

Read Articles:

 

Raleigh Reuse Tool Instructions

How to Search Waste Wizard for Bulk and Special Collection

Blue Cart is for Recycling Poster

How to Prep Cardboard Boxes Poster

Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Preparation

Reduce Holiday Waste

Request a Solid Waste Services Event


Event Type

Please select the type of event you are requesting.


Please indicate the date (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only) and time you are requesting. 

Note that dates/times are subject to availability. A member of our outreach team will contact you to confirm the event date and time.


Age Range of Participants


Number of Participants


Number of Participants

The Sonoco tour requires a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 20 people.


Additional comments:


Contact Information


Enter the address of the event location.

Contact

 

Shawn Jones
Community Outreach Coordinator 
swscommunications@raleighnc.gov
919-996-3245

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Lead Department:
Solid Waste Services