I heard all recycling is now going to the landfill. Is that true?

No. These rumors pop up from time to time on a neighborhood listserv or Reddit, and no part of it is true. All recyclable items that are collected are recycled. They are delivered to our recycling processor, Sonoco, who sorts, bundles and sells the recyclables to be recycled. Unfortunately, contamination is an issue though. Well-meaning residents engage in wish-cycling (throwing items in the recycling that they hope are recyclable, but that aren't). Those items have to be sorted out and that trash is then sent to the landfill at extra cost. This is why it is so important to only put recyclables in the recycling. 

Show All Answers

1. Who is eligible for curbside recycling collections in Durham?
2. What happens to recyclables I put in my blue cart?
3. I heard all recycling is now going to the landfill. Is that true?
4. Some communities aren't recycling anymore. Will this happen in Durham?
5. How can I be a better recycler?
6. What do Durham residents recycle the most?
7. What items are worth the most?
8. Can you start collecting recycling every week instead of every two weeks?
9. Why should businesses recycle?
10. How can my business start a recycling program?