Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining a clean, healthy, and sustainable urban environment. Cambridge residents play a vital role in the city’s comprehensive waste collection system, which not only keeps neighborhoods clean but also supports broader environmental goals. The City of Cambridge has made significant strides in waste reduction, with residents helping to reduce trash by 36% since 2008.
References:
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Cambridge
The City of Public Works provides comprehensive waste collection services for most residential buildings. Collections occur weekly, with a standard schedule for trash, recycling, compost, and yard waste. Residents should note that collection schedules may be adjusted by one day following a holiday.
Residential Trash Collection Guidelines
Cambridge uses a standardized cart system to improve waste management:
- Free trash carts are provided to all residential buildings
- Cart sizes available: 35-gallon, 45-gallon, and 65-gallon
- Average household produces 27 gallons of trash weekly
- Households that compost generate closer to 22 gallons of waste per week
Proper Trash Placement Rules
- Place carts at the curb after 6 PM the night before collection
- Carts must be removed from the sidewalk by 6 PM on collection day
- Extra trash must use heavy-duty bags (at least 3 mils thick)
- Bags must weigh less than 50 lbs
- Only one large item allowed per week
Recycling Services
Cambridge encourages residents to maximize recycling:
- Free recycling carts available
- Recommend pairing each room’s trash bin with a recycling container
- Utilize the “Get Rid of It Right” tool to determine recyclable items
- Residents can request additional or larger recycling carts online
Bulk & Large Item Pick Up
The city offers collection services for:
- Bulky items (TVs, appliances)
- Mattresses
- Clothing and textiles
Yard Waste and Seasonal Services
Yard waste collection is available as part of the curbside collection program. Residents can place yard waste at the curb during designated collection times.
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
Collection schedules may shift by one day following holidays. Residents should check the official city website or contact Public Works for specific holiday schedules.
How to Request Services
Residents can:
- Report missed pickups online
- Request replacement carts
- Use the SeeClickFix platform for service requests
- Contact Public Works at 617-349-4800
Zero Waste Cambridge Initiative
The city has ambitious waste reduction goals:
- 30% reduction by 2020 (achieved)
- 50% reduction by 2030
- 80% reduction by 2050
Residents can contribute by:
- Reducing and reusing
- Proper waste sorting
- Participating in curbside composting
- Utilizing the Zero Waste Cambridge resources
Cambridge’s trash pick up services demonstrate a comprehensive approach to waste management, combining convenience, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. By following guidelines and participating in reduction efforts, residents play a crucial role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable city.
FAQ
What holidays are garbage collection services in Cambridge?Waste collection services continue to operate on all statutory holidays except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
What holidays are trash pickup in Dade County?Waste collection service is provided, rain or shine, except on these holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Independence Day and Christmas Day, as observed by Miami-Dade County.
Why hasn’t my garbage been picked up today?A garbage truck might skip your trash pickup for several reasons. Common reasons include improper sorting of waste, overweight or oversized containers, blocked access to the garbage due to parked vehicles or construction, hazardous materials in the garbage, or severe weather conditions.
What if trash is not picked up in Cambridge MA?If you think any waste collection was missed, please report it at CambridgeMA.Gov/311 (preferred) or leave a voicemail at 617-349-4800. Leave materials at the curb and pickup will be done by the end of the next collection day.
https://www.cambridgema.gov/services/curbsidecollections
You may place all curbside carts out at the curb after 6PM the night before collection or by 7AM on collection day. · You may only place trash in
https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/trashcollection#!rc-cpage=524795
147 Hampshire St. Cambridge, MA 02139 Hours of Service Mon: 8:30AM – 8PM Tue – Thu: 8:30AM – 5PM Fri: 8:30AM – 12PM Cambridge residents have reduced their