Raleigh, NC (Wake County): One-Stop Compliance Hubs for Electronics, HazMat & Recycling — North & South Wake MMRFs (Mon–Sat)

Status: Voluntary Recycling (apartments) — Raleigh does not require apartment complexes to provide recycling bins; it is up to property management. [1]

The “Landfill Ban” trap: Even if your community does not provide recycling, North Carolina bans several materials from landfill disposal statewide (including discarded computer equipment/TVs, corrugated cardboard, and aluminum cans and certain recyclable rigid plastic containers). That means these items do not belong in an apartment dumpster. [2]

The solution: Use Wake County’s Multi-Material Recycling Facilities (MMRFs)—the county’s “everything in one stop” drop-off hubs for electronics, HHW, and recycling. [3]

Compliance Hubs: Wake County MMRFs (Choose the Closest One)

Hours (both facilities): Mon–Sat 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Closed Sundays. [3][4]

Proof of residency: Many drop-offs (especially mattresses/HHW) require proof that you live in Wake County. [5]

  • North Wake MMRF: 9029 Deponie Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614[3]
  • South Wake MMRF: 6130 Old Smithfield Road, Apex, NC 27539[4]
  • Standard hours: Mon–Sat 8:00 AM–4:00 PM[3][4]

Electronics (FREE): TVs, Computers, Printers (Don’t Dumpster Them)

The rule (statewide): NC bans disposal of discarded computer equipment and discarded televisions in landfills. [2]

The solution (Wake): Wake County directs residents to drop off electronics at the MMRFs. [3][4]

HazMat (HHW): Paint, Pesticides, Motor Oil, Batteries

One-stop HHW: Wake County accepts household hazardous waste at its MMRFs, including common apartment “problem items” like paint, pesticides, automotive fluids (motor oil), and batteries. [6]

Tip: Transport HHW upright, keep containers sealed, and follow site staff instructions when you arrive.

Mattress Rule (Wake County): Up to 2 per Day (Free, With Residency Proof)

Wake County states residents can drop off up to two mattresses per day at the MMRFs, typically at no charge, with proof of residency. [5]

Crucial Warning: Construction Debris (Renters May Be Turned Away or Charged)

Renter beware: Wake County disposal rules for construction and demolition debris can differ from standard resident drop-offs, and some pathways may be limited to property owners/contracted services. If you are a resident renovating an apartment unit, confirm eligibility and fees before loading drywall/wood into a vehicle.

How We Solve This For You (National Doorstep)

Compliance is operational. In Raleigh/Wake County, we help property management reduce illegal dumping and contamination by standardizing resident routines and signage—especially for “landfill-banned” items like electronics and cardboard—and by providing a clear “plan B” routing map to the nearest MMRF for HHW, e-waste, mattresses, and overflow recycling.

CTA: Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Raleigh Property

EEAT Sources: [1] City of Raleigh: Apartment Recycling (recycling provision is property-managed; not mandated citywide for apartments)  |  [2] NC DEQ: Items Banned from Disposal in Landfills (cardboard; TVs/computer equipment; cans; rigid plastic containers)  |  [3] Wake County: North Wake MMRF (address; hours; accepted materials)  |  [4] Wake County: South Wake MMRF (address; hours; accepted materials)  |  [5] Wake County: Facility rules (residency proof requirements; mattress drop-off rules)  |  [6] Wake County: Household Hazardous Waste (accepted items including paint, pesticides, motor oil, batteries)

 
National Doorstep - The Valet Trash Service Experts

Durham, NC (Durham County): One-Stop Compliance Hub for Electronics (FREE), HazMat & Bulk (Fees) — Waste Disposal & Recycling Center — Mandatory Apartment Recycling (5+ Units)

Status: Mandatory Recycling (5+ units) — Durham’s multifamily recycling rules require properties with five (5) or more dwelling units to provide an on-site recycling program for residents. [1][2]

If your complex has a trash dumpster but no recycling bin or system, property management is out of compliance and residents can report the issue through Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200. [3]

For everything your apartment dumpster can’t legally or safely handle—electronics, household hazardous waste (HHW), and bulk furniture—the primary “plan B” is: Durham Waste Disposal & Recycling Center / Transfer Station Complex (E. Club Blvd) . [4]

Compliance Hub: Waste Disposal & Recycling Center (Transfer Station Complex)

Primary address: 2115 East Club Boulevard, Durham, NC 27704 (Durham Transfer Station complex). [5]

Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and Sat 7:30 AM–12:00 PM. [5]

