Welcome to Durham, where effective waste management is key to maintaining a clean and environmentally friendly community. This guide provides an overview of the city’s waste management services, including types of waste, pickup schedules, bin requirements, programs, and rules to avoid violations.
Types of Waste Collection
Durham offers a range of waste collection services to meet the needs of its residents:
- Regular Trash: Collected weekly using city-issued carts. Ensure carts are not overfilled and lids close completely.
- Recycling: Picked up biweekly, including paper, cardboard, plastics, glass jars, and aluminum cans. Remember to rinse containers and avoid bagging recyclables.
- Yard Waste: Subscription-based service for grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, placed in designated carts or biodegradable bags.
- Bulk Pickup: Schedule a collection for large items like furniture or appliances, potentially involving a fee.
- Hazardous Materials: Drop-off events and locations are available for items like paint and batteries, which should not be disposed of with regular trash.
- Electronics: Old electronics must be taken to specific drop-off locations for special handling.
Pickup Schedule
Managing your waste is straightforward with Durham’s collection schedule:
- Weekly Trash Pickup: Regular trash is collected once a week. Ensure bins are at the curb by 6:00 AM on your designated day.
- Bi-Weekly Recycling: Recycling is collected every other week. Check your recycling calendar for specific dates.
- Monthly Bulk Waste Collection: Bulk waste, including furniture and appliances, is collected once a month. Refer to the city’s bulk waste schedule for your pickup day.
- Holiday Schedule: Collection schedules may change for holidays, typically delaying service by one day. Check the city’s website for updates.
Bin Requirements
Durham provides specific guidelines for trash and recycling bins:
- Bin Colors: Trash bins are typically grey or black, while recycling bins are usually blue.
- Sizes: Bins are available in various sizes to suit different household needs.
- What Goes Where: Use trash bins for non-recyclable waste and recycling bins for accepted materials. Items should be clean and dry.
- Rules and Guidelines: Place bins at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day and remove them by day’s end. Ensure bins are not overloaded and keep a 3-foot distance from obstacles.
Programs and Services
Durham offers several programs to enhance waste management:
- Bulk Pickup Requests: Schedule pickups for large items such as furniture and appliances.
- Composting Program: Participate in composting to recycle organic waste and reduce landfill contributions.
- Recycling Services: Curbside pickup is available for recyclables. Follow city guidelines for proper separation.
- Recycling Events: Attend special events for disposing of electronics and hazardous waste.
- Yard Waste Collection: Regular pickup of leaves, grass clippings, and branches supports city composting efforts.
Rules and Violations
Adhering to waste management rules helps maintain a clean environment. Avoid the following violations:
- Missed Bins: Ensure timely placement of bins for collection to avoid missed pickups.
- Wrong Container Use: Use the correct bins for recyclables, compostables, and trash.
- Overfilled Bins: Avoid overfilling bins; lids must close properly.
- Prohibited Items: Do not place hazardous materials, electronics, or bulky items in regular bins.
- Placement Issues: Ensure proper bin placement at the curb with adequate space for collection trucks.
Violations may result in warnings or fines, particularly for repeat offenses. The city emphasizes education and awareness, encouraging residents
Contact Durham Solid Waste
- Service: Solid Waste Management Department, City of Durham
- Population Served: Approximately 273,000 residents
- Address: 1833 Camden Avenue, Durham, NC 27704
- Website:
- Phone: (919) 560-1200