Dump or Donate?

Where will you take my discarded items?

We do our best to recycle or donate your discarded items. If recycling or donation is not possible, Wake County has excellent disposal facilites that can take many items that need to be discarded. We try to be as sustainable as possible, so the dump is the last resort for discarded items.

What can I donate?

Most donation facilities will take clothing, toys and household items in good condition to be sold at their thrift stores, or given to those in need. Newer (less than 10 years old) working electronics and applicances are generally accepted at Habitat Restores.

Please be cognizant that many charity organizations end up spending tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of dollars each year disposing of donated items that are not sellable. Only donate items that are in good condition and can truly be used. Be very careful not to donate worn or soiled items that should go in the trash.

Which local organizations take donations?

We typically donate items to the following local charitable organizations. The client can always choose where to donate unwanted items.

• Mission Thrift Store

• Habitat Triangle Restore

• The Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Center

• North Raleigh Ministries and Thrift Shop

Which items are recyclable?

In addition to the usual household recyclables, Wake County recycling facilities take the following items at their Multi-Material Recycling Centers:

• Cardboard (clean, flattened, all packing material removed)

• Electronics (TVs, cell phones, computers, monitors, game consoles, stereos, microwaves, any corded device)

• Large appliances (A/C and heating units, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, water heaters)

• Motor oil and Antifreeze (NO DRUMS, must be able to pour into collection tank)

• Oil filters

• Rigid plastic (North and South Wake only. Buckets, crates, plastic furniture with no metal parts)

• Scrap metal (North and South Wake only)

Which items should be taken to the dump?

The following items are generally not accepted at local donation sites or the recycling center, and must be disposed of at the Wake County Convenience Center or the Wake County Household Hazardous Waste Facility:

• Mattresses (Habitat Restore will take mattresses in excellent condition)

• Broken or soiled toys

• Paint (Should be disposed of at the Wake County Household Hazardous Waste Facility)

• Stained or soiled furniture and rugs; upholstered furniture that has been exposed to cats.

• Car seats