Solid Waste Management Department

Frequently Asked Questions

frequently asked questions graphic

Garbage Collection


What size garbage containers do you offer?

The Department of Solid Waste Management has 65-gallon carts and 96-gallon carts for single family homes.

I live in an apartment complex? Do I receive collection services from the City?

Contact the property manager to determine if your complex is serviced by the City.

What if I am an exempt customer and unable to roll my new cart to the curb?

If you currently receive exempt service for garbage pickup, you will receive exempt service collection for the recycling and yard waste program. Extra waste (over flow) will not be serviced. Exempt customers are responsible to have additional carts, and waste brought to the curb.

Where should I place my 96-gallon green garbage cart for service?

All carts should be placed at the curb before 6 a.m. for collection (Except exempt customers). Leave a minimum of three feet between carts. If carts are placed too close to each other, they are likely to be knocked over while the cart is being serviced. The City will not be responsible for damaged property if carts are obstructed by objects and/or will not be serviced.

What if I have alley collection?

There will be no changes to alley collection. If garbage was collected from the alley and recycling was collected from the curb, continue to place recycling at the curb. If both garbage and recycling used to be collected in the alley, then continue to place both items in the alley.

What should I do with construction and other materials?

Residents can rent a roll off container or take items to the City landfill for proper disposal. Weight of the items will determine the cost of disposal.

Solid Waste Management will not service any carts containing construction or non-household items. This includes materials such as:

  • Carpentry
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Cabinets
  • Sinks
  • Toilets
  • Furnitures
  • Desks
  • TV’s
  • Computers
  • Tires
  • Rims
  • Loose animal waste; all waste must be placed in trash bags. Waste not in bags will not be serviced due to North Carolina State Law and/or safety.

Carts that are damaged due to prohibited items will result in the occupant being fined $50 and charged the leasing fee for a replacement cart.

My cart is damaged. How do I have it fixed?

Call the Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 to make a request for repairs or replacements. Place the broken cart at the curb on your day of collection so it can be serviced. The cart will not be serviced if it is not at the curb.

Occupants will be charged an $18 fee to replace carts damaged by fire, vandalism, vehicle damage, or excessive filth.

How many garbage carts are allowed per household?

Solid Waste Management will service a maximum of two carts for non-exempt residents, and one cart for exempt residents. The second cart is leased at an additional annual fee of $18.