Automated Curbside Collection Information 2026

 Automated Curbside Collection for Trash & Recycling

 LET’S GET ROLLING

Welcome to Durham’s new automated curbside solid waste and recycling collection program, and congratulations on receiving your new solid waste (black Lid) and single-stream recycling cart (Hawaiian blue Lid)! We are excited to officially “roll into the future” of waste and recycling collection in our community and begin the next generation of solid waste and recycling collection. This transition to automated collection is an important step toward a safer, cleaner, and more efficient system that reflects today’s industry standards while continuing Durham’s strong commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management.

Once your carts are delivered, please begin using them right away for all Town of Durham solid waste and recycling curbside collection services. Your collection day will remain the same; however, single-stream recycling will now be collected every other week. Your household has been assigned either an “A Week” or “B Week” recycling pickup, which is identified on the enclosed collection calendar and street listing. With single-stream recycling, all acceptable recyclable materials may be placed together in the recycling cart with no sorting required. Please review the enclosed recycling guide carefully to help keep recyclable materials clean and free from contamination.

To ensure we all have a successful transition to automated collection, carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on your designated collection day, with a minimum of 3 feet of clearance from mailboxes, vehicles, utility poles, other carts, and obstacles, so the collection truck’s mechanical arm can safely access and empty the cart. All materials must fit inside the carts with lids closed, and materials placed outside the carts will not be collected. Included with your delivery are helpful instructions regarding proper cart placement, acceptable recycling materials, FAQ’s, and information about recycling or disposing of old trash and recycling containers.

Thank you for helping Durham make this transition a success. By participating in the program and continuing efforts to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot, and rethink waste generation, residents play an important role in supporting a cleaner and more sustainable community. Additional program information, educational resources, and collection updates can be found through the links below and through the Durham Public Works “ROLLING into the Future!” website found at www.durhaml.ink/curbside.  We greatly appreciate your partnership and look forward to serving you through this new program.

With Gratitude,

The Durham Public Works Team