Yard Waste Collection Frequently Asked Questions

Yard waste is collected on the same day as garbage and recycling. Residents can find out their service day by calling Solid Waste Services at 919-996-6890 or visiting the Imaps link in Related Information.

No, it is illegal to disposal of yard waste in the landfill so collection crews must be able to see what is in the garbage bag. Residents may choose one of the three methods below to contain yard waste material:

1. A permanent container, such as a garbage can or plastic container, no larger than 35 gallons, and weighing no more than 75 pounds
2. Use CLEAR plastic bags
3. Biodegradable paper yard waste bags, available at area hardware, home improvement and discount stores.

Limbs and brush must be tied into bundles of not more than five feet in length, 18 inches in diameter and weighing no more than 75 pounds.

No, the City-issued roll out container should only be used for garbage. It is illegal to dump yard waste material in the landfill. Should the garbage truck pick it up by accident the City may be issued a fine by the State of NC. Residents also should not use their recycling bin for yard waste material. Recycling bins are issued for materials collected in the curbside recycling program. The City of Raleigh does encourage residents to use their old garbage cans for their yard waste material! Reuse of old garbage cans means you are not wasting clear plastic or biodegradeable paper bags!

No, the "need assistance" program is only for those qualified residents needing help getting their garbage cart or recycling bin to the curb.

No. Once yard waste is collected by SWS crews it is taken to the City's Yard Waste Recycling Center and processed into wood chips, mulch, leaf mulch and compost. These products are then used in City parks and greenways and sold back to the public. Treated lumber containers chemicals that could be potentially dangerous and are not acceptable in a composting situation either as a soil amendment or as decorative dressing around plants.

Please do not include these materials with the yard waste!

You can either hold the material until your next scheduled day the following week or take it to the City's Yard Waste Recycling Center at 900 N. New Hope Road for a fee. The Yard Waste Center is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for recycling yard waste materials. Note: If you hold the material until your next collection, be sure to remove it from the curbside. Material left at the curbside is subject to a $50 fine under the Solid Waste Services Code.