Note (HHW signage): The Household Hazardous Waste Center is located at the same complex and may also be listed under a nearby E. Club Blvd address in City materials. Follow on-site signage and staff directions for the HHW lane. [4][6]

  • Facility: Durham Waste Disposal & Recycling Center / Transfer Station Complex[5]
  • Address: 2115 E. Club Blvd, Durham, NC 27704[5]
  • Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30–4:00  |  Sat 7:30–12:00[5]
  • One-stop streams: Electronics (free), HHW, and bulk trash (fees for disposal loads)[4][6]

Electronics (FREE): TVs & Computers (Don’t Dumpster Them)

Drop-off rule: Durham’s solid waste guidance lists electronics recycling through the City/County program at the Waste Disposal & Recycling Center complex, and indicates electronics are accepted from City/County residents. [6]

Tip: Bring proof of residency if requested and follow site staff instructions to route to the correct electronics drop lane.

Hazardous Waste (HHW): Paint, Pesticides & Fluorescent Bulbs

HHW on-site: Durham’s HHW program accepts common hazardous household items such as paint, pesticides, and fluorescent bulbs through the HHW Center at the E. Club Blvd complex. [6][7]

Safety tip: Keep HHW in original containers when possible, seal lids tightly, and transport items upright to prevent spills.

Bulk Trash (Furniture & Mattresses): Weigh-In + Disposal Fee (Do Not Curb-Dump)

The rule: For bulky items like sofas and mattresses, residents typically must weigh in and pay a disposal fee at the Transfer Station. Durham publishes a fee schedule for disposal at its facilities. [8]

Apartment reality: Do not leave furniture at the curb or by the dumpster unless property management has an approved bulk plan. Illegal dumping enforcement and fines are a real risk.

Crucial Rights: Mandatory Recycling (5+ Units) — Report Missing Bins

Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling. [1]

Applicability Threshold: 5+ dwelling units. [1][2]

Your right: If your property provides trash service but no recycling dumpsters/system, the complex is out of compliance.
Action: Report violations to Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200. [3]

How We Solve This For You (National Doorstep)

Compliance is operational. In Durham, we help property management run an inspector-ready recycling program by standardizing bin access, reducing contamination, preventing overflow, and building resident-facing routines—plus a clear “plan B” routing map to the E. Club Blvd complex for electronics, HHW, and fee-based bulk disposal (so sofas and paint don’t end up beside dumpsters).

CTA: Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Durham Property

EEAT Sources: [1] Durham City Code (Municode): recycling requirements for multifamily properties (5+ units)  |  [2] City of Durham: Apartment Recycling (5+ unit requirement; resident rights)  |  [3] City of Durham: Durham One Call (919-560-1200 reporting)  |  [4] City of Durham: Solid Waste Management (facility overview; programs)  |  [5] City of Durham: Waste Disposal & Recycling Center (2115 E. Club Blvd; hours)  |  [6] City of Durham: Electronics Recycling + HHW complex references (accepted electronics; resident eligibility)  |  [7] City of Durham: Household Hazardous Waste (accepted items including paint, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs)  |  [8] City of Durham: Solid Waste Fee Schedule (disposal fees at transfer station)

 

Raleigh–Durham apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site property managers: avoid surprise solid-waste citations and civil fees while giving residents the modern valet trash & recycling amenity they expect. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program is engineered around Durham City Code, Chapter 58 (Garbage and Other Solid Waste), Wake County’s Solid Waste Ordinance, and local program rules so your communities stay inspection-ready and aligned with North Carolina landfill disposal bans on key recyclables.

Within the City of Durham, multi-family developments where any building contains 5 or more dwelling units are required to provide a stationary waste-handling facility that includes garbage and recycling containers sized and serviced often enough to prevent illegal disposal of garbage or “target recyclables.” These requirements flow from Durham City Code Chapter 58 and the City’s Requirements for Multi-Family and Commercial Garbage and Recycling Collection and Facilities design standards. In Raleigh and the other Wake County municipalities, there is currently no Dallas-style apartment recycling mandate with a unit threshold, but properties are still subject to city and county solid-waste codes, local nuisance rules, and statewide disposal bans on materials such as aluminum cans, yard waste, and plastic bottles.

  • Protect NOI & Reputation: Reduce risk of civil remedial fees, cleanup cost recovery, and up to $500-per-day county penalties tied to solid-waste violations by aligning your program with Durham’s waste-handling rules and Wake County’s enforcement framework.
  • Resident-First Convenience: Doorstep service that keeps residents out of dark enclosures, reduces trips to compactors, and supports renewals and online reputation across Raleigh–Durham.
  • Code-Smart Design: Container layouts, labels, and service frequencies designed around Durham’s multi-family facility standards, Raleigh’s Part 7 Solid Waste Services Code, and Wake County’s nuisance expectations.
  • Hands-Off Compliance: We coordinate haulers, container counts, enclosure design, and resident education so your team can focus on leasing and operations while still documenting compliance.

