Cambridge, MA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Once per week by zone
- Set-out time
- After 5 PM prior evening, by 6 AM day-of
- Cart removal
- Remove by end of collection day
- Overflow
- Yellow overflow sticker required
- Large buildings
- 7-plus units use private hauler
Summary
Cambridge Department of Public Works collects residential trash once per week on a zone-based schedule. Carts must be placed curbside by 6 AM on collection day and removed by the following morning.
Curbside Collections
The City collects trash, recycling, food waste and yard waste from most residential buildings. This page has links to help you manage your waste properly, report a missed pickup, order replacement waste collection carts, and get tips on reducing trash.
Weekly Collections (Note: One day behind schedule following a holiday.) Recycling / Food Waste / Trash / Yard Waste
Collections on request Bulky Items (e.g.: TV, appliances) / Mattresses / Clothing and Textiles
Drop Off Recycling Center / Household Hazardous Waste
[...]
More Information You may place all curbside carts out at the curb after 6PM the night before collection or by 7AM on collection day. You may only place trash in plastic bags out at the curb on the morning of collection day, not the night before. Remove all receptacles from the curb by 6PM on the day of collection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW) provides weekly curbside trash collection to residential buildings with six or fewer units. Each household receives a city-issued cart, and materials placed in any other container will not be collected. Collection days are assigned by neighborhood zone and published on the DPW Recycle and Trash Map. Carts must be set out at the curb no earlier than 5 PM the night before and by 6 AM on the collection day, and must be removed from public space by the end of the collection day. Overflow bags require the purchase of a Cambridge yellow overflow sticker available at DPW and participating retailers. Commercial properties and buildings with seven or more units must contract with a private hauler.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I put my trash out?
What if I have extra trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
Compare Cambridge to another location·View the Massachusetts trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pickup Rules & Schedules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle pickup rules & schedules.