Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Graham
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.
City-issued 90+ gallon cart Bin (Trash)
Place at the curb by 7:00 AM on your collection day. Position the container with handles facing away from the street and at least 5 feet away from vehicles, mailboxes, or other objects.
Accepted Items
- ✓Regular household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Furnished recycling cart Bin (Recycling)
Collected every other Wednesday. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM and kept at least 5 feet away from your garbage container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean plastics
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal cans
- ✓Paper
- ✓Cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Building materials
- ✕Dirt and rocks
- ✕Tires
- ✕Liquids and paint
- ✕Batteries
- ✕Hazardous waste
- ✕Concrete
- ✕Electronics
- ✕TVs
- ✕Yard debris
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in a citizen-provided container no larger than 32 gallons, weighing less than 50 lbs, and equipped with handles. Collected on the same day as solid waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Hedge trimmings
- ✓Limbs 1 inch or smaller in diameter
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only
Placement
Pile brush and bulk items neatly at the edge of the road or back of the curb. Be mindful of overhead obstructions like wires or tree branches that prevent automated collection.
Accepted
- ✓ Stoves and ovens
- ✓ Washing machines and dryers
- ✓ Refrigerators
- ✓ Water heaters
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Discarded furniture
Not Accepted
- ✕ Electronics
- ✕ TVs and computers
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Liquids and paint
- ✕ Automotive parts
- ✕ Hazardous materials
- ✕ Stumps or brush cut by contractors
The first 2 items (or 2 clamshells) are free. Extra bulk items cost $22.00 each. Bulk waste in excess of 2 clamshells is charged at $24.00 per cubic yard. Excess bulk brush is charged at $18.00 per cubic yard.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
For many holidays, regular garbage collection continues as normal, but bulk pick-up appointments are suspended on those days. On major holidays like Independence Day or Christmas, collections are typically pushed back by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection generally follows the adjusted solid waste holiday schedule, but may experience slight delays during high-volume weeks.
Always check the official City of Graham website or their Facebook page for the most current PDF holiday schedule, as route shifting varies depending on the specific holiday.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Hazardous Materials Out
Never place paint, batteries, sealed containers, or automotive parts in your regular carts. These pose massive safety risks and must be taken to the Alamance County Landfill during designated hazardous waste collection days.
Ban Construction Debris
Home improvement waste like landscape timber, masonry, rocks, concrete, logs, and stumps are strictly prohibited from all household bins. You must dispose of these privately or haul them to the landfill.
Electronics Belong Elsewhere
TVs, computers, and general electronics cannot go in your trash or recycling bins, nor will they be picked up as bulk waste. Keep them out to avoid rejected carts.
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberThe city's Property Maintenance division coordinates loose leaf collection during the fall and early winter months. Keep leaf piles free of sticks and rocks to prevent damage to the vacuum equipment.
Winter
January to FebruarySevere winter weather and ice can delay routes. If nonessential city offices close due to a storm, Thursday or Friday collection routes will typically shift to the next safe operational day.
Spring/Summer
March to AugustSpring cleaning generates high volumes of bulk waste. Remember to call ahead to schedule your bulk pickups, as they are not collected automatically. Ensure brush piles are free of overhead obstructions.
About Graham Waste Management
Comprehensive Waste Management in Graham, NC
The City of Graham operates a structured solid waste program to keep Alamance County clean and sustainable. While the city's internal Sanitation Division handles standard household garbage, yard debris, and bulk pickups, they partner with Republic Services for bi-weekly curbside recycling. This dual-service approach ensures residents receive reliable collection tailored to different types of residential waste.
Guidelines for Curbside Garbage Collection
In Graham, automated solid waste routes run from Tuesday through Friday. To guarantee your household trash is collected, your city-issued cart must be wheeled to the curb by 7:00 AM on your assigned service day. Remember to orient the handles away from the street and leave at least a five-foot clearance around the cart to prevent interference with automated arm trucks, mailboxes, and parked cars.
Bi-Weekly Recycling Schedule
Recycling is collected every other week on Wednesdays. Republic Services provides each home with a designated recycling cart. Residents should set their bins out by 6:00 AM. It is strictly prohibited to mix electronics, yard debris, or general garbage into these containers. A careful sorting process reduces contamination and supports Graham’s long-term environmental goals.
Proper Preparation for Yard Debris
Yard waste is picked up on the same day as your regular household garbage. Unlike standard trash, residents must provide their own designated yard waste container, which cannot exceed 32 gallons in capacity or 50 pounds in weight. The can must feature sturdy handles for safe manual lifting by city crews. Acceptable items include grass clippings, hedge trimmings, and small limbs under one inch in diameter.
Navigating Bulk Item and Brush Pickups
Graham requires residents to schedule an appointment for bulk trash and large brush collection. The city covers the pickup of your first two bulk items (or two clamshells of bulk waste) at no additional charge. Exceeding this limit incurs fees, such as $22 per extra bulk item or $24 per cubic yard of bulk waste. Electronics and hazardous liquids are strictly banned from curbside bulk and must be hauled directly to the Alamance County Landfill.
Drop-off Facilities
Alamance County Landfill
2701 Austin Quarter Road, Graham NC
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in Graham?
Bulk pickup is not automatic; it is available by appointment only. You must call the Sanitation Division to request a collection. The city collects up to two items or 'clamshells' without extra fees, but additional volumes will incur a charge.
When are recyclables collected in Graham, NC?
Recyclables are managed by Republic Services and are picked up every other week on Wednesdays. Your recycling cart must be out by 6:00 AM and spaced at least 5 feet from your household garbage container.
What are the local rules for yard waste containers?
Residents cannot use city-issued carts for yard debris. You must provide your own container, which must have handles, hold no more than 32 gallons, and weigh under 50 pounds. Tree limbs must be 1 inch or smaller in diameter.
Does the City of Graham pick up old TVs or computers?
No, the City of Graham Sanitation Division does not collect any electronics, including TVs and computers, through standard curbside or bulk pickup. These items must be properly disposed of at the Alamance County Landfill.