Section 08: Curbside Collection

Section 8  -  Curbside  Collection

A.  Curbside Collection of Non-recyclable Waste – collection shall consist of a single weekly curbside collection of household waste in approved refuse containers. Containers must be waterproof and sturdy and they shall not exceed 50 pounds when filled. Barrels or plastic bags that are of 32-gallon capacity or less are approved containers and are recommended. The Town will refuse to collect curbside waste in any container that is in excess of the 50 pound weight limit. This regulation is in effect to help prevent injuries to the collection workers. Residents using toter containers having a capacity larger than 32 gallons SHALL BAG their trash before placing it in the toter and each bag shall have no more than 50 pounds of weight. Plastic bags shall be tied shut securely. All barrels and toters shall have secured lids.

The Town reserves the right to refuse to collect curbside waste that is in excess of a reasonable volume per household. A reasonable household volume is no more than four 32-gallon barrels or eight 32-gallon bags per household per week. The Town reserves the right to refuse to collect waste that is not separated into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. 

B.  Curbside Collection of Recyclables – the Town shall supply each residential unit served by the municipal collection program with one “blue box”  specifically for recyclable materials as outlined in Attachment A. Residents may purchase additional “blue boxes” at the Public Works Department or may use other similar containers with bottom drainage holes  provided the containers are clearly marked “RECYCLABLES”. Recycling containers placed at the curb shall not exceed a loaded weight of 50 pounds. The two types of recyclables shall be collected on alternate weeks as outlined in Attachment  B.

C.  Placing Out and Bringing In Containers – ALL CONTAINERS AND PLASTIC BAGS SHALL BE CURBSIDE BY 7:00 AM on scheduled collection days. (see Attachment C to determine which areas of town are serviced on particular days).  Collection vehicles may take different routes on collection days depending on varying conditions. Therefore, residents should not try to gauge the time of day that the collection vehicle will arrive at their property. Return trips for material put out late shall not be made. Waste and recycling containers shall be removed from the curb within 24 hours of any collection.

D.  Disposal of Needles, Syringes and Other Sharp Objects – For the safety of the collection personnel, it is required that the following guidelines be observed:

          1.Place sharp objects in a puncture proof container.

          2.Tightly secure the top of the container with a lid and reinforce the closure with heavy-duty tape.

          3.Place the container in the center of your normal trash so as to enclose the container.

E.  Ownership of Recyclables – Recyclable materials shall become the property of the Town of Durham at such time that the materials are properly placed at the curbside for collection.

F.  Winter Operations – collection operations normally occur even during inclement weather. Material for collection shall be visible and accessible from the road.  If collection is canceled it will be announced on local radio stations, public access channel 22 and the Town’s web site.