Mastering Trash, Recycling and Compost in Cambridge

Ever wonder if you’re sorting your trash, recycling and compost the right way in Cambridge? You’re not alone. With curbside rules, special pickups and drop-offs, it helps to have everything in one easy place. This guide gives you clear answers so you can avoid violations, cut odors and keep your block tidy. Let’s dive in.

Cambridge curbside basics

Cambridge provides weekly curbside pickup for trash, recycling and compost for most homes, with seasonal yard waste collection. The City supplies standard carts at no cost, and they stay with the property when you move. For the latest collection details or to confirm your address, check the City’s curbside overview on the Department of Public Works site at the Curbside Collections page.

Trash: rules and setout tips

Set your City trash cart out after 6 p.m. the night before or by 7 a.m. on your collection day, and bring it back in by 6 p.m. after pickup. Label your cart with your address to prevent loss. If your cart is missing or damaged, request a replacement through the City’s service portal on the Trash Collection page.

Extra trash and bulky items

• If you have excess trash, use heavy-duty bags at least 3 mil thick and under 50 lb. No thin kitchen bags. See details on the City’s Trash Collection guidance.
• You may place one large item or piece of furniture at the curb each week without advance scheduling. Some items, like appliances or electronics, need a scheduled pickup or drop-off. Use the City’s reuse and disposal guidance at Reduce and Reuse to confirm what needs scheduling.

Recycling: do it right

Recycling is weekly and mandatory. Typical items include paper and cardboard, metal cans and foil, glass bottles and jars, and plastic containers. When in doubt, search the City’s tool on the Recycling page for item-by-item guidance.

• Keep materials clean and dry. Food residue can cause an entire load to be rejected.
• Do not put plastic bags or soft film in the blue cart. Take them to a store or DPW drop-off instead.
• Check pizza box guidance in the City tool. Greasy cardboard is not recyclable, and disposal directions can vary.

Compost: what belongs in the green cart

Cambridge collects food scraps and select paper in the green cart and turns it into energy and soil amendment through anaerobic digestion. Review the full list on the City’s Curbside Composting page.

What to include:

• All food scraps, including fruit, vegetables, meat, bones and dairy
• Coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, napkins and paper towels
• Cut flowers and approved BPI-certified compostable paper items

What to keep out:

• Pet waste and diapers, even if labeled compostable
• Yard waste, plastic bags, regular recycling and trash

Program tips:

• The City offers kitchen bins and starter bags. You can request supplies through DPW.
• For odor and rodent control, line the cart with paper or certified bags, latch lids and rinse bins. Freezing scraps between pickups can help in summer. More tips are on the Curbside Composting page.

Yard waste: seasonal pickup

Yard waste is collected curbside from April 1 through December 31. Use paper lawn bags or labeled barrels up to 32 gallons and 50 lb. If you hire a contractor, they are responsible for removal. See the City’s seasonal notice for reminders at the DPW’s yard waste pickup update.

Special items and drop-offs

Some items do not belong in your curbside carts. Cambridge offers dedicated programs and drop-offs so you can dispose of them safely and legally.

Recycling Center at 147 Hampshire St.

The DPW Recycling Center accepts items not collected curbside, such as CFