Cambridge vs Lowell
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Lowell, MA?
Cambridge and Lowell have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
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.
View full Cambridge rules →Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell offers weekly single-stream curbside recycling. Paper, cardboard, metal cans, and accepted plastics must be clean and placed in the city recycling bin on collection day.
View full Lowell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling stream | Single-stream blue cart | - |
| Composting | Weekly curbside green cart | - |
| State waste ban | 310 CMR 19.017 | - |
| Not accepted | Plastic bags, film, foam | - |
| Commercial food waste | 1-ton-per-week diversion threshold | - |
| Collection | - | Weekly single stream |
| Accepted Plastics | - | #1, #2, #5 |
| Not Accepted | - | Bags, film, tanglers |
| State Ban | - | MassDEP bans listed recyclables from trash |
| Contamination | - | Can reject whole load |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Do I have to compost?
All residential households served by Cambridge curbside collection are enrolled in the composting program and receive a green cart.
What happens if I put recyclables in the trash?
Massachusetts waste bans prohibit it; DPW may leave the cart untagged and issue educational notices or fines for repeat offenses.
Lowell FAQ
Do I need to separate paper from containers?
No. Lowell uses single-stream; everything recyclable goes in the same bin.
Are pizza boxes accepted?
Clean pizza boxes are accepted; greasy portions should be torn off and thrown away.
Compare other topics
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