Wake County is planning ahead as the South Wake Landfill nears capacity. The “Beyond the South Wake Landfill” study is looking at safe, reliable and cost-effective ways to manage municipal solid waste (MSW) for years to come. This study evaluates long-term waste disposal options, gathers input from stakeholders and the public, explores local and regional partnerships, and will culminate in an adaptive plan for implementing a long-term solution.
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Six days a week, garbage truck drivers in Wake County deliver waste from homes, schools and businesses to the South Wake Landfill, located where Holly Springs meets Apex. Since opening in 2008, this landfill has been the main destination for nearly all the trash generated by the residents of Wake County and much of the waste from businesses and industries.
The landfill receives approximately 500,000 tons of waste annually, roughly 1,600 tons daily, which is enough to cover a football field with eight feet of garbage. In 2019, Wake County performed a waste composition study and identified that the South Wake Landfill’s waste is made up of approximately:
This means that about 75% of the waste disposed of at the South Wake Landfill is potentially compostable, recyclable or otherwise could be recovered. Enhanced efforts to divert this waste will extend the life of the landfill.
The landfill is not endless, and as space runs out, we must think about how we will manage waste in the future. At the end of 2025, the South Wake Landfill was approximately 39% full. Based on current trends, the landfill is expected to reach capacity between 2040 and 2045. This range is provided because variations in the annual amount of waste mean that the landfill could reach capacity sooner, or later, than expected.
Recycling and Waste Diversion Programs
While this study is focused on identifying a future waste disposal option once the South Wake Landfill closes, diverting waste from landfills is still a priority. Wake County uses a variety of programs to encourage recycling and waste reduction, including recycling at three Multi-Material Recycling Facilities, the “Feed the Bin” school program, and extensive community education. The county manages thousands of tons of recyclables annually, utilizing drop-off locations for electronics and household items, and offers free, specialized recycling bin loads for events. The City of Raleigh and the 11 towns offer curbside commingled recycling collection and a variety of other programs intended to reduce waste generation and divert waste from the landfill. Collectively, recycling programs prevent more than 60,000 tons of paper, plastic and other recyclable materials from going to the landfill each year.
To learn more about how you can support Wake County’s recycling efforts, visit the Recycling 101 webpage. For an overview of Solid Waste’s programs and educational opportunities, visit the Outreach and Education webpage.
Even as we work to reduce, reuse and recycle more, the amount of trash keeps growing along with our population. That’s why Wake County is planning ahead so we’ll be ready with a safe, reliable and cost-effective solution for managing our waste before the landfill reaches capacity.
Fast Facts about the South Wake Landfill
- Located where Holly Springs meets Apex; opened in 2008
- Serves all residents and businesses in Wake County
- Receives about 500,000 tons of trash each year (about 1,600 tons per day)
- The amount of trash received varies from year to year but is growing at an average rate of about 1.5% per year
- At the end of 2025, the South Wake Landfill was approximately 39% full
- The South Wake Landfill is expected to reach capacity between 2040 and 2045