Cambridge, MA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

020(A) exempts ordinary household trash cans of fifty gallons or less and recycling bins of ninety-six gallons or less. 040(A) makes the license mandatory before any dumpster, including a temporary one, is used, except for dumpsters serving one-day permitted special events, and requires a separate Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department permit if the dumpster sits on a public way. 040(B)-(C), must include a dumpster plan naming the responsible parties, the waste hauler, a cleaning and maintenance schedule, and any state DEP or Cambridge Fire Department permits already held.

060 caps a temporary dumpster license at thirty days, renewable in thirty-day increments up to a total of twelve months. 070 requires every dumpster to sit far enough from the lot line to protect abutters' safety and health, avoid draining into catch basins or storm drains, stay clear of curbs and sidewalks, and have Cambridge Fire Department sign-off. 090 further requires screening or fencing from public ways and adjoining properties at every site except active construction sites, unless the Commissioner of Inspectional Services waives it.