Yard Waste
Yard waste collection in an optional, fee-based program, and we are currently accepting new customers.
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.
- In addition to the cart service, subscribers may place up to 10 biodegradable leaf bags out per collection as well.
- 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 ten brown biodegradable paper bags at your curb for service by 6 a.m. on your collection day.
- 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.
- Please measure tree branches to ensure they comply with the City of Durham's collection efforts. All bundles should be under 4 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet in length.
- Lay them parallel to each other on the ground, tying them for safety with twine or yard rope if able.
- Place a Bulky Brush service request online or by calling 919-560-1200.
- Only brown biodegradable paper bags will be collected.
- Bags should be placed close together.
- A maximum of 10 biodegradable bags per week, weighing no more than 25 pounds, can be set out on collection day.
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Do not place yard waste in garbage bags
Garbage bags are not acceptable in yard waste
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Do not place yard waste in plastic bags
Plastic bags are not acceptable in yard waste
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Construction debris is not allowed in your cart
Construction debris is not yard waste
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Carts will be tagged if prepared improperly
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Properly positioned cart
Cart is properly placed curbside and free of obstructions
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Properly positioned cart and bags
Up to 10 biodegradable bags are permitted in addition to your cart
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Please adhere to preparation guidelines to ensure timely collection of your yard waste
Tags are used to note improper preparation of yard waste
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Dirt is not allowed in your cart
Dirt is not allowed in yard waste
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200