Visit The Outer Banks

OBX Trash Pickup and Recycling

Trash and recycling centers, along with collection schedules, are available across the entire Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina. Visitors can also spend time helping remove trash from the 100 miles of beaches.

Use the information below to find local trash pickup days and recycling drop-off locations. Visitors should review their rental guidelines and follow the trash disposal instructions provided there. When weather is severe, check town announcements to confirm whether pickup will take place. Trash and recycle bins must be placed at the edge of the roadway with the lid opening facing the road. Ensure the lid is closed and there is no trash visible. The following items are not allowed to be disposed: hazardous waste, oil, propane, paint, charcoal, yard waste, or construction debris.

Trash Pickup Schedules

Labor Day through Memorial Day:

Kitty Hawk

Colington

Manteo, Wanchese, Manns Harbor, East Lake and Stumpy Point

Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras

Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon

Duck

Kill Devil Hills

Residential: November 7 through March 31

Nags Head

Nags Head uses a blue trash can vs green trash can schedule.

Memorial Day through Labor Day:

Kitty Hawk

Colington

Manteo, Wanchese, Manns Harbor, East Lake and Stumpy Point

Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras

Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and Avon

Duck

Kill Devil Hills

Residential: April 3 through November 3

Nags Head

Nags Head follows a blue trash can vs green trash can schedule.

Recycling Centers

Across the Outer Banks, there are seven different recycling compounds where recyclable materials can be dropped off. Most sites do not offer curbside pickup directly and instead suggest using private pickup providers. Dare County owns the Dare County Public Works Compound, Stumpy Point, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, and Buxton recycling centers. Dare County does not operate curbside pickup, but residents in these locations may arrange service with a private recycling services company.

Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head operate town owned recycling centers. These communities also do not offer curbside pickup services, though private options can be found through the town websites. Check with your town for private-company recycling pickup times. Southern Shores offers curbside recycling pickup every Friday. Duck provides curbside recycling pickup every Monday from May through October, and every first and third Monday of the month November through April.

Dare County Public Works Compound (on Roanoke Island)

Stumpy Point (Dare County Mainland)

Rodanthe, Waves, & Salvo (on Hatteras Island)

Buxton (on Hatteras Island)

Kill Devil Hills

Kitty Hawk

Nags Head

Southern Shores No drop-off Recycling

Volunteering

One meaningful way to care for the Outer Banks is to take part in local public works efforts. Giving even a small amount of time can have a strong impact here. The Outer Banks is home to 80+ non profits working to strengthen communities, protect the environment, and improve quality of life. Join a beach clean-up hosted by Surfrider Foundation or The North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, or visit the Volunteer Page for current events and volunteer opportunities.

Visit the Recycling & Trash Disposal page →