Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t want a 95-gallon yard waste cart?
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 cart will I still receive curbside yard waste collection?
Residents can still participate in curbside yard waste service using biodegradable paper bags and properly prepared bundles.
NOTE: Effective July 5, 2022, customer-owned containers and yard waste prepared in plastic bags will no longer be collected.
How do I receive a yard waste cart 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 there be a fee increase for Solid Waste Services?
The Solid Waste Services garbage fee increased by $1.00 for residential customers in July 2021. Residents are not charged a fee for yard waste collection as this is included in the garbage fee. The increased fee supports various enhancements and changes to our services, including yard waste collection.
Will yard waste be collected on the same day as my garbage and recycling?
Currently, yard waste is on a bi-weekly collection schedule on the same day as your recycling. Effective July 5, 2022, yard waste collection will continue a bi-weekly schedule on the opposite week of recycling collection (ex. Week 1 – garbage and recycling; Week 2 – garbage and yard waste).
Collection calendars will be mailed to residents in June 2022. Please see our yard waste carts page for more information.
How should yard waste be prepared for curbside pickup?
There are three options for yard waste preparation. All three are accepted:
- Place yard waste in the lime-green city-issued yard waste container
- Place yard waste in biodegradable bags; and/or
- Tie small limbs in tied bundles, using natural jute twine.
What are the bag and bundle limits in place with the 95-gallon carts?
- 15 biodegradable bags (25lb limit)
- 5 bundles (5ft in length, 6 inches in diameter and 50lb limit)
What should I do if I have more yard waste for collection than the limits allow?
- Residents may place 15 biodegradable bags at the curb for collection. Additional bags may be collected through a scheduled Special Load Collection ($50 fee will apply). Call 919-996-3245 to schedule a Special Load Collection.
- 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. till 3 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. till 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 cart and will receive a cart unless they opt-out. Needs Assistance Program customer carts will be collected in the same location as garbage and recycling. Bags and bundles placed outside are not part of the NAP program, and will not be collected.
I live in a townhome and would love to receive a 95-gallon yard waste cart; my question is where can I store a third cart? (I have no additional room)
Unfortunately, carts must be stored in accordance with the City code, and we are unable to make exceptions. Residents can still participate in the yard waste program by using biodegradable paper bags and properly prepared bundles.
If I opt-out of the yard waste cart, how many bags and bundles can I have at the curb?
Residents are limited to 15 biodegradable bags and 5 properly prepared bundles of branches per pick-up day.
NOTE: Beginning July 5, 2022, plastic bags and customer owned contains will no longer be accepted.
Can I purchase additional yard waste carts?
Our focus in Year 1 is delivering carts (one per household) and getting the service up and running! There may be an opportunity in future years to revisit this added service.
Can I get a smaller cart?
The only size available is a 95-gallon cart.
Should I bag my yard waste before placing it into my city issued yard waste cart?
No. Yard waste should be placed loosely inside of the cart. This assists with collection and processing.
NOTE: Beginning July 5, 2022, customer owned containers and yard waste prepared in plastic bags will no longer be collected.
Where can I purchase biodegradable bags?
Biodegradable bags are available for sale at hardware stores, grocery stores, or big-box stores.
Will the City be supplying the biodegradable bags?
No, the City will not be supplying bags. Biodegradable paper bags can be purchased at your local hardware store, grocery store, or big-box store.
Will the carts be labeled so that I know which cart is used for which items?
Yes, the words YARD WASTE are stamped on the cart. The yard waste carts are bright green.
When will all these changes take effect?
Cart delivery has begun! Starting on July 5, 2022, the City will no longer accept plastic bags or customer-owned containers. All items must be placed in the City-issued cart, biodegradable paper bags, or properly prepared bundles.
Can Christmas trees be placed in the yard waste carts?
No, like all other cart regulations, large items must be broken down to be placed into the carts for safety reasons.
More information is on our yard waste cart page.
You can email us with your questions at sws@raleighnc.gov.