Can I have more than one recycling cart?
Yes, but there is a fee. If you are already using the large, 95-gallon blue recycling cart, you may want to consider using multiple carts if you consistently have more recycling than can fit in the large, 95-gallon cart. Please call 910-341-7875 to arrange for multiple recycling carts.
Does Wilmington have a recycling program?
Yes, the City provides recycling service on the same day that your trash is collected, at no additional fee. In order to recycle, please call 910.341.7875 to request a recycling container. Although only one container can be delivered per service address, additional recyclables will be collected if they are placed by the curb in clear bags, boxes, or a personal container. Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your trash. If you're unsure of your recycling week, you can call the Recycle and Trash Services Office at 910.341.7875 or use our address search tool here.
How do I dispose of hazardous materials such as tires, paints, oils, etc,?
New Hanover County operates a household hazardous waste drop-off site at 3002 US Hwy 421 North. This service is free for all County residents. Click here(PDF, 375KB) for a complete list of accepted items.
Is there a fee for trash collection?
Yes. All households on public streets are charged a monthly Recycling and Trash Services fee on their monthly utility bill for Recycling & Trash Service. Utility bills are sent out through Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA). The City's fee is volume based and therefore, the rate is variable. Recycling & Trash Services fees are based on the size and number of cart(s) you request and the number of days that your cart(s) are serviced. Your fee will cover residential trash, recycling, yard waste and bulky collection.
My trash can is broken or stolen, what do I do?
From time to time, maintenance is required on trash carts, or they may need to be replaced. Call the Office of Recycle and Trash Services at 910.341.7875 to request a repair or replacement. A supervisor will assess the damage and if the cart is beyond repair, it will be replaced. Please leave the cart visible from the street, so crews can easily identify and service it.
My trash was missed, what do I do?
If the container was at the curb by 7:30 a.m. on your assigned collection day and was not serviced, please check the container for a yellow tag explaining why the materials were not collected. If you do not find a yellow tag, call 910.341.7875 and report the missed collection.
What can I put in my blue recycling cart?
The City accepts many commonly used items. And, Wilmington uses single-stream recycling - an innovative, user-friendly recycling program, with no sorting required. All recyclable items can be placed in the blue recycling cart and rolled to the curb every other week. You can recycle the following items: Aluminum, steel, tin cans newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, catalogs, phone books plastic bottles #1-7 labeled drink boxes (typical juice box, orange juice container or milk carton), empty aerosol cans, magazines, glass bottles and jars, cardboard and chipboard (flattened), rigid plastic (plastic buckets, laundry baskets, milk crates, etc.) and household metals (pots and pans without plastic handles or glass tops).
What does recycling cost city trash customers?
The recycling carts - and the curbside collection service - are provided to city trash customers at no additional charge. Recycling is included in the city trash rate.
What if I have more recycling than my container can hold? Should I just put the rest in the trash?
Excess recycling will be collected as long as it is curbside. Customers can use their red bin (the city will not be taking them back) or another container, such as a box or even a brown paper bag for extra recyclables.
Recycling is one of the best and easiest ways to help protect our environment and keep trash costs low. Recycling costs the city much less than landfill fees. In addition, customers with a large trash cart may find that they could downsize to a smaller, less expensive trash cart.
Call for more information if you feel you need two recycling carts or want to downsize your trash cart.
What is my day of service?
Residents can find out their service day by calling the Office of Recycle and Trash Services at 910.341.7875. Or you can use our online address search tool here.
Where can I sign up for service and where can I pay my bill?
You can sign up for solid waste service and make payments at the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority's (CFPUA) main office at 235 Government Center Dr. and their alternate office at 929 North Front Street. For more information, visit the CFPUA website or call Customer Service at 910.332.6550
Why does the city collect recycling every other week?
A bi-weekly recycling collection allows the city's Recycle and Trash division to operate more efficiently. The city estimates it saves approximately $220,000 annually in manpower, vehicular maintenance and fuel costs.
The bi-weekly pick-up schedule allows the solid waste program to conserve fuel and reduce vehicular maintenance costs. Larger recycling carts allow residents to recycle more material, conserving valuable landfill space.
Why don't I receive city Recycling & Trash Services when I live within city limits?
If you live in a private neighborhood or on a private street, City Recycling and Trash Services are not automatically provided. If these services are desired, your Homeowners Association or neighbors must petition the City for these services. If the petition is successful and approved by the City, then all homes must go on service. To obtain a petition, please call 910.341.7893.
Since the City does not operate dumpster services, most multifamily housing (e.g. apartment complexes) contract with a private hauler. Contact your property manager to find out about your trash services.
Will my trash, recycling, and yard waste be collected on holidays?
Recycling and Trash Services crews do not work on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or July 4th Days. If your trash day falls on one of these holidays, you will have a reminder tag left on your rollout cart notifying you on the revised collection schedule. This information will also be advertised in the newspaper, on the radio, television and the City's website.
Will the city pick up my vegetative yard waste?
Yes. Vegetative waste is collected on the same day as your trash service. We can collect up to 7 cubic yards per customer per week. All loose vegetative waste must be containerized and must NOT be placed in your city provided trash cart. Limbs should be placed neatly at the curbside and should be no more than 4 feet in length and no larger than 6 inches in diameter.