Solid Waste Management Department

Waste Reduction and Recycling

In 1997 Durham passed an ordinance making in unlawful to place target recyclables in the garbage. The ordinance applies to all waste generators - residential, commercial, and industrial. Target recyclables currently include:

  • Aluminum Cans
  • Steel Cans
  • Glass Bottles and Jars
  • Newspaper
  • Corrugated Cardboard

The City provides recycling opportunities for the targeted items as well as several other items through drop-off centers and curbside collection. Residents and businesses may face financial penalties for not complying with the ordinance. Do you have questions about recycling? Was your recycling missed? Call Durham One Call at 560-1200.

In addition to the City's recycling ordinance, State law also bans the following items from being disposed of in a landfill:

  • Used oil - effective October 1, 1990
  • Appliances - effective January 1, 1991
  • Yard Waste - effective January 1, 1993
  • Antifreeze - effective July 1, 1994
  • Aluminum cans - effective July 1, 1994
  • Scrap (whole) tires - effective March 1, 1990
  • Lead-acid batteries- effective January 1, 1991
  • Beverage containers from ABC permit holders - effective January 1, 2008
  • Oil filters - effective October 1, 2009
  • Plastic bottles - effective October 1, 2009
  • Wood pallets (may be disposed in C&D landfill) - effective October 1, 2009