Recycling Requirements: Cambridge vs Wakefield
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Wakefield, MA?
Cambridge has fewer restrictions than Wakefield.
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 →Wakefield, MA
Middlesex County
Recycling is mandatory statewide under MGL c.21H and 310 CMR 19.017. Residents must separate paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic containers from trash.
View full Wakefield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Wakefield |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State Law | - | MGL c.21H |
| Waste Bans | - | 310 CMR 19.017 |
| Collection Type | - | Single-stream |
| Commercial Food Threshold | - | 1/2 ton per week |
| Electronics | - | Banned from trash |
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.
Wakefield FAQ
Can I put plastic bags in recycling?
No. Plastic bags and film tangle sorting equipment. Return them to grocery store drop-off bins. Only rigid plastic containers belong in curbside recycling.
What happens if my recycling is contaminated?
You may receive a warning sticker and your cart could be left behind. Repeated contamination can result in loss of recycling service in some cities.
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