Recycling Requirements: Cambridge vs Somerville
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Somerville, MA?
Cambridge has fewer restrictions than Somerville.
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 →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville requires single-stream recycling weekly alongside trash. Massachusetts bans cardboard, paper, metal, glass, and certain plastics from trash. Contaminated recycling bins may be rejected.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Frequency | - | Weekly, same day as trash |
| Stream | - | Single-stream blue cart |
| MA waste bans | - | 310 CMR 19.017 |
| Plastic bags | - | Prohibited in recycling |
| Contamination | - | Warning then skip |
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.
Somerville FAQ
Do I need to separate paper and containers?
No. Somerville uses single stream so all accepted recyclables go in one blue cart, but items must be clean and dry.
What about food waste?
Somerville offers a free curbside compost program for residents. Sign up through the DPW website to receive a kitchen bin and weekly collection.
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