Everything Durham residents need to know about trash disposal, recycling, and the transfer station
Overview
Durham does not provide municipal curbside trash or recycling collection. Residents must either bring waste to the DMIAAB Transfer Station on Cherry Hill Road or contract individually with a licensed private hauler. The Transfer Station is a shared facility with the Town of Middlefield, managed by the Durham Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board (DMIAAB).
Durham Curbside Trash Collection
The Town of Durham does not offer municipal curbside trash pickup. Residents must arrange service with a private hauler or self-haul to the Transfer Station.
Contact your chosen hauler directly for pricing, pickup days, and service details.
Recycling
Durham does not provide curbside recycling collection. Single-stream recycling is available at no extra charge at the Transfer Station.
- Accepted recyclables: Paper, cardboard, plastics #1–7, glass bottles, aluminum and tin cans
- Place recyclables in designated bins at the Transfer Station
Bulk & Large Item Pickup
Durham does not offer municipal bulk pickup. Bulky items can be brought to the Transfer Station, where most items have modest fees ($3–$10 per item). Mattresses and box springs are accepted free of charge.
Transfer Station / Drop-Off
DMIAAB Transfer Station
- Address: Cherry Hill Road (at Route 147), Durham, CT
- Phone: (860) 349-8702
- Hours: Monday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 7:45 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Closed Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Annual sticker: $50/year (renews July 1)
- Where to purchase: On-site at the Transfer Station
- Proof of residency: Valid driver's license AND vehicle registration showing Durham or Middlefield address
- Access: Durham and Middlefield residents only
Accepted at the Transfer Station
- Household trash and garbage
- Single-stream recyclables (no extra fee)
- Bulky waste, furniture (modest per-item fees)
- Mattresses and box springs (free)
- Electronics, scrap metal
- Brush and yard waste
- Tires (fee applies)
NOT Accepted
- Hazardous materials — handled through RiverCOG regional collection events
- Verify the complete list of restricted items with the Transfer Station at (860) 349-8702
Yard Waste
Annual Brush Pickup
Durham offers an annual curbside brush pickup, typically once in April.
- Branches: Under 4 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length
- Pile height: Maximum 4 feet
- One pass per street — do not miss your pickup
- Verify specific dates with Public Works at (860) 349-1816
Brush and yard waste can also be brought to the Transfer Station year-round during operating hours.
Holiday Schedule
The Transfer Station may be closed on major holidays. Contact the Transfer Station at (860) 349-8702 for specific holiday closures. If using a private hauler, contact them directly for their holiday schedule.
Durham Household Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is handled through RiverCOG regional collection events. Check rivercog.org/regionalservices/household-hazardous-waste for dates and locations.
Tips & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What day is trash pickup in Durham, CT?
Durham does not provide municipal trash collection. If you use a private hauler, contact them directly for your schedule. Otherwise, bring trash to the Transfer Station during operating hours.
Q: How much is the Durham, CT transfer station sticker?
The annual sticker is $50, renewing July 1. Purchase it on-site at the Transfer Station with your driver's license and vehicle registration.
Q: What if I miss Durham, CT annual brush pickup?
The town makes only one pass per street. If you miss it, bring brush to the Transfer Station during operating hours.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
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