News Flash

Installation Begins February 28; Compactors to Accommodate Four Times the Amount of Waste

DURHAM, N.C. – If you’ve been to the City of Durham’s Waste Disposal and Recycling Center lately, you know how busy it’s become over the past few years. Now, thanks to the installation of two heavy-duty compactors this week, there will be more capacity and efficiency for handling bulky items and household trash.

Installation of the new compactors, which will be located within the Waste Disposal and Recycling Center at 2115 E. Club Blvd., is set to begin on Friday, February 28, and will not interfere with the Center’s operations. After the installation has been completed, there will be a new traffic flow pattern at the Center. Customers are asked to take their time and listen carefully for instructions and directions from Center attendants during the initial adjustment period. 

According to Senior Assistant Solid Waste Manager Muriel Williman, the significant increase of users over the last five years has made it necessary to be able to handle more waste. “A growing community means growing waste disposal needs, so we’ve purchased these powerful machines to increase capacity and efficiency for both our customers and our Center attendants,” Williman said. “These new compactors can handle everything from bags of household garbage to large sofas and other bulky items. Certain materials such as bricks, shingles, and mattresses will continue to be directed to the existing open-top containers. We anticipate that this new equipment will reduce wait times for customers in the Center and reduce the number of hauls our attendants take to the Transfer Station.”

As well as providing waste management services at the Waste Disposal and Recycling Center, the City’s Solid Waste Management Department also provides a full-suite of waste diversion opportunities for no additional charge including commingled recycling of bottles, cans, jugs, jars, and paper. Separated recycling of corrugated cardboard, scrap metal, motor oil and filters, cooking oil, household and automotive batteries, household hazardous waste for paint, cleaning solvents, and other household chemicals is also offered as well as a Swap Shop for the free exchange of used, but useful, household items. 

The Waste Disposal and Recycling Center’s operating hours are Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

About the City of Durham Solid Waste Management Department

 The Solid Waste Management Department promotes and supports a high quality of life for the residents of Durham by providing comprehensive, responsive, environmentally-safe, efficient and cost-effective solid waste collection, recycling and disposal programs. Department services include roll-out cart collection, cart delivery and repair service, cardboard collection, yard waste collection, waste reduction and recycling, bulky item pick-up, and disposal services. The Department supports the City’s Strategic Plan by providing professional management that contributes to creating thriving, livable neighborhoods as well as an innovative and high-performing organization.