Trash & Recycling in Cambridge, MA (2026)

4 verified trash & recycling rules for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Cambridge Department of Public Works collects residential trash once per week on a zone-based schedule. Carts must be placed curbside by 6 AM on collection day and removed by the following morning.

Cambridge Trash Pickup Rules

Some Restrictions

Cambridge DPW Curbside Collections - Weekly Collection Rules

Curbside Collections The City collects trash, recycling, food waste and yard waste from most residential buildings. This page has links to help you manage your waste properly, report a missed pickup, order replacement waste collection carts, and get tips on reducing trash. Weekly Collections (Note: One day behind schedule following a holiday.) Recycling / Food Waste / Trash / Yard Waste Coll...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bin Placement Rules

Carts must be placed at the curb or tree-belt without blocking sidewalks, ramps, or bike lanes, and returned to private property by the end of the collection day per Cambridge DPW rules.

Cambridge Trash Bin Placement Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Bulk Item Disposal

Cambridge residents may schedule up to two bulk items per week for curbside pickup by appointment through DPW. Mattresses and box springs require mandatory recycling under state law.

Cambridge Bulk Item Disposal

Some Restrictions

Cambridge DPW Curbside Collections - Bulky Items Collection on Request

Curbside Collections The City collects trash, recycling, food waste and yard waste from most residential buildings. This page has links to help you manage your waste properly, report a missed pickup, order replacement waste collection carts, and get tips on reducing trash. Weekly Collections (Note: One day behind schedule following a holiday.) Recycling / Food Waste / Trash / Yard Waste Coll...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Recycling Requirements

Cambridge mandates curbside single-stream recycling and weekly curbside composting. State waste bans prohibit disposal of cardboard, glass, metal, paper, textiles, mattresses, and food waste over one ton.

Cambridge Recycling Requirements

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cambridge city rules.

Trash & Recycling in Middlesex County →