Yard Waste

Yard waste collection in an optional, fee-based program, and we are currently accepting new customers.

  1. Some Households Will Move to a New Collection Schedule Starting October 4 

    This will help us improve customer service by balancing the number of households we collect each day.

    How do I know if I'm affected?

    A postcard was mailed to affected customers in September. Learn more and check your schedule using the links below. For questions, contact Durham One Call at 919-560-1200.

    View press release  |  View map of affected areas (PDF)  |  Check your collection schedule

SUBSCRIBE TO THE YARD WASTE PROGRAM


Current City Water Customers

If you are a current City Water customer and want to subscribe to the Yard Waste Program, complete the application in English or Spanish using the links below:

Customers without City Water/Well Customers

If you do not have City water services and are on a well, please download, fill-out, and submit your application with the annual payment (by mail or in-person) to 1833 Camden Avenue. You will receive a yearly billing statement for your yard waste service fee/s to renew your service every fiscal year. Thank you, and we look forward to providing you with excellent service, all while keeping your yard beautiful year-round!

YARD WASTE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Fees

For a $7.50 monthly fee ($90 per year), residents are enrolled in the yard waste program from July 1 to June 30. This fee is designed to recover the cost of providing the service for the year. It is not a per-pickup cost and refunds are not given for missed collections or sporadic weeks where weather or other events do not allow the Department to complete collections.

What's Included?

  • Curbside yard waste collection generally takes place weekly. Find your collection day.
  • One brown yard waste cart is included in the monthly fee, or you may request additional carts for a fee. If a cart is already at your residence and you apply for service you will be charged the standard monthly fee of $7.50. 
  • Paid subscribers are also entitled to two free collections of bulky brush each year. The resident will be charged for any additional debris removal.

Annual Renewal

Renewals occur annually on July 1. Reminders will be delivered to customers who pay monthly, using several of the city's outreach methods such as Facebook and Twitter, Durham Television Network, and the City Manager's Report. 

Exempt Customers

If you are an exempt customer and have multiple yard waste carts, only one cart will be serviced at the house. All other carts and/or bags must be brought curbside for service.

Well Water Customers

Well water customers have previously been charged for the full year. We are exploring a monthly billing option. In the meantime, annually billing will continue and will occur in late June / early July.

PROPER WAY TO SET OUT YARD WASTE FOR COLLECTION

Place your brown yard waste cart and up to five brown biodegradable paper bags at your curb for service by 6 a.m. on your collection day.

  1. Carts
  2. Bundles
  3. Bags
  • No personal containers or garbage carts will be collected. 
  • Cart is rolled to the curb with the bar facing towards the street. 
  • Cart lid should be closed. 
  • If lid cannot close, yard waste can extend only two feet out of container.
  • Weight of container must not exceed 175 pounds.
  • Neither dirt nor rocks are considered yard waste and will not be collected.
  • Carts should be removed from the curb within 24 hours after pickup.
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Making Service Changes

To report service issues or make service changes, contact Durham One Call online or by calling 919-560-1200.

Renewals & Cancellations
The yard waste program is an annual service agreement. Automatic annual renewal will occur July 1st of each year, unless we receive a cancellation request at least 10 business days in advance. If you elect to cancel within the service year, any remaining amount due will be charged to your monthly water bill.


Change of Address
Yard waste customers must notify Solid Waste Management in the event of address change.