Recycling
Recycling has been in the news a lot lately. This quick update illustrates the importance of recycling correctly and shares a path forward for sustaining recycling not only in Durham, but in NC and the US.
If you are not sure if an item is recyclable, keep it simple and safe. These items are always safe and desirable: bottles, jugs, cans, jars, paper and cardboard. If you want to explore more deeply, use the handy "What Goes Where" tool below to search for recyclable items, or download this quick reference guide.
If you are not sure if an item is recyclable, keep it simple and safe. These items are always safe and desirable: bottles, jugs, cans, jars, paper and cardboard. If you want to explore more deeply, use the handy "What Goes Where" tool below to search for recyclable items, or download this quick reference guide.
Sorting
Paper
All paper must be clean and dry. Discard anything that is wet or contaminated by dirt, paint, chemicals, food, etc. Boxes with wax coating and/or grease and food residue are unacceptable. Do not bundle or place anything in bags. No shredded paper please. Hardback books will not be accepted.Cardboard
Cardboard should be flattened and should fit inside your blue recycling cart. *Note that the following services have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19:
Only glass bottles and jugs are acceptable. Anything with grease and food residue is unacceptable. Fluorescent bulbs should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Please, no drinking glasses or mirrors or other household glass.
Plastics
Rinse containers to remove grease and food residue. Do not place anything in the cart longer than 2 feet or heavier than 40 pounds. Do not place anything in the cart that has come into contact with petroleum products or hazardous waste. Do not place any plastic bags in your cart.
Most reusable items that are not eligible for your recycling cart can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility or the Swap Shop (only if in good working condition).
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Recycling Drop-Off Sites
The City of Durham owns and operates 1 staffed recycling center.
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Recycling Guidelines
See a guide for recycling online.
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Recycling Laws
In 1997, Durham passed an ordinance making it unlawful to place target recyclables in the garbage.
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Waste Disposal & Recycling Center
View information about the Waste Disposal and Recycling Center in Durham.
Exclusion List
◦Aerosol cans
◦All batteries
◦Ceramic items
◦Clothing or textiles (use our drop off site)
◦Diapers
◦Disposable cups (paper or plastic)
◦Shredded paper
◦Empty motor oil containers
◦Food containers with debris
◦Plastic bags (We do not accept plastic bags in our blue bins but you can find a store close to you that does)
◦Styrofoam
◦Window blinds
Other/Miscellaneous
Reusable items not eligible for blue cart recycling can be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility or the Swap Shop (only if in good working condition).
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200