Garbage Collection Frequently Asked Questions

All households are charged a monthly solid waste fee on their utility bill for their solid waste services. This fee is set each year with the annual budget.

From time to time maintenance is required on containers or they may need to be replaced. Call Solid Waste Services Customer Support Center at 919-996-6890 to request a repair or replacement. A supervisor will assess the container. If it is beyond repair due to normal wear and tear, or was damaged while being serviced, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Containers will not be replaced for free as a result of vandalism or abuse. If a garbage cart was stolen, a resident may be asked to present a police report in order to have the cart replaced without charge.

Residents can find out their service day by calling Solid Waste Services Customer Support Center at 919-996-6890 or visit the city home page www.raleighnc.gov, click either of the tabs labeled "Neighbors" or "City Services" and completing the section in the lower right called "Find My Service Day".

If the container was at the curb by 7 a.m. on your assigned collection day and was not serviced:

• Check the container for an educational tag explaining why the materials could not be collected.

• If you did not find an education tag, call the Customer Support Center at 919-996-6890 or report the missed collection through our online form.

Backyard service is available to qualified disabled residents when no one in the home is physically able to place the container curbside. Please call the Customer Support Center at 919-996-6890 for information on obtaining the doctor's verification form.

The city-issued garbage cart (and recycling bin) are the property of the City of Raleigh. Please leave them in the rear yard or garage of the residence when you move.

Please refer to the related links on our Bulky Load and Special Load collection services.

There is a city ordinance that allows containers to be at the curbside for collection only from noon the day before the assigned service day to noon of the day after the assigned service day. If you are aware of someone repeatedly leaving their containers out beyond these time frames, please contact the Solid Waste Services Code Enforcement Officer.

Carts are serviced by fully automated garbage trucks operated by one driver. The routes are set up to service the maximum number of carts in a ten hour day efficiently and safely. If items are not in the cart the driver would have to stop, get out, put the bag(s) in the cart and operate the robotic arm again. If several households each put out an extra bag in the course of the day the routes could not be completed. Do NOT place excess bags so that the lid does not close or on top of the lid as it will likely fall off and litter your neighborhood. You can hold the excess bag until you next collection or take the bag to one of Wake County's Conveniece Centers at no charge.

Potting soil is accepted at Wake County's South Wake Landfill. You can reach them at 919-303-0866.