Help Durham County reduce recycling expenses by participating in the optional "Glass on the Side" recycling program!

WHY SEPARATE GLASS?

Glass is the heaviest item in your commingled recycling mix. When we take your recyclables to the processor, we are charged by weight. This "tipping fee" has risen from $20 per ton in 2018/19 to $76 in 2019/20, and may rise as high as $136 per ton in 2020/21. By recycling your glass bottles and jars separately, we reduce the weight of our recyclables, which lowers the cost.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

Collect your glass bottles and jars separately from your other recyclables. Then, bring them to our Redwood, Parkwood, or Northern Durham Convenience Sites and place them in the black "Glass Recycling" dumpster.  (NOTE: A solid waste decal is required to use the services at all County convenience sites).

WHAT KIND OF GLASS CAN BE RECYCLED?

Only glass bottles and jars can be recycled.  Glass from dishware, windows, or mirrors is not recyclable through any of our programs and should be disposed of with the regular trash. The glass is recycled through a partnership with Orange County and with the support of a grant from the Glass Recycling Coalition and NCDEACs.

DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE?

No, this is an optional program.  You can still mix glass bottles and jars with your curbside recycling and it will still be collected and recycled.  

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!

Unincorporated Durham County residents can reach us via email at recycle@dconc.gov or by calling 919-560-0433.