Raleigh Bulk Trash Pickup Rules (2026 Rules & Calendar)
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 4 items per collection. Bulky load collection is scheduled in advance by calling Customer Support at 919-996-3245. Bulky loads cost $35 per 4-cubic-yard increment. Items placed at the curb before scheduling are subject to city code citations.
Raleigh bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Bulky load collection is scheduled in advance by calling Customer Support at 919-996-3245. Bulky loads cost $35 per 4-cubic-yard increment. Items placed at the curb before scheduling are subject to city code citations. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 4 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture, Appliances |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | 919-996-3245 |
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedCouches, dressers, tables, and household furniture too large for carts are accepted under bulky load pickups.
Appliances
AcceptedLarge appliances such as washers, dryers, and stoves require scheduling as a special load ($70 fee) with Customer Support.
Construction debris
Not acceptedDirt, concrete, bricks, roofing shingles, and contractor debris are not collected; take to Wake County facilities.
How to throw away a mattress in Raleigh
Follow the listed bulk rule: Bulky load collection is scheduled in advance by calling Customer Support at 919-996-3245. Bulky loads cost $35 per 4-cubic-yard increment. Items placed at the curb before scheduling are subject to city code citations.
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: The listed rules do not require mattress bagging. Confirm any material-specific handling instructions before pickup. Read mattress bagging laws →
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.
Raleigh Curbside Scavenging & Trash Picking Rules
Whether you want usable items salvaged before the compactor crushes them or you are looking for scrap metal, understand the local curbside legal boundaries in Raleigh.
Public Curb vs. City Cart Ownership
Under federal precedent, property discarded in public rights-of-way is legally abandoned. However, many municipal ordinances classify materials placed inside official city-owned recycling carts as city property. Removing materials from inside containers can trigger municipal pilfering fines.
Mark Usable Items with a "FREE" Sign
If you want scrap metal collectors or neighbors to haul away working appliances, lawnmowers, or furniture before bulk pickup day, tape a clear "FREE" sign to the item and place it directly on the curb line away from your private driveway.
Raleigh Area Landfills & Citizen Drop-Off Stations
When you have large renovation loads, dirt, concrete, or bulky waste exceeding curbside limits, self-haul directly to a verified transfer station or county landfill serving Wake County.
Residents of Raleigh have access to regional solid waste transfer stations in Wake County. Contact the public works department or visit your county sanitation portal to view the nearest facility.
Visit Raleigh solid waste portal →All open truck beds and trailers must be secured with a tarp. Unsecured loads face an immediate $20 to $50 state fee at the scale.
Most facilities have a minimum entry fee ($25 to $45) covering up to 1,000 lbs, with prorated per-ton rates for heavier commercial debris.
To receive discounted residential gate rates, bring a valid state driver license and a current local municipal water or utility bill.
If your project exceeds city bulk limits, review our dumpster rental vs. bulk pickup cost comparison or read our construction debris weight guide.
Local disposal alternatives in Wake County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Ask the sanitation office for an eligible transfer station or landfill.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Raleigh Solid Waste Services Department · municipal dpw
Phone: 919-996-3245
630 Beacon Lake DriveRaleigh, NC 27610
These collection rules cover Zone City of Raleigh Curbside Service Area.
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Raleigh, NC?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Place your dark green cart on the curb the night before your collection day or no later than 6 a.m. the day of collection. Remove carts from the curb no later than 7 p.m. after pickup.. These rules apply to Zone City of Raleigh Curbside Service Area.
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Raleigh?
As of 2026-10-10: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: Thanksgiving Day. These rules apply to Zone City of Raleigh Curbside Service Area.
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Raleigh?
Bulky load collection is scheduled in advance by calling Customer Support at 919-996-3245. Bulky loads cost $35 per 4-cubic-yard increment. Items placed at the curb before scheduling are subject to city code citations. The listed limit is 4 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 919-996-3245 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone City of Raleigh Curbside Service Area.
What items are accepted for recycling in Raleigh?
The listed accepted materials are Plastic bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars with lids attached (rinse clean, empty, no pump dispensers), Glass bottles and jars (food and beverage containers, rinsed clean with lids returned), Metal food and beverage cans (aluminum, steel, and tin cans, rinsed clean), Cardboard boxes (flatten completely before placing loose in cart), Paper cartons, cereal boxes, paperboard boxes, magazines, envelopes, and newspapers, Brown paper grocery bags. Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags, plastic wraps, and plastic film (never bag recyclables), Aerosol cans, automotive batteries, and lithium batteries, Aluminum foil, ceramic items, and household glassware, Clothing, textiles, shoes, and toys, Styrofoam cups, plates, and packing peanuts, Tanglers including electrical cords, hoses, chains, and wire, Shredded paper and medical waste. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone City of Raleigh Curbside Service Area.