Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Clayton
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.
Green Bin (Trash)
Place the green cart at the curb the night before pickup. All-Star Waste prefers carts to be at least half-full to improve route efficiency.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Tissues
- ✓Styrofoam
Tan Bin (Recycling)
Items must be clean, dry, and loose. Do not bag recyclables. Bins containing plastic bags or non-recyclable materials will be marked as contaminated and collected as regular trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper (except carbon)
- ✓Cardboard (broken down)
- ✓Milk and juice cartons
- ✓Plastic bottles
- ✓Aluminum and soup cans
- ✓Books
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Clothes hangers
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Hoses
- ✕Bubble wrap
Yard Waste Bin
No plastic bags. Use a 32-gallon reusable bin labeled 'Yard Waste' or a brown 95-gallon yard waste cart. Piles must not exceed 6'L x 6'W x 3'H. Loose leaves are collected curbside only from Oct 1 to Jan 31.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Pine straw
- ✓Limbs under 4 inches thick and 6 feet long
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly (1 to 2 items per week)
Placement
Place bulk items next to your green trash cart on your standard collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Sofas and recliners
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers)
- ✓ Large tables and furniture
- ✓ Tires
- ✓ Extra trash bags
- ✓ Sinks and whole toilets
Not Accepted
- ✕ Electronics (TVs, computers)
- ✕ Carpet
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
If you place more than 2 bulk items out, or if piles are excessive, All-Star will photograph the items and the Town may apply an additional removal fee to your monthly utility bill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collection is generally delayed by one day if the holiday falls on or before your normal pickup day. However, All-Star Waste occasionally runs partial routes on holidays, so residents are advised to place bins out on their normal day or check the official town schedule.
Yard Waste Exception
During Loose Leaf Season, vacuum trucks run the business day after your actual (sometimes holiday-delayed) trash collection day.
Always refer to the Town of Clayton's online schedule tool to confirm specific holiday week adjustments for your street.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Never Bag Your Recyclables
Plastic bags jam the sorting machines at the recycling facility. Keep your paper, plastic, and glass items loose in the tan cart. If you collect recycling in a bag inside your house, dump the contents out into the cart and throw the bag in the green trash bin.
Keep Food and Liquids Out
A single half-full soda bottle can contaminate a whole load of cardboard and paper. Empty and quickly rinse all plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass jars before tossing them into your tan cart.
Electronics Belong at the Convenience Center
Never place TVs, computers, or batteries in your regular trash, recycling, or bulk piles. They contain heavy metals and are strictly prohibited by Clayton's curbside service. Take them to a Johnston County Convenience Center.
Seasonal Information
Fall/Winter
October to JanuaryLoose Leaf Season is active. You can rake loose leaves to the curb (no containers needed) and vacuum trucks will collect them on the business day following your normal trash collection day.
Spring
February to MayAs the off-season begins, loose leaves are no longer vacuumed. All yard waste (leaves and small clippings) must be placed in an approved 32-gallon container labeled 'Yard Waste' or the official 95-gallon brown cart.
Summer
June to SeptemberDuring severe summer thunderstorms or potential hurricanes, ensure your green and tan carts are secured, and keep curbside yard waste piles small to prevent storm drains from clogging.
About Clayton Waste Management
Clayton’s Curbside Waste Collection Program
The Town of Clayton partners with All-Star Waste to manage residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste. Residents are provided with a green 95-gallon cart for household trash and a tan 95-gallon cart for recyclables. Both carts should be rolled to the curb the night before your scheduled collection day, as routes can begin as early as 7:00 a.m. Ensure the bins are placed away from mailboxes and parked cars.
Understanding the Weekly Bulk Pickup Service
Unlike many municipalities that require special appointments for large items, Clayton allows residents to place one to two bulk items curbside each week on their regular trash day. Eligible items include mattresses, sofas, sinks, and appliances. However, electronics, computers, and construction debris are prohibited and must be taken to a Johnston County Convenience Site.
Loose Leaf Season vs. Containerized Yard Waste
Clayton has distinct seasonal rules for yard waste. From October 1 through January 31, the town operates its Loose Leaf Season, where residents can rake leaves directly to the curb without bagging, to be collected the business day after regular trash pickup. During the off-season (February through September), all leaves and small clippings must be placed in a labeled, 32-gallon reusable container or a purchased 95-gallon brown yard waste cart.
Limb and Branch Collection Rules
If you're tackling yard work, remember that All-Star employees manually load limbs and branches. To ensure pickup, branches cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter or 6 feet in length (wider limbs must be cut to 2 feet). Your total brush pile should never be larger than 6 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 3 feet high to maintain efficiency and avoid extra fees.
Disposing of Electronics and Hazardous Materials
Because All-Star Waste cannot process TVs, computers, or hazardous household chemicals in the green or tan carts, Clayton residents should utilize the nearby Johnston County Solid Waste Landfill or Convenience Centers. Dropping off residential recyclables and electronics at these county-run sites is free and helps keep toxic materials out of North Carolina’s waterways.
Drop-off Facilities
Johnston County MSW Landfill
680 County Home Road, Smithfield, NC 27577
Materials Accepted
39/42 Convenience Center
Various locations across Johnston County
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a new or additional trash cart in Clayton?
If you need an additional green trash or tan recycling cart, you can call the Town of Clayton Customer Service at 919-553-5002 (an extra monthly fee applies). If your current cart needs repairs, such as a missing wheel or broken lid, text or call All-Star Waste directly at 919-989-1562.
Can I use plastic bags for my yard waste?
No. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited for yard waste in Clayton. You must use a reusable plastic or canvas tote (up to 32 gallons) labeled 'Yard Waste', or purchase a 95-gallon brown yard waste cart. During Loose Leaf Season (Oct 1 - Jan 31), you can leave leaves unbagged at the curb.
What happens if I put non-recyclables in my tan cart?
If your tan recycling cart contains contaminated items like plastic bags, food waste, or styrofoam, All-Star Waste will consider it contaminated and will dispose of it along with your regular garbage. Consistent contamination may lead to further action.
Do I need to schedule a bulk pickup for my old couch?
No, scheduling is not required. Clayton residents can place 1 to 2 acceptable bulk items (such as a couch, mattress, or appliance) at the curb on their normal trash collection day. If you set out more than two items, you may incur an additional fee on your utility bill.