Raleigh is closing a recycling center because of illegal dumping. Here are alternatives
The Jaycee Park Recycling Center in Raleigh will close July 1.
The City of Raleigh cited frequent illegal dumping at the Wade Avenue center as the reason for its closure, and is directing city residents and small businesses to other recycling and disposal centers instead.
Jaycee Park, located inside the Beltline near the Village District, is the only recycling center on city property. The closest convenience centers to drop off recyclable materials — Wake County Convenience Centers 3, 4 and 7 — are located about 12 miles away (each between 15 and 25 minutes away by car).
Residents can contact Solid Waste Services by phone at 919-996-3245 or by email at sws@raleighnc.gov with questions.
Illegal dumping at Raleigh’s Jaycee Park center
Raleigh says there’s been an increase in the frequency and volume of illegal dumping at the park since 2019.
Last year, 76 work orders were completed for illegal dumping at Jaycee Park’s recycling center, and residents call and email their complaints often, said Marianne Sweden, administrative manager of Raleigh’s Solid Waste Services Department through a spokesperson.
“Frequently, the volume of debris requires SWS staff to remove bulk loads before they can even access the recycling containers. Residents have voiced their concerns about illegal dumping to many city departments over the years.”
The city has processed 10 illegal dumping work orders this past January and February, and complaints persist, Sweden said.
“In response to these illegal dumping incidents, SWS increased the collection services of recyclable containers from two to four times a week. On occasion, SWS collected debris from this site multiple times a day as circumstances required it. Cleanup and maintenance efforts are not just limited to SWS efforts,” Sweden said.
The space will be rededicated to Jaycee Park.
Where to recycle in Raleigh
Established curbside collection services and the 11 Wake County Convenience Centers can be used instead of Jaycee Park, says a Raleigh press release.
Residents and small businesses may also drop off materials at the SWS Yard Waste Center (900 N New Hope Rd.) and the Habitat Wake ReStore (2420 Raleigh Blvd) for free.
The News & Observer previously put together a multi-story package on Raleigh recycling. Learn more about recycling drop-off points, including places to recycle more difficult items (such as bubble wrap, lightbulbs and batteries) at newsobserver.com/recycling.
This story was originally published May 23, 2023 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Raleigh is closing a recycling center because of illegal dumping. Here are alternatives."
