Recycling and Trash Services

The Recycling & Trash Services Division provides weekly curbside trash pick-up for residential and commercial city trash customers within the city limits. The division is funded by monthly fees charged by the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority to City Recycling & Trash Services customers based on their chosen level of service.

Updated RTS Service Requirements

On September 23, 2024, the City of Wilmington rolled out a new fleet of automated trucks to modernize our trash collection service. This streamlines the city’s trash service and improves worker safety. Most households that participate in City of Wilmington trash collection are now serviced by an automated sideload truck and this improvement affects how trash carts are placed at the street.

When you're placing your trash cart out for collection, please remember these three simple steps:

Cart Lid: Cart lids must be closed completely.
Direction: Face cart handle and wheels toward your house.
Placement: Place within 2 feet of the curb or roadside and ensure 3 feet of space on all sides.

Modernizing to Serve You Better

The City of Wilmington has rolled out a new fleet of automated trucks to modernize trash collection service. Learn more about the new service requirements here!

Trash

To sign up for service or for questions about your bill, call the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority at 910.332.6550 or City Recycling & Trash Services office at 910.341.7875.

Recycling

City of Wilmington trash customers can participate in the recycling program at no additional charge.

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste is collected once a week on the same day as your trash collection as part of your regular service. We are not able to pick up contractors' work. Learn more about preparation of the debris the city is able to collect.

Central Business District Services

Residents and commercial establishments in the downtown business district can elect trash collection ranging from 2 times a week to twice a day, seven times per week. In the central business district, trash bags are used instead of carts.

Bulky Item Collection

Bulky items such as appliances, electronics, and furniture are collected at no additional charge as part of your regular trash service by appointment only.

Household Hazardous Waste

The household hazardous waste disposal drop-off center is free to all New Hanover County residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holiday Hours

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY – Monday, January 20th, 2024

City offices will be closed on Monday, January 20^th for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

This will not affect Monday route day collections. Monday customers should have their carts out before 6 AM Monday morning (the evening before collection is best practice).

Any appointment services such as bulky, metal, or electronics pick-up for Monday, January 20th or Tuesday, January 21st customers, must be scheduled before 4:30 PM on Friday, January 17^th. Call us at 910.341.7875 with any questions or appointment needs.

Sign up for Service

Recycling & Trash Services
910.341.7875

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
910.332.6550

Save Money

The City of Wilmington Recycling & Trash Services Division promotes environmental responsibility and cost savings through a "Pay as You Throw" program.

This tiered system allows residents to reduce waste and lower costs by switching to a smaller 35-gallon trash cart and using the no-charge 95-gallon recycle cart, collected biweekly. The 35-gallon trash service costs $25.29 per month, while the 95-gallon service is $31.12 per month. Switching saves $5.83 per month, over $60 annually, while helping divert waste to recycling.

Call 910.341.7875 to make the switch and start saving!

Contact Us

Do you have a question or request? Reach out to us!