Frequently Asked Questions

When does the town pick up trash and recycling? 
Call 868-5578 to find out when trash/recycling is picked up in your neighborhood. The Town picks up trash each week, and recycling on the same day every other week alternating commingled and mixed paper. Cardboard, glass, cans and rinsed #1-6 non-black colored plastics are considered commingled. More information can be found on the Public Works section of the website, either in the Sanitation Division or the "Where do Durham's Trash and Recyclables Go?" storymap.
         
What is the Transfer Center?
The Transfer Center is a happening place! Residents can drop off trash, recycling, aluminum, other metals, wood products, CFL bulbs, oil, yard waste and bulky waste (furniture, carpet, etc.). There is also a clothing bin and drop-off for propane tanks and tires. Compost is also collected at the Transfer Center. There is always a huge pile of wood chips available for residents to take.
The Durham Transfer Center is also home to the very popular Swap Shop, a two-car garage that is chocka-block full of treasures that other residents have donated. Any resident is welcome (and encouraged!) to drop off or take home any household items that are in the Swap Shop.  There is no limit to how much a resident can drop off or take home! It is acceptable to only drop-off or only take items on any given day. To learn more about appropriate items that can be dropped off/found at the Swap Shop click here . 
The Transfer Center is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7:30-3pm and is located on Durham Point Road. A Transfer Center sticker is required for entry and can be picked up at the Town Hall or at the Public Works office. There isn’t any cost for the sticker but be prepared to show proof of residency.

What do I do with “hazardous” materials?
Household hazardous waste materials are listed below. They can be dropped off at the Transfer Center periodically. An appointment is required on the designated drop-off day so please call Public Works at 868-5578 to find out the next date and to make your appointment.
Common Household Hazardous Waste: 
  
What do I do if I have large items to get rid of?
 If your items are in good shape, just drop them off at the Swap Shop. If the item needs to be thrown away then put “regular” items in the trash or proper recycling area. Bulky waste items such as rugs or construction material not made of wood, go in the bulky waste bin and require a bulky waste coupon. Any milled wood, painted or not required a coupon and will be directed to the Wood Products bin. You can purchase the coupon at the check-in hut (check only!). Single items are $15, while a car or truck load is $30 so it may make sense to store items until you have at least three to maximize your coupon for a load. A 1-ton truck is $45, while a larger dump trailer or Uhaul is $85. When bringing a load, maximize the space with bulky items, and bring your items that do not require a coupon on a second trip.

You can read more about bulky items and other information at the Sanitation Division HERE.

What are Electronic/Appliance stickers?
Refrigerators or Freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, computer monitors, televisions, copiers, water coolers, laptops and appliances require additional processing/decontamination before being disposed of and therefore require an electronics/appliance sticker. Electronics/Appliance stickers may be purchased for $15.00 each at the Department of Public Works or at the Transfer Station and Recycling Center (checks only at Transfer Station, no cash). Stickers are non-refundable. Items to be left at the Swap Shop, or those put out curbside for spring cleanup, also require a sticker.