Proper waste management is crucial for maintaining a clean, healthy, and sustainable community. Somerville residents rely on efficient trash pick up services to keep their neighborhoods clean and environmentally responsible. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about trash collection in Somerville.
References:
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Somerville
Residents can easily determine their trash collection day by using the city’s online address lookup tool. Trash and recycling bins should be placed curbside after 4 p.m. on the day before scheduled pickup and must be out no later than 7 a.m. on pickup day. Remember to remove empty barrels from the sidewalk by 7 p.m. on collection day.
Residential Trash Collection Guidelines
Somerville has specific rules for trash disposal:
- Store trash in covered barrels during the week
- Do not place trash bags on the ground next to barrels
- You can place one extra trash bag on top of your barrel
- Ensure you do not block sidewalks or pedestrian walkways
Recycling Services
The city offers single-stream recycling, meaning you don’t need to sort items. Most household packaging, plastics, papers, and aluminum can go in the city-issued Zero-Sort recycling cart. Key recyclable items include:
- Aluminum cans and foil
- Glass bottles and containers
- Cardboard and paperboard
- Plastics numbered 1-7
- Newspapers and magazines
- Clean pizza boxes
Bulk & Large Item Pick Up
Somerville provides convenient bulk item collection:
- Two pieces of furniture can be picked up weekly
- Large items like mirrors should be taped to prevent shattering
- Some items require special preparation (e.g., ladders must be cut to 4-foot lengths)
Yard Waste & Seasonal Services
Yard waste drop-off is available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Important notes:
- Proof of residency is required
- Yard waste cannot be in plastic bags
- Drop-off is for residents only, not contractors
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
During city-observed holidays, trash pickup is delayed by one day. Key 2025 holidays affecting collection include:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 20)
- Memorial Day (May 26)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Thanksgiving (November 27-28)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
How to Request Services
For missed pickups or special requests:
- Contact 311 for service requests
- Report missed pickups by 3:30 p.m. the day after scheduled collection
- Request replacement trash or recycling carts through 311
Somerville’s trash pick up services are designed to be efficient, environmentally friendly, and convenient for residents. By following these guidelines, you can help maintain a clean and sustainable community while ensuring smooth waste collection.
FAQ
What are the trash rules for Somerville?Trash barrels should be placed curbside no later than 7 a.m. on your collection day. Trash and recycling bins can be placed curbside after 4 p.m. on the day before your scheduled pickup day. Empty barrels must be removed from the sidewalk by 7 p.m. on trash 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.
What holidays is waste Pro closed?
- Holidays Observed in 2021.
- New Year’s Day – January 1st. Memorial Day – May 31st.
- *Independence Day – July 4th (Sunday)
- Labor Day – September 6th. …
- On these days: If you receive twice a week garbage pick-up, your service will be skipped. …
- *Service will run as normally scheduled Monday – Saturday.
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.somervillema.gov/trash-and-recycling
Trash and recycling bins can be placed curbside after 4 pm on the day before your scheduled pickup day, and need to be on the curb no later than 7 am on pickup
https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/dpw-sanitation/trash-holiday-schedule
Trash & Recycling Holiday Schedule. On the City holiday dates below, trash pickup will be delayed by one day.