Online Forms
Start Solid Waste Service/Request Trash & Recycling Carts
Use this form to Request Solid Waste Collection Service, Upgrade Your Recycling Cart, Order Extra Trash & Recycling Carts, and/or Report Damaged or Missing Carts
Request a Bulk Pickup
Use this form to schedule a bulk waste pickup. Bulk pickups are provided on Tuesdays by appointment only. Bulk waste that is scheduled for collection before 2 p.m. on Monday will be picked up the following day (Tuesday). Continue to leave your items at the curb if not collected. It may take a few days to collect items during high-volume weeks.
Report a Missed Trash/Recycling Collection
Use this form to report a missed trash, recycling, bulk, or yard waste collection for review.
Sign Up for Waste Wizard
The Waste Wizard makes it easy for Wake Forest residents to stay informed about the Town’s trash, recycling, and yard waste collection programs, including changes to their normal collection schedules. The Waste Wizard is an interactive tool that allows users to sign up for waste collection reminders and download collection schedules. The resource also allows users to type in keywords related to disposable household materials and receive valuable disposal tips. From aluminum cans and phone books to popcorn bags and plastic beverage bottles, the search tool helps residents determine which items can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away. As a bonus, the Waste Wizard is provided as a function on the Town of Wake Forest app.
Bag Trash, Not 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 and should not contain contamination.
Days of Service
Use the Waste Wizard "My Schedule" function to determine your collection day and/or receive a customized calendar or notification for your trash and recycling schedule!
Positioning Carts 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 the cart at the curb before 7 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day.
- Carts must be rolled out to the right-of-way with the arrows facing out to the street;
- Leave four feet of space between the carts so the truck's mechanical "arm" can grip each cart;
- Carts should be at least four feet away from power poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, trees, and cars.
Please Note: Trash and recycling collection trucks are not allowed to go on private property for pick-up, unless special permission is granted by the Public Works Department.
Commercial Service
All multi-family residential (greater than four units total), office, institutional, educational, commercial, and industrial uses shall have refuse collection through a dumpster system and may contract with any commercial service provider. Please note: Trash and recycling carts provided by the Town of Wake Forest are intended for residential properties only.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is described as vegetative matter resulting from landscaping maintenance performed by the homeowner only, including but not limited to leaves, twigs, grass, limbs, hedge clippings, hay/pine straw, pine cones, and logs.
Bulk Waste Pickup
Bulk Waste includes items like mattresses, box springs, large furniture, and other large items. Bulk pickups are scheduled online.
Solid Waste Billing
On January 1, 2021, solid waste billing changed. As a result, Solid Waste service is no longer covered by annual tax revenues, but instead by a $24 monthly solid waste fee included on residents’ Raleigh Water bill. The fee includes weekly trash, recycling, and yard waste collection, along with seasonal and on-demand collections for loose leaves, Christmas trees, bulk waste pickup, and large brush collection.
Paper Bag Mandate
Beginning in March 2022, the Town of Wake Forest will no longer collect any plastic bags for disposal of yard waste, including compostable plastic yard waste bags. Starting Monday, March 14, residents must use paper yard waste bags or reusable containers weighing no more than 50 pounds for their yard waste.
Holiday Schedule
The Town of Wake Forest officially observes a number of holidays each year. On these occasions, town hall is closed and sanitation service schedules are often altered. Please refer to the Holiday Schedule for updated operating schedules.