Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Boone
North Carolina residential routes run Monday through Friday. Please refer to your city or county zoning map for your specific curbside collection day.
State Mandate
NC DEQ strictly bans aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and electronics from landfill disposal.
Standard Republic Services Cart Bin (Trash)
Trash must be bagged and placed entirely inside the cart. The cart must be positioned at least 4 to 5 feet away from trees, mailboxes, and parked cars to allow the automated arm to safely empty the container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Standard packaging materials
96-Gallon Republic Services Cart Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely in the cart (no plastic bags). Collection occurs on a bi-weekly basis on the same day as your standard trash pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓All plastic bottles and containers (#1 through #7)
- ✓Rigid plastics (toys, buckets, plant pots)
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Mixed paper, catalogs, and cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags, films, or wrap
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Ropes, hoses, cords, tarps, or wire
- ✕Clothing or fabric
- ✕Glassware, mirrors, or window glass
Yard Waste Bin
Do not put yard waste in your trash or recycling carts. Use one of your three free annual Citizen Service Requests to have Public Works collect yard debris from your curb, or utilize the free fall leaf pickup program.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and tree limbs
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓General yard debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Three free pickups per year by request
Placement
Do not place bulky items at the curb until your requested pickup date has been confirmed via the Citizen Service Request system.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture and household junk
- ✓ Yard debris and brush
- ✓ Mattresses
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste, electronics, and paint
- ✕ Tires (unless taken to the county facility)
- ✕ Contractor-generated construction debris
Residents are allowed three free collections annually. Exceeding this limit or requiring massive cleanouts may necessitate hauling waste to the Watauga County Transfer Station, where tipping fees may apply.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Republic Services operates a highly reliable schedule in Boone and only closes for Christmas Day. Sanitation and recycling services will be collected exactly as scheduled on all other federal and state holidays throughout the year.
Yard Waste Exception
Because yard waste and bulk collections are fulfilled by the Town of Boone Public Works rather than Republic Services, these specific appointments are subject to municipal administrative holiday closures.
When Christmas causes a schedule delay, the revised collection timeline is published in local newspapers and broadcasted on local radio stations the week prior to the holiday.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep the Tanglers Out
Ropes, garden hoses, cords, tarps, and wires are strictly prohibited in your 96-gallon recycling cart [1.2.3]. These items are known as 'tanglers' because they wrap around the sorting gears at the recycling facility, causing dangerous and expensive equipment shutdowns.
A Local Solution for Batteries and Bulbs
Never place household batteries or CFL light bulbs in your curbside bins, as they pose a significant fire and environmental risk. Boone residents can safely drop off dry cell household batteries and bagged CFL bulbs directly at the Public Works building located at 321 E. King Street.
Don't Rely on the Sidewalk
Because Republic Services uses automated trucks for collection, any recyclables or garbage left outside the cart will not be picked up. Ensure everything is contained entirely within the bin with the lid fully closed.
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to MarchIn the event of severe mountain ice and snow, Republic Services will attempt to run the regular sanitation and recycling routes if the streets are safely passable [2.1.1]. However, collections may operate on a delayed basis until roads are cleared.
Autumn
October to DecemberTake advantage of Boone's free fall leaf curbside pickup program, which generally runs from mid-October to mid-December (specifically scheduled from October 15 to December 13 for 2026). Rake leaves to the curb edge, keeping them clear of storm drains.
Summer
June to SeptemberProperty maintenance is strictly enforced from June 1 through September 30. Ensure your grass remains under eight inches to avoid a $100 repeat violation fine, unless you are actively cultivating an approved native pollinator yard.
About Boone Waste Management
Consistent Holiday Collections
Unlike many municipalities that shift their solid waste schedules for every minor federal holiday, Boone residents enjoy a highly consistent routine. Through its contract with Republic Services, the town maintains regular curbside collection on nearly all holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. The only day of the year that service is suspended is Christmas Day.
The Citizen Service Request System for Bulk Pickups
The Town of Boone Public Works division offers an exceptional perk to its residents: every household is entitled to three free curbside pickups of yard debris, brush, leaves, or bulky junk per calendar year. To take advantage of this service, residents must pre-schedule the pickup by submitting a 'Citizen Service Request' online rather than simply leaving items at the curb.
Strict Cart Placement and Retrieval Timelines
To maintain the aesthetic appeal and accessibility of its mountain neighborhoods, Boone enforces strict ordinances regarding when roll-out carts can be on the street. Carts should only be placed at the curb after dusk the night before collection, or by 6:00 AM on the day of pickup. Furthermore, residents are required to retrieve their containers and remove them from the curb no later than 9:00 AM the day following collection.
Mountain Climates and Native Pollinator Yards
Boone's waste management and property maintenance policies are tailored to its Appalachian environment. The town provides an extended free fall leaf collection window running from mid-October through mid-December. Additionally, while standard summer ordinances require grass and weeds to be kept under eight inches to prevent overgrowth into sidewalks, the town officially grants exemptions for maintained 'native yards' designed to foster local pollinators.
Drop-off Facilities
Town of Boone Public Works (Recycling Drop-Off)
321 E. King St, Boone, NC 28607
Materials Accepted
Watauga County Solid Waste Transfer Station & Landfill
336 Landfill Road, Boone, NC 28607
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When is trash and recycling picked up in Boone, NC?
Republic Services collects standard household trash every week and recycling every other week [2.1.1]. Both your trash and recycling are collected on the exact same day of the week. Carts should be out by 6:00 AM.
How do I get rid of an old couch or heavy brush in Boone?
The Town of Boone provides every residential property with three free curbside pickups of junk, brush, or yard debris each year. You must schedule this by submitting a Citizen Service Request on the town's website before placing items at the curb.
Will my trash be picked up on Memorial Day or Labor Day in Boone?
Yes. Republic Services continues its regular collection routes on almost all major holidays, including Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. The only holiday that results in a service suspension is Christmas Day.
Where can I drop off extra cardboard or old batteries?
Boone residents can bring excess mixed paper, cardboard, motor oil, household batteries, and CFL bulbs directly to the Public Works facility at 321 E. King Street. Ensure CFL bulbs are placed in a sealed zip-lock bag prior to dropping them off.