At a Glance: City of Durham vs. Raleigh & Other Wake/Durham Cities

City of Durham (Inside City Limits)

  • Mandate Type: Mandatory provision of recycling capacity as part of required multi-family waste-handling facilities.
  • Applicability Threshold: Applies to multi-family developments where any building contains 5 or more dwelling units using stationary container collection, under Chapter 58 and the City’s Multi-Family and Commercial Garbage & Recycling Collection and Facilities Requirements.
  • Owner & Property Manager Duties: Design and maintain a waste-handling facility that includes:
    • At least one garbage dumpster of specified minimum size;
    • A cardboard recycling dumpster of the same size as the garbage dumpster;
    • Additional recycling containers (e.g., carts or bins) for non-cardboard recyclables sized to meet capacity tables;
    • Sufficient collection frequency and container count to prevent overflow and illegal disposal of garbage and target recyclables.
  • Program Duties: Keep enclosures clean, accessible, and screened to Durham’s design standards; ensure residents can easily reach both trash and recycling; follow City rules on “target recyclables” and prohibited disposal at the transfer station and landfill.
  • Enforcement: Violations of Chapter 58 and related rules are enforced through civil remedial fees, recovery of cleanup costs, and potential liens, with each day of a violation treated as a separate offense under Secs. 58-7 and 58-8.
  • Key City Links: Durham Multi-Family Garbage & Recycling Facility Requirements (PDF) · Durham City Code – Chapter 58, Garbage and Other Solid Waste · Durham Solid Waste Management Department

Raleigh & Other Wake / Durham County Cities

  • Mandate Type: No Dallas-style multi-family recycling mandate with a numeric unit threshold. Apartments are generally treated as commercial solid-waste customers.
  • Applicability: Most Wake County cities (Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, Zebulon, Fuquay-Varina) offer municipal recycling programs and/or franchise haulers, but code does not require apartment communities to provide on-site recycling to residents via a dedicated multi-family ordinance.
  • Program Duties: Maintain adequate trash service, prevent overflow, illegal dumping, and nuisance conditions in enclosures, and comply with North Carolina disposal bans on items such as yard waste, aluminum cans, whole tires, and plastic bottles. Many cities encourage, but do not require, apartment recycling through municipal or private programs.
  • Enforcement:
    • Wake County Sec. 50.99: Allows criminal or civil penalties up to $500 per violation per day for ordinance violations, with each day constituting a separate offense.
    • Raleigh Part 7 – Solid Waste Services: Regulates container placement and preparation; containers left out beyond allowed times may incur a $150 administrative fee per violation under the Solid Waste Code.
  • How National Doorstep Helps: We design valet trash & recycling programs that fit Durham’s required facility standards and anticipate future policy shifts in Raleigh and Wake County cities, so your full Triangle portfolio is “inspection ready,” even where recycling is not yet a formal mandate.
  • Key Regional Links: City of Raleigh – Solid Waste Services · Raleigh Garbage & Recycling Preparation (Part 7 Code Rules) · Wake County – Solid Waste Management & Ordinance · NC DEQ – Solid Waste & Disposal Bans

Wake & Durham County Cities & Apartment Recycling Mandates

Across Wake and Durham counties, only the City of Durham has a clearly codified multi-family requirement that explicitly ties garbage and recycling capacity to apartment waste-handling facilities. Other municipalities rely on general solid-waste and nuisance codes, state landfill bans, and a mix of municipal and private collection programs rather than a dedicated apartment recycling mandate with a unit threshold.

