Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Carrboro
Trash Day
Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday depending on your neighborhood zone
Recycling
Weekly on assigned collection day (managed by Orange County Solid Waste Management)
Yard Waste
1st and 3rd Mondays for areas south of Hillsborough Rd/Greensboro St/Hanna St; 2nd and 4th Mondays for areas to the north (no collection on 5th Mondays)
Set Out Time
By 7:30 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential solid waste collection and county curbside recycling are funded through local property taxes, so residents do not receive a separate monthly trash bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person, Phone
Standard Town Roll-Out Cart Bin (Trash)
All household waste must be securely bagged inside the town-issued roll-out cart. Containers must be positioned curbside by your designated morning collection window and pulled back from the right-of-way following service.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable everyday packaging
- ✓Food waste and wrappers
- ✓Small non-hazardous items
Orange County Managed Containers Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be managed according to Orange County guidelines, utilizing designated county recycling centers or approved county collection frameworks.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Approved plastic bottles and containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic shopping bags and plastic film
- ✕Styrofoam and foam blocks
- ✕Food-contaminated containers
- ✕Tanglers, hoses, and electrical cords
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste can be placed in designated yard waste roll-out carts or piled correctly for town collection. Keep organic debris strictly separated from household garbage and manufactured junk to prevent collection rejection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Tree limbs and brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request / Scheduled appointment
Placement
Do not place items curbside until you have formally scheduled a pickup date with Public Works via phone or email. Place items safely out of pedestrian pathways.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, mattresses)
- ✓ Large appliances (white goods)
- ✓ Televisions and electronics
Not Accepted
- ✕ Automotive parts, engines, and tires
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals, oils, and liquid paint
- ✕ Heavy commercial construction or demolition material
Standard residential bulk collection is coordinated through town services, though major cleanouts or prohibited industrial materials require alternative disposal at Orange County facilities.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a town-observed holiday falls on a regular collection day, the Public Works division adjusts schedules, often shifting collections one day early or one day later depending on the specific holiday week.
Yard Waste Exception
Holiday weeks frequently cause temporary suspensions or adjustments to routine yard waste and loose-leaf collection routes as sanitation staff are reallocated to clear household garbage.
Residents should check the official Town of Carrboro holiday schedule updates online to confirm exact alternate collection dates.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn and Winter
October to FebruaryDuring peak leaf shedding months, Carrboro Public Works operates dedicated loose-leaf collection routes. Rake leaves near the curb line, keeping them completely clear of storm drains and ditches to prevent localized street flooding.
Spring
March to MaySpring cleaning often results in a surge of bulk waste requests. Because scheduling slots fill up quickly during peak moving and remodeling seasons, residents should contact Public Works well in advance to arrange large item pickups.
Summer
June to AugustHigh summer temperatures accelerate the decomposition of food waste in household trash carts. Ensure all organic waste is tightly bagged and your cart lid is latched securely to mitigate odors and pest attraction.
Local Tips & Community Info
Carrboro Trash Collection Schedule and Guidelines
The Town of Carrboro Public Works Department manages regular household garbage collection for local residents. To ensure your weekly trash pickup goes smoothly, always place your rollout cart at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on your designated service day. It is important to keep the cart away from storm drains, sidewalks, and bike lanes to maintain neighborhood safety. If you are unsure of your specific pickup day, you can check the residential solid waste services map on the official town website. Make sure all household refuse is bagged before being placed inside the cart to prevent littering.
Orange County Curbside Recycling for Carrboro Residents
Unlike household garbage, recycling services in Carrboro are handled by Orange County Solid Waste Management. Single-family homes and duplexes within the town limits receive weekly single-stream recycling collection. You can place items like clean cardboard, plastic bottles, glass jars, and metal cans in your blue recycling bin. If you need a new or replacement recycling cart, you can submit a request through the Orange County website. Residents can also download the 'Orange County NC Recycles' mobile app to receive digital reminders about their collection day and stay updated on what materials are accepted.
Bulk Waste Disposal Instructions
If you are getting rid of large furniture, mattresses, or old appliances, Carrboro Public Works offers bi-weekly bulk waste pickup. Residents living south of Hillsborough Road, Greensboro Street, and Hanna Street have their bulk items collected on the Wednesday following the first and third Monday of each month. Those living north of these streets receive service following the second and fourth Monday. Remember to set out bulk items by 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Clean metal must be separated from other trash. However, hazardous materials, vehicle parts, and construction debris will not be collected at the curb.
Yard Waste and Loose Leaf Collection
Keeping your garden tidy is easy with the town's yard waste pickup program. Carrboro collects yard debris according to the same bi-weekly geographic schedule as bulk waste. When preparing your yard waste, ensure that tree limbs do not exceed three feet in length and four inches in diameter. Yard waste must be entirely free of rocks, dirt, concrete, and synthetic materials. During the autumn months, the town also provides a loose leaf collection service. Leaves should be placed near the curb, avoiding drainage ditches to prevent flooding during heavy rains.
Holiday Delays and Missed Pickups
During major holidays, your standard Carrboro waste collection schedule will likely experience a one-day delay. For instance, if a holiday falls on a Friday, the Friday route will typically be serviced on the following Monday. Always check the town's holiday calendar for specific date adjustments. If your trash or yard waste was missed during a regular route, leave your cart at the curb and report the issue online or by calling the Public Works office. Crews generally return to collect missed bins within the next business day if reported promptly.
Drop-off Facilities
Orange County Solid Waste and Recycling Center (Eubanks Rd)
1514 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles recycling collection in Carrboro?
Curbside recycling in Carrboro is managed by Orange County Solid Waste Management, not the Town of Carrboro Public Works. Urban residential recycling is picked up on a weekly basis.
What are the rules for setting out bulk waste?
Bulk waste should be placed at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on the Wednesday of your scheduled collection week. Keep items at least three feet away from other objects and do not block bike lanes or sidewalks.
How do I report a missed trash pickup in Carrboro?
You can report a missed garbage or yard waste collection by contacting Carrboro Public Works at (919) 918-7425 or submitting a missed pickup form on the town's official website.