Local guidance

Durban, South Africa

eThekwini Municipality provides ordinary refuse, recycling and garden-refuse services with stream-specific bags and drop-off requirements.

Collection and sorting guidance

Household collection

Use the municipal black-bag or container service and current collection calendar for ordinary household refuse.

Recycling and reuse

Where supplied, use the municipal recycling bag for accepted clean and dry paper, cardboard, plastic packaging, bottles, cans and beverage cartons.

Food and garden waste

Use the garden-refuse service and its specified bag or drop-off route; do not mix garden refuse with household waste.

Special waste

Electronics, batteries, lamps, oils, chemicals, medicines, bulky waste and construction debris require the relevant facility or specialist route.

Bin and bag colours

Use the labels and instructions supplied by the local service. The colours below apply only within the scope stated for each stream.

Orange or clear bag — Recyclables

Accepted newspapers, magazines, cardboard, plastic packaging, plastic bottles, cans and beverage cartons

Municipal recycling service where the bag system is supplied

Blue bag — Garden refuse

Accepted garden refuse under the municipal garden-waste service

Use only under the current eThekwini garden-refuse instructions

Before you dispose of an item

  • Check the official source for the exact address and collection day.
  • Confirm accepted materials, opening hours and access conditions before travelling.
  • Keep batteries, electronics, chemicals and medicines out of ordinary household waste.

Official sources