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Springfield, MA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Rubbish
must be drained of liquids
Container
approved cart required
Placement
curb on tree belt, not road
Enforcer
DPW Waste Disposal Division

Summary

Springfield requires rubbish to be drained of liquids and placed in an approved cart at the curb on the tree belt, not the road, before crews will collect it.

No rubbish shall be collected by the Waste Disposal Division of the Department of Public Works, or its authorized agent, unless the rubbish is drained of all water and liquids and placed in one or more carts in accordance with the provisions of this chapter placed at the curb on the tree belt (not in the road), to better facilitate both street sweeping and snow plowing operations.

Source: Municode Library - Springfield, MAView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).

Full Breakdown

Under § 327-2 of the Springfield, Massachusetts (Hampden County) City Code, the Waste Disposal Division of the Department of Public Works will not collect any rubbish unless it is first drained of all water and liquids and set out in one or more carts that meet Chapter 327's container standards. Carts must sit at the curb on the tree belt rather than in the road, so the placement doesn't interfere with street sweeping or snow plowing.

Violations & Fines

Rubbish that isn't drained or isn't in an approved cart, or that's placed in the roadway instead of the tree belt, can simply be left uncollected until the next regular pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave loose trash bags at the curb instead of a cart?
No, § 327-2 requires rubbish to be drained of liquids and placed in a Chapter 327 container; DPW will not collect undrained or uncontained rubbish.
Where do I place my cart for pickup?
At the curb on the tree belt, not in the roadway, so it doesn't block street sweeping or snow plowing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

All Springfield rules

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