Recycling and Trash Services

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19, 2026

City offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

There will be no change to Monday collection routes.
Customers with Monday service should place their carts at the curb before 6:00 a.m. Monday morning. Placing carts out the evening before is recommended.

Any appointment-based services—including bulky item, metal, or electronics pickup—for Monday, January 19 or Tuesday, January 20 must be scheduled by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 16.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call 910-341-7875.

Thank you, and Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day from Recycling & 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.

New to the City Recycle and Trash Services

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:

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