Pickup Rules & Schedules: Ayer vs Newton
How do pickup rules & schedules rules compare between Ayer, MA and Newton, MA?
Ayer and Newton have similar restriction levels.
Ayer, MA
Middlesex County
Each Middlesex County municipality runs its own curbside collection. Cambridge, Somerville, and Newton use Pay-As-You-Throw or standardized carts with weekly pickup.
View full Ayer rules →Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Newton provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection to residents. Carts must be placed at curbside by 7 AM on collection day and removed by the end of the day per city rules.
View full Newton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ayer | Newton |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | MGL c.21H | - |
| Waste Bans | 310 CMR 19.017 | - |
| Food Waste Ban | Over 1/2 ton (Nov 2022) | - |
| Cambridge Compost | Mandatory curbside | - |
| Set-Out Time | Evening before or 7 a.m. | - |
| Collection Frequency | - | Weekly (both trash and recycling) |
| Cart Out By | - | 7:00 AM collection day |
| Cart Sizes | - | 35 or 65 gallon options |
| Overflow | - | Newton trash stickers required |
| Service Provider | - | Newton DPW 617-796-1000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ayer FAQ
When is my trash day?
Collection days vary by street. Use your city website or download the Recycle Coach or Recyclopedia app to look up your address.
Can I put yard waste in my trash?
No. Yard waste is banned from disposal under 310 CMR 19.017. Use the separate yard waste collection or a municipal compost site.
Newton FAQ
What time must I have my trash out in Newton?
Carts must be at the curb by 7 AM on your collection day, with 3 feet of clearance on all sides for automated trucks.
Does Newton have pay-as-you-throw?
Overflow beyond the cart requires official Newton trash stickers purchased at local retailers. Contents inside the cart are covered by the base fee.
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