Durham trash & bulky-item rules
Durham’s bulky service is request-based. Eligible households can schedule one collection per week for up to three bulky items at no charge; larger requests can carry a fee.
Durham, NC — start here
Quick answer
Durham does not ask residents to leave a permanent bulk pile beside the cart. Submit the bulky request first, then place up to three eligible items for the scheduled service.
The City uses mechanical collection equipment, so the pile needs to be at the curb with enough clearance from cars, poles and other obstructions. Alleys are not used for bulky collection.
The service is for City solid-waste customers, not private-hauler or dumpster-service properties. Put approved items at the curb rather than in an alley and leave access clear of parked cars, low wires, hydrants and meters.
Furniture, mattresses and household bulky material
Furniture, mattresses and other listed large household items can use the scheduled service. Keep pieces separate enough for the collection arm to reach them.
If a cleanup has more than three items, check the current fee/request option rather than assuming the extras will be collected free.
Appliances, electronics, tires and hazardous items
TVs and other e-waste, glass/mirrors/windows, tires, vehicle parts and household hazardous waste are prohibited in bulky pickup. Building material, dirt, lumber and tree stumps are also excluded.
Use Durham’s drop-off facilities for eligible electronics, paint and household chemicals. White goods and scrap metal in residential quantities delivered in noncommercial vehicles are free at the convenience center.
Renovation debris and larger cleanouts
Construction and demolition material does not become eligible household bulky waste merely because it is large. Use an approved facility or private service for remodel debris.
The safest workflow is request first, then set out only the material the City confirms for that pickup.
Yard-waste subscribers can arrange two free bulk-brush collections per year, each up to four cubic yards, through 919-560-1200. This brush benefit is separate from household bulky service.
Local drop-off options and fees
City resident self-haul center for accepted waste streams.
Durham’s transfer, yard-waste and household HHW facilities are at 2115 East Club Boulevard. Hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–noon; entry closes 15 minutes early. Residents unload their own material. Payment is credit/debit or an approved account; cash is not accepted.
City and County residents may use household HHW/e-waste disposal free; business hazardous waste is excluded. General residential trash charges vary by vehicle and load: a standard pickup is $10, $15 or $20 depending on height. Separate residential quantities of large appliances and scrap metal are free.
Individuals who are not tire collectors, processors or haulers may deliver five or fewer tires free. Tires mixed with other trash carry a $6-per-tire surcharge. Do not confuse this drop-off exception with curbside tire eligibility.
Before set-out
- Verify the service address. Confirm that City of Durham Solid Waste Management or its listed provider actually serves the property.
Official sources
For Durham, start with the local authority links below. Recheck them before a special trip or unusual set-out because programs, prices and facility hours can change.