Have you ever wondered what happens to your trash when it leaves the curb? Collection day is just the first day in a long journey for your trash. Join us on a tour of an active landfill to find out where it all ends up. Tours last 60 minutes and participants are expected to be able to board a multi-passenger bus. Private vehicles are not permitted past landfill gates.
On the tour, you will also learn:
Where you can recycle additional household items, not picked up at the curb
What common household items are harmful to the environment if placed in the trash
Where to dispose of harmful household items safely
How to reduce waste at home, school or work
How Wake County is using household trash to make energy
"Since taking a tour of Wake County waste facilities and the landfill I've become more knowledgeable and environmentally conscious about my consuming habits"
– Kenice, City of Raleigh.
2019 Public Tour Dates
- Saturday, April 6, 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 8, 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, June 8, 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, July 10, 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, August 10, 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, September 11, 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, October 12, 9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, November 13 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, December 14, 9:30 a.m.
Location: South Wake Landfill is located at 6025 Old Smithfield Road, Apex, NC 27539.
Waivers: All tour participants are required to read and electronically sign a waiver during online registration.
Registration: Online registration is required to take a tour. Tours are prioritized for Wake County residents. Tour participants must be aged 8 years or older by the date of the tour, no exceptions. A chaperone is required for participants under the age of 16. Register here for an upcoming public landfill tour or click on one of the dates above.
Private Tours
Private tours are available for groups upon request by completing this form. A minimum of five participants per group is required. Private tours can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Requests for private tours should be made two weeks in advance. Private tours are prioritized for groups who operate in Wake County. Participants must be aged 8 years or older, no exceptions.
Group transportation is available for private tours. A maximum of 14 participants can ride the Wake County tour bus. If your group is larger than 14, transportation must be arranged at own expense. You must indicate whether you require group transportation on the request form for it to be reserved for your tour.
Waivers: All tour participants are required to read and sign the appropriate waiver form prior to the tour. Bring signed waivers with you on the day of the tour. Download either a Wake County vehicle waiver or non-County vehicle waiver.
Note: In the event of inclement weather (including heavy rains on the day of or leading up to) tours may be canceled.
Wake County Public Schools, view field trip information here.
For more information on public and private landfill tours email: Sara Davarbakhsh, Community Outreach Coordinator or call: 919-856-7412.