City of Durham Begins Storm Debris Pick Up Today

Although Hurricane Irene spared Durham the worst of her wind and rain, the storm did leave many residents with downed branches, leaves, and other debris. To help Durham residents with the clean up, the City’s Solid Waste Management Department will begin storm debris pick up today and continue the next few of weeks, if needed.

The City will begin collecting smaller debris - material no longer than 4 feet and no wider than 4 inches - today.  The debris should be placed at the curb for collection as soon as possible. Smaller debris collection will take place one day after customers’ normal garbage collection. 

Collection of larger, more bulky storm debris will begin on Tuesday, September 6, instead of Monday, due to the Labor Day holiday. This delay, according Solid Waste Management Director Donald Long, is to allow residents enough time to move larger debris to curbside for collection. However, if residents wish to have their debris collected sooner, they can call Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 to request collection. Please allow 36 hours to fulfill the request. Residents should follow normal bulky item collection procedures when setting items at the curbside. No personal carts will be serviced, and residents should not use their garbage or recycling carts for storm debris.

Leaves must be bagged in biodegradable paper. Plastic will not be accepted. Yard waste should not be mixed with household garbage or recycling.  Customers who need more information about their collection cycle should visit the City’s website at http://www.durhamnc.gov/, or contact Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200.

Residents may also bring storm debris to the City’s Waste Disposal and Recycling Center (Transfer Station) at 2115 East Club Blvd.; the disposal rate is $26.50 per ton. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Loads should be covered.

Garbage and recycling will be collected on their regular schedule today.