Springfield, MA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection frequency
- Every other week
- Set-out deadline
- 6:00 a.m.
- Bag rule
- No plastic bags
- Cart ownership
- Remains City property
Summary
Springfield's DPW-issued recycling carts go out curbside every other week by 6 a.m.; plastic bags and mixed-in trash aren't allowed.
All recycling carts shall be placed at the curbside every other week for collection by 6:00 a.m. on the designated day of collection. The cart shall be placed on the outer edge of the sidewalk so as to not obstruct the free passage of pedestrians.
(4) Recyclables shall not be placed in plastic garbage bags for collection, removal or disposal. Recyclables shall not be placed in the same refuse containers as rubbish or mixed with rubbish or litter for collection, removal or disposal. If separation of recyclable materials from rubbish does not take place, the City may decide not to collect said rubbish.
(5) Upon placement of recyclables at the curbside, such recyclables shall become the property of the City. It shall be a violation of this section if any person, other than authorized agents of the City acting in the course of their employment or contract, collects or causes to be collected any recyclables so placed. Each and every such collection in violation hereof from one or more locations shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Any violator of this subsection shall make restitution to the City for the value of recyclables illegally removed.
B. (Reserved)
C. Multiple-family complexes with 40 or more dwelling units.
(1)
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
Section 327-20, amended 5-12-2025, sets the mechanics for single-family through three-family dwellings: DPW issues one household cart per unit (city-owned, resident-maintained), placed curbside every other week by 6:00 a.m. on the outer sidewalk edge so pedestrians aren't blocked. Recyclables can't go in plastic bags or be mixed with rubbish, and once set at the curb they become City property, removing them without authorization is a violation requiring restitution for their value.
Violations & Fines
Bagging recyclables in plastic or mixing them with trash can get the whole load skipped, and anyone who takes curbside recyclables without authorization owes the City restitution for their value under § 327-20(A)(5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my recycling in a plastic bag?
Who owns recyclables once I put them at the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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