Durham residents must set garbage, recycling, and bulky items at the curb by 5 a.m. on collection day, place carts no more than 3 feet from the curb, keep them clear of obstructions, and remove empty carts within 24 hours.
The City of Durham's official set-out rules require garbage, recycling, and bulky items to be at the curb no later than 5 a.m. on collection day. Carts must sit no more than 3 feet from the curb, at least 3 feet apart, and at least 3 feet from mailboxes, hydrants, trees, or utility poles, and must not be blocked by vehicles or other obstructions. All garbage must be inside the green cart and all recyclables inside the blue cart — loose or bagged material beside carts is not collected. Once emptied, carts must be removed from the curb within 24 hours. Sec. 58-130 also bars leaving receptacles on the street on non-collection days.
Carts set more than about 5 feet from the curb, blocked, or overfilled with loose material are not collected. Leaving receptacles on the street off-schedule violates Sec. 58-130, enforced by a civil remedial fee.
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