Durham County, NC Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Bulky rule
- Durham Code Sec. 58-99
- Called
- "Extra refuse"
- Fee
- Actual-cost fee, on request
- Construction debris
- Not City-collected (Sec. 58-154)
- Tires
- Owner hauls (Sec. 58-156)
Summary
Large tree/shrub trimmings and bulky or excessive refuse that routine collection can't handle are picked up as "extra refuse" under the director's regulations, at the owner's request, for a fee covering actual cost. Building and demolition debris is not collected by the City.
Large tree and shrub trimmings, bulky and excessive amounts of refuse, leaves and yard rakings that cannot be handled by routine collection procedure will be handled under regulations of the director, at the owner's request, for a fee to cover actual cost. This is referred to as "extra refuse".
Full Breakdown
Durham City Code Sec. 58-99 handles bulky and excessive refuse: large tree and shrub trimmings, bulky and excessive amounts of refuse, leaves, and yard rakings beyond routine collection are handled as "extra refuse" under the director's rules, at the owner's request and for a fee to cover actual cost. Stumps, trunks, and limbs must be cut to sizes two adults can load and piled for easy access. The City does not haul building or demolition debris from contractors (Sec. 58-154), tires (Sec. 58-156), or manufacturing refuse (Sec. 58-153), those are the owner's responsibility. The City also offers free curbside bulky pickup for a limited number of items per week; check durhamnc.gov to schedule.
Violations & Fines
Improperly set-out or oversize bulky material may be left uncollected. Placing prohibited debris (construction, tires) out for regular pickup violates Chapter 58 and draws a remedial fee (Sec. 58-8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Durham pick up my old furniture and branches?
Can I put construction debris out for pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Durham County
Compare Durham County to another location·View the North Carolina trash & recycling overview
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