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Recycling, rubbish and waste

On average 240,000 tonnes of household waste is produced within County Durham every year. Last year (2010/11) you helped us to reuse, recycle and compost almost 40 per cent of this waste, with the remainder going to landfill.

News and events

Changes to rubbish and recycling collections

Rubbish and recycling collections in County Durham are changing this year (2012). In April, May and June we will be introducing a new system where your rubbish will be collected one week and your recycling will be collected the next week. Go to our information on rubbish and recycling collections for more details.

Visit our waste news and events page to find out about our current events and campaigns.

Household waste collections

Find out about collections of rubbish and recycling, garden wastebulky waste and household clinical waste. We also provide an assisted collections service if you need help with your bins.

Recycling sites

If you live in County Durham you can recycle household waste at one of the 15 household waste recycling centres.

If you are visiting a household waste recycling centre in a van, trailer or pickup style vehicle you will need a waste permit. There are also a number of recycling bring sites around the county where you can bring your recycling, for example in supermarket car parks.

Reduce, reuse and recycle your waste

Information on why we need to minimise the waste we produce and how you can reducereusecompost and recycle your waste. 

Rewards for recycling

Find out how you can be rewarded for recycling your glass jars and aerosols. Register for North East Recycling Rewards. Prizes are available every month. 

Commercial waste

Information can be found here on the collection and disposal of commercial and trade waste.

Fly tipping

Flytipping is the illegal dumping of waste, often at roadsides, lay-bys or on private land. It is a serious criminal offence. Please let us know about any incidents of fly tipping.

Waste strategy

The Municipal Waste Management Strategy for County Durham is key to the development and implementation of a sustainable waste management system over the next 20 years.