City Apartment Recycling Mandate? Notes for Owners & Property Managers
Durham (City) Yes – Multi-family waste-handling facility standards include recycling For multi-family developments where any building has 5+ dwelling units, Durham’s waste-handling requirements call for a stationary facility that includes garbage, a same-size cardboard recycling dumpster, and additional non-cardboard recycling containers sized per City tables. The property owner/property manager must maintain enough capacity and collection frequency to prevent overflow and illegal disposal of garbage and “target recyclables.” Non-compliance is enforced through civil remedial fees, cleanup cost recovery, and liens under Chapter 58.
Key local links: Durham Multi-Family Facility Requirements · Durham City Code – Chapter 58
Raleigh No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Raleigh’s Part 7 Solid Waste Services Code and Solid Waste Services Design Manual (Part 7, Chapter 2) govern container types, placement, and service standards. The City offers recycling collection to qualifying multi-family properties and businesses, but does not currently require apartments to provide on-site recycling to residents by unit threshold. Properties must still comply with container placement rules (including a $150 administrative fee for leaving containers out too long) and with statewide disposal bans.
Key local links: Raleigh Solid Waste Services · Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste Preparation · Raleigh Code – Part 7, Chapter 2 (Solid Waste Collection)
Cary No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Cary’s Code of Ordinances (Article IV, Solid Waste & Recycling) defines designated recyclables and provides curbside service for single-family and some multi-family neighborhoods. Multi-family communities are largely treated as commercial accounts and may use private haulers for recycling. No ordinance currently compels apartment properties to provide on-site recycling to residents, but disposal ban compliance and nuisance standards still apply.
Key local links: Cary Code of Ordinances – Solid Waste & Recycling · Cary Garbage & Recycling
Apex No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Apex provides residential curbside garbage and recycling and refers apartments and businesses to private haulers for service. Local discussions have noted multi-family complexes discontinuing municipal recycling in favor of private arrangements, underscoring that recycling is not mandated by unit count. Property managers should ensure adequate garbage capacity and promote voluntary recycling or valet service to prevent overflow and illegal dumping.
Key local links: Apex Residential Recycling · Apex Garbage Collection
Garner No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Garner’s Code Chapter 5 (Garbage, Refuse, Rubbish and Waste) and the Town’s solid-waste program provide curbside garbage, yard waste, and biweekly recycling service. Apartments are typically served as commercial accounts or via on-site dumpsters/compactors arranged with haulers. No ordinance compels apartment communities to offer on-site recycling, but the Town enforces nuisance, container, and illegal dumping rules, supported by solid-waste enforcement staff.
Key local links: Garner Code – Chapter 5 · Garner Solid Waste Services
Holly Springs No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Holly Springs provides curbside garbage and recycling for many residential accounts and reports on its recycling program through NC DEQ. Multi-family properties are generally managed as commercial accounts with private or franchise haulers. There is no multi-family recycling ordinance with a unit threshold, but property managers are expected to prevent nuisance conditions and comply with disposal bans.
Key local links: Holly Springs Garbage & Recycling
Fuquay-Varina No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Fuquay-Varina’s solid-waste program offers residential garbage and recycling, while multi-family properties generally rely on private haulers for dumpster and recycling service. There is no ordinance that expressly requires apartment communities to provide recycling to residents, but general solid-waste and property-maintenance standards still apply.
Key local links: Town of Fuquay-Varina – Official Site
Knightdale No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Knightdale participates in Wake County’s solid-waste system and offers residential garbage and recycling. Apartment communities arrange dumpster and recycling service with private haulers as commercial customers. There is currently no apartment recycling mandate in town code, but enforcement can occur when overflow and nuisance conditions develop.
Key local links: Town of Knightdale – Official Site
Morrisville No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Morrisville (straddling Wake and Durham counties) supports residential recycling and regulates solid waste, but multi-family properties are typically handled as commercial customers with private contracts for trash and recycling. There is no Morrisville-specific multi-family recycling mandate on the books today.
Key local links: Town of Morrisville – Official Site
Rolesville No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Rolesville offers residential garbage and recycling services; multi-family communities rely on commercial service agreements. Town ordinances focus on container rules and nuisance conditions, not an apartment-specific recycling trigger.
Key local links: Town of Rolesville – Official Site
Wake Forest No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Wake Forest’s Public Works/solid-waste program includes curbside recycling and the Waste Wizard outreach tool, and town ordinances classify multi-family properties in its residential collection system under Article IV. However, the code does not impose a numeric unit threshold requiring apartment recycling; instead, it regulates container types, placement, and service. Many multi-family communities contract with private haulers.
Key local links: Wake Forest Solid Waste
Wendell No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Wendell contracts for residential garbage and recycling service; multi-family properties typically use dumpster service arranged with private haulers. There is no ordinance that specifically compels apartments to provide resident recycling beyond general solid-waste and nuisance rules.
Key local links: Town of Wendell – Official Site
Zebulon No dedicated apartment recycling mandate Zebulon (in Wake and Johnston counties) provides residential garbage and recycling. Apartment communities operate under commercial service arrangements with haulers and are not covered by a distinct multi-family recycling ordinance. Solid-waste and nuisance codes still apply to overflowing or poorly maintained enclosures.
Key local links: Town of Zebulon – Official Site

