Exceptional, award-winning water and utility services are just one of the many things that keeps Cary in the conversation as one of the best places in the nation to live, work, and raise a family. Water from our source, B. Everett Jordan Reservoir, is treated at our Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility and reliably delivered through a safe and resilient system. To start or stop service, visit our Water Resources page or contact 311.

The citizen advocate signing you up for water and sewer service will also do the same for solid waste collection.

Cary collects garbage and yard waste weekly, and recycling every other week as a service to citizens. Search your address and schedule, view lists of accepted materials, and stay in the know during delays and holidays by downloading the Cary Collects mobile app or viewing online.

In addition to regular curbside services, the town offers scheduled bulk pickup, solid and food waste drop-off at the Citizen's Convenience Center, and special pickups like Annual Loose Leaf Collection and Christmas Tree pickup at no additional cost to citizens.

For new service, contact 311 and a Citizen Advocate will address your needs alongside setting up water and sewer service.

Making changes or updates to your home or business? Cary offers services for single and multifamily residential and commercial projects. Citizens and business representatives can take care of most development needs like permit fees, and scheduling inspections or viewing results and online at Building Permits Online, or can get any other questions answered by contacting 311 or visiting Town Hall.

The Town of Cary owes much of its reputation as one of the nation's safest cities to its Police and Fire Departments, both of which are nationally-accredited and an integral part of the community as we continue to progress and adapt to changing times.

Our 911 Center answers calls around-the-clock, and operates as part of the Cary Apex Morrisville (CAM) program that serves over 249,000 residents covering over 100 square miles.

Always remember to reserve 911 for emergencies, and to contact 311 for any other non-emergency questions or issues.

GoCary is our town's safe, reliable, and efficient transit service 

Cary's position at the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle also means that you're never too far from where you need to go, with access to major highways, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and Amtrak passenger service plugging Cary into not only anywhere in the region, but the entire country and beyond.

Not to mention, many of Cary's favorite spots are accessible by foot or bike. With over 80 miles of greenway connecting Cary's neighborhoods, hot spots, and adjacent communities, you're never more than a stroll or roll away from where you need to be, even if that's just outside among our area's natural beauty. 

From trips to camps, art to fitness, and everything in between, Cary has something for all ages and seasons. Cary's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources offers hundreds of activities in Education, Environmental Education, Outdoor Recreation, Performing Arts, Sports, Studio Arts, Summer and Track Out Camps, Trips, and Visual Arts. There are also activities designed specifically for persons with disabilities in our Specialized Recreation program.

Browse and sign up for your family's next activity with RecTrac, Cary's registration platform.

Cary's electric and gas utilities are serviced by regional providers Duke Energy and Enbridge Gas. To start, stop, or modify service, visit or call:

Duke Energy: (919) 508-5400 / (800) 452-2777

Enbridge Gas (formerly Dominion Energy): (877) 776-2427

County Services 

Cary residents who have addresses in Wake County, Chatham County, and Durham County, and are served by the county in which they reside. Responsibilities of county government include the sheriff's department, health and social services, the landfill and library system in addition to funding for schools. Cary students are in the Wake County Public Schools, Chatham County Schools, or Durham County Schools districts based on their address. For most citizens, EMS services are provided by Wake EMS; effective July 8, 2024, Cary citizens in Chatham County receive EMS services from Chatham County/FirstHealth Regional EMS. Check your address and read more about the realignment of services. 

Voter Registration

To register to vote, pick up a registration form at the Town Clerk's office on Town Hall campus, any driver's license office or your local public library. Forms go to the Wake County Board of Elections office in downtown Raleigh for Wake County residents; in Chatham County, forms go to the Chatham County Board of Elections in Pittsboro. 

Cary citizens elect a mayor and six Town Council members, four of whom represent districts. The chief administrator is the town manager, whom the council appoints.

State Services

Driver's Licenses and Vehicle Tags

See NC Division of Motor Vehicles requirements for those who have moved here from elsewhere in North Carolina or from out of state.