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.
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 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. Yard waste collection is on a bi-weekly schedule on the opposite week of recycling collection (ex. Week 1 – garbage and recycling; Week 2 – garbage and yard waste). Learn more about yard waste carts.
To see your collection calendar, enter your address in the Raleigh Reuse Web Tool and App.
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. Call 919-996-3245 to schedule a Special Load Collection. Refer to Solid Waste Fees for more information.
- 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: Plastic bags and customer-owned contains are not accepted.
Can I purchase additional yard waste carts?
Learn more about ordering a second yard waste cart.
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.
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.
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
Learn more about yard waste carts.
Email us with your questions at sws@raleighnc.gov.