Effective waste management is crucial for maintaining clean, healthy, and sustainable urban environments. The City of Cambridge provides comprehensive curbside collection services that help residents dispose of their waste responsibly while supporting the city’s broader environmental goals.
References:
- Cambridge Curbside Collections Official Page
- Cambridge Waste Collection Schedule and Route Information
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Cambridge
Cambridge Public Works provides weekly curbside collection services for trash, recycling, compost, and yard waste. The city is divided into five districts, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the week from Monday through Friday.
Residential Trash Collection Guidelines
Residents should follow these specific guidelines for trash collection:
- Place curbside carts out after 6 PM the night before collection
- Carts must be out by 7 AM on collection day
- Plastic trash bags should only be placed at the curb on the morning of collection day
- Remove all receptacles from the curb by 6 PM on collection day
Recycling Services
The city offers comprehensive recycling services, including:
- Weekly recycling collection
- Recycling Center drop-off hours:
- Tuesday: 4 PM – 7:30 PM
- Thursday: 4 PM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Bulk & Large Item Pick Up
Cambridge provides collection services for:
- Bulky items (TVs, appliances)
- Mattresses
- Clothing and textiles (by request)
Yard Waste & Seasonal Services
Residents can utilize:
- Weekly yard waste collection
- Seasonal special collections (e.g., Holiday Tree Recycling)
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
Note: Collection schedules may be adjusted following holidays, typically running one day behind the standard schedule.
How to Find or Request Services
Residents can use the Waste Collection Schedule tool to:
- Find collection days for their address
- Sign up for collection reminders
- Get real-time service alerts
- Import collection calendar to personal devices
- Print collection schedules
Zero Waste Cambridge Initiative
The city is committed to ambitious waste reduction goals:
- Reduce trash 30% by 2020
- 50% reduction by 2030
- 80% reduction by 2050
As of 2024, Cambridge has already reduced trash by 36%, demonstrating significant progress towards these environmental objectives.
Cambridge’s trash pick up and waste collection services provide residents with convenient, environmentally responsible options for managing household waste. By following guidelines and participating in the city’s waste reduction efforts, residents can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community.
Contact Information:
- Public Works Department: 617-349-4800
- Address: 147 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139
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 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.
Why was trash not 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.
Are you supposed to tip your trash pickup?But in the United States most garbage collectors get paid well above the minimum wage, so no tip is expected.
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/Departments/publicworks/permitsanddocuments/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/S/scheduleroutesandholidayinfocurbsidecollections
The City is divided into five districts, to provide these services throughout the City on a five- day week, Monday through Friday. For updates on delays due to