Trash & Recycling Carts

Cart Services

The Town of Wake Forest provides all single family households with a 96-gallon recycling cart (blue lid) and a 96-gallon trash cart (black lid).

Residents may request one additional recycling and one additional trash carts using the Cart Request Form. Extra carts will be assessed a monthly fee.

• Extra Recycling Cart - $6.50/ month

• Extra Trash Cart - $14.50 / month

The Public Works Department will deliver your carts to the requested address within three (3) business days. 

Cart Request Form

Cart Cleaning

Customers are responsible for keeping their carts clean. Public Works will not replace carts if they are dirty.

Public Works recommends LA's "Totally Awesome" all-purpose cleaner to remove stuck on items and orders. For those wanting to use a more natural cleaning system, a solution of vinegar, dish soap and water also works well. 

If you don't want to clean your cart yourself, there are also a few companies you can call and hire. A few locals options include Trash Can Cleaning USA, Crystal-Cans, and Cleanup Guys, LLC. 

How to Position Your Carts Correctly at the Curb

• Only carts properly positioned along the right-of-way are eligible for curbside collection service. When setting your carts out for collection, please remember the following

• Place cart at the curb before 7 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day

• Opening of the carts must be carts must be placed facing out to the street

• Leave four feet of space between the trash and recycling carts so the truck's mechanical "arm" can grip each cart

• Carts should also be at least four feet away from power poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, trees and cars

• Carts should stay clear of powerlines and trees

• Remove your carts from the curb within 24 hours of collection
  
  

Bag Your Trash, Not Your Recycling

Town ordinance requires that trash be bagged before being placed in the cart. This prevents flyaway litter as the cart is emptied into the truck. Also, do not place bags or boxes of trash on the ground. Bags and/or boxes of trash left beside the cart will not be serviced. Recyclables should be placed loosely in your recycling cart.
 

Moving? The Carts Stay

In the event that you move, do not take the Town's trash or recycling cart with you. These carts are the property of the Town of Wake Forest and are numerically registered to the address to which they were originally delivered. Additionally, there's no need to cancel your service as billing will discontinue when you stop water services. Simply leave your carts in the garage or behind the home. If you encounter any problems or have any questions concerning your service, contact Public Works at 919-435-9570.