Raleigh–Durham Fines & Penalties Snapshot

  • Durham Civil “Remedial Fees” & Cleanup Costs: Under Durham City Code Chapter 58, violations of solid-waste rules (including failure to maintain required garbage and recycling facilities at multi-family developments) are enforced through civil remedial fees and recovery of cleanup costs rather than criminal misdemeanors. Each day a violation persists is a separate offense, and unpaid costs can be added to utility bills, accrue 1% monthly interest, and become a lien on the property.
  • Wake County Solid-Waste Penalties: The Wake County Solid Waste Ordinance allows for criminal or civil penalties up to $500 per violation per day, with each day constituting a separate offense (Sec. 50.99). Additional penalties apply if prohibited materials are deposited in county facilities or if an owner fails to remove such materials once notified.
  • Raleigh Container & Curbside Violations: Under Raleigh’s Part 7 Solid Waste Code, garbage and recycling containers placed too early or left at the curb past the required time window may incur a $150 administrative fee per violation, in addition to other code enforcement actions for improper set-out or nuisance conditions.
  • Statewide Disposal Bans: North Carolina law prohibits disposal of materials such as yard waste, aluminum cans, whole tires, used oil, lead-acid batteries, and plastic bottles in landfills. Local inspectors can cite properties and haulers when these “banned materials” appear in mixed waste streams or are improperly managed.
  • Risk Management Tip: For each Triangle property, maintain a file of hauler contracts, enclosure designs, Durham facility approval (if applicable), service logs, contamination photos, and resident education pieces. This documentation shows good-faith compliance when a code officer or county inspector raises concerns.

Triangle Multifamily Recycling Compliance Checklist

Task Action / Requirement Helpful Links
☑ Confirm Jurisdiction, Units & Collection Type Identify whether your property is inside Durham city limits, another Durham County locality, or a Wake County municipality. Confirm total dwelling units and whether you use stationary containers/dumpsters or roll-out carts. If you are in the City of Durham with 5+ units in any building and use stationary containers, the multi-family waste-handling facility requirements (including recycling capacity) apply. Durham City & County Maps · Wake County GIS
☑ Design a Code-Aligned Waste-Handling Facility (Durham) For Durham multi-family sites, verify that your enclosure or pad includes the minimum dumpster sizes and required recycling capacity described in the City’s facility requirements. Ensure access gates, screening, and truck access meet the City’s design manual, and that residents can easily reach recycling containers without unsafe travel paths. Durham Multi-Family Facility Requirements · Durham Solid Waste Management
☑ Align Hauler Contracts & Service Levels Confirm that your hauler or municipal provider offers both trash and recycling service sized to your occupancy. In Durham, ensure service levels support the required capacity tables. In Raleigh and Wake County cities, match container size and pickup frequency to prevent overflow, illegal dumping, and state disposal-ban violations, even without a formal multi-family recycling mandate. Durham Solid Waste · Raleigh Solid Waste Services
☑ Meet Container Placement & Access Rules In Raleigh, follow Part 7 rules on how early containers may be set out, how soon they must be removed, and where they can be stored to avoid $150 administrative fees. In Durham and other cities, keep containers accessible to collection crews, out of the right-of-way except on collection day, and configured to minimize windblown litter and illegal dumping. Raleigh – Container Preparation Rules · Wake County Solid Waste Ordinance
☑ Resident Education & On-Site Signage Provide clear, recurring resident education at move-in and throughout the year: what can be recycled, where to place bags/containers, and collection times for valet service. Use signage at enclosures, mail kiosks, elevators, and digital channels so residents know exactly how to use the trash and recycling program, especially in Durham where recycling capacity is a formal requirement. NC DEQ Recycling Education Resources
☑ Document Service, Issues & Corrections Keep a log of service days, contamination notices, photos of container areas, vendor contracts, and resident communications for each property. In Durham, this record supports your response if remedial fees or cleanup costs are assessed. In Wake County cities, it demonstrates diligence if a county inspector or city code officer investigates nuisance or disposal-ban violations. Search Local Mandates, Ordinances, Fees & Penalties

Managing a Triangle portfolio and want to stay ahead of Durham’s requirements and Wake County enforcement? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Raleigh–Durham property. We’ll review your current setup, right-size containers and service, design a resident-friendly valet trash & recycling program, and prepare the inspector-ready documentation you need to show alignment with Durham Chapter 58, Wake County’s solid-waste ordinance, and city-level rules in Raleigh and surrounding municipalities.

Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.

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