Show All Answers

1. Why is it called Single Stream Recycling?

Single stream simply refers to the common mixed recycling system that allows for paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal cans to be collected together in a single recycling container. The term single stream comes from the difference between this system and a multi-stream system where different types of materials must be sorted into individual bins: one for paper, one for plastics, and another for metals.

For a list of accepted materials, visit the City’s single stream recycling web page. Remember, GLASS IS NOT ACCEPTED in single stream in our region, so be sure to separate that out. It can be recycled for free 24/7 at the Durango Recycle Center. For this reason, some people refer to Durango’s system as dual-stream, but that can be unnecessarily confusing.

2. Is single stream better than multi-stream sorted recycling?

In short, yes. It has been well established that many more people recycle when everything can be collected in one container. Recycling sorting facilities have been designed to now efficiently sort through this mixed material. Overall, single stream recycling results in more material being recycled and diverted from the landfill.

3. Should I put my recyclables in a bag before I place them in my single stream recycling container?

No. Please do not bag your recyclables. If you generate more recyclable material than your container can hold, do not place additional material or bags outside of your container. Either hold the material for the next week’s collections, or bring excess material to the Durango Recycle Center. Residents with a utility bill can drop off recycling free of charge.

If you think you will regularly generate more recyclable material than what will fit into a 60-gallon container, please call 375-5004 to request a larger 90-gallon recycling container.

4. Why aren’t plastic bags and film accepted in single stream recycling, and how can I recycle my plastic bags?

Plastic bags and plastic films are extremely difficult to separate from other recyclables at the processing facilities. These types of plastics get snagged on machinery and tangle up other materials.

Many plastic bags and films are recyclable, but they must be collected through a separate, dedicated system. You can recycle your plastic bags at most local grocery stores. The most common thing that bags are turned into is plastic boards like the kind outdoor plastic decks and park benches are made of.

5. Why isn’t glass accepted in single stream recycling, and how can I recycle my glass?

Glass can easily break, and glass shards can get mixed in with other materials. These shards can be challenging to sort out of recycling, and they can pose a hazard to workers at our sorting facilities. Some communities do accept glass and that is because their collections processes and regional sorting facilities operate differently.

Glass can be recycled for free 24/7 at the Durango Recycle Center. Glass is transported to the Front Range where it is processed into new glass bottles.

6. I live in an apartment building or other type of multi-unit building; can I use the City’s recycling system?

Yes, but it can depend.

Under the current city code, any building or complex with more than 3 units is technically considered a “commercial” account for waste collection purposes, regardless if the units are businesses or residences.

All multi-unit complexes with 8 or more units are required to provide recycling services to their tenants. Complexes with 3-7 units are the only residential buildings in Durango not required to have recycling, but the building managers are allowed to sign-up for service either through the City of Durango, or other commercial providers.

If you live in a complex with 8 or more units that is not providing recycling service, contact 970-375-5004 to file a complaint. If you live in a complex with 3-7 units that does not provide recycling, contact your HOA, building manager or landlord to discuss the possibility of signing up for commercial collection services.

Residents that live in complexes without recycling service can bring their recycling to the Durango Recycling Center to drop off for a small fee. These residents must pay a fee to drop off recycling because they do not pay for recycling service on their utility bills.

7. I am a county resident; can I use the City of Durango for my trash and recycling collections?

No, but you can drop off your recycling. The City of Durango offers curbside trash and recycling collection services only to city residents. County residents can bring their recycling to the Durango Recycling Center to drop off for a small fee, or contact your service provider to see if they offer curbside recycling.

County residents must pay a fee to drop off recycling because they do not pay for recycling service on their utility bills.

8. What happens to my recycling after it is collected?

The recyclable material that is collected by the City is first taken to the Durango Recycling Center, located at 710 Tech Center Drive, where it is baled. From there the bales are sent to processing facilities that open up the bale, and sort the materials by type. These sorted materials are then baled once more and sold to facilities that use this material to create new goods.

Some materials like Styrofoam, PVC, and biodegradable plastics cannot be recycled, and so they are sorted out during processing and are sent to the landfill.

9. My trash or recycling wasn’t collected, what happened?

There are several common reasons why a container may not have been collected: During Holiday weeks, collections are often delayed a day; if you did not set out your container by 8 a.m. you may have missed the collections truck; if your container was not facing the correct direction, or if it was overfilled, the truck may not have been able to collect it.

If you feel that there was a mistake with your collections, give the Trash & Recycling office a call at 970-375-5004. Staff can look up your address and see why your collections were missed.

10. What does an overfill charge on my bill mean?

City of Durango collections requires that the lids on trash and recycling containers and dumpsters must be completely closed in order to be serviced properly. If you overfill your container, and the lid does not close, this may interfere with the collections process and you may be subject to an additional charge.

If you think you will regularly generate more material in a week than what will fit into a 60-gallon container, please call 375-5004 to request a larger 90-gallon container.

11. My container or dumpster lid is broken and not closing properly, can you fix it?

Yes. Give the Trash & Recycling office a call at 970-375-5004 and staff will be able to put in a work order to repair or replace. In some cases repairs may require a charge on your utility bill.

12. Are trash and recycling still collected during winter storms?

As long as it is safe to do so, collections will follow our routes as planned. If certain routes or streets are deemed unsafe, then collections may be delayed by a day due to winter storms.