In 1997, Durham passed an ordinance making it 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
- Corrugated cardboard
- Glass bottles and jars
- Newspaper
- Plastic bottles
- Steel cans
The city provides recycling opportunities for the targeted items as well as several other items through drop-off centers and curbside collections. Residents and businesses may face financial penalties for not complying with the ordinance.
Bans
In addition to the City’s recycling ordinance, state law also bans the following items from being disposed of in a landfill:
- Aluminum cans – effective July 1, 1994
- Antifreeze – effective July 1, 1994
- Appliances – effective January 1, 1991
- Beverage Containers from ABC permit holders – effective January 1, 2008
- Computer equipment – effective July 1, 2011
- Lead-acid batteries - effective January 1, 1991
- Oil filters – effective October 1, 2009
- Plastic bottles - effective October 1, 2009
- Scrap (whole) tires – effective March 1, 1990
- Televisions and electronics – July 1, 2011
- Used oil – effective October 1, 1990
- Wood pallets – effective October 1, 2009
- Yard Waste – effective January 1, 1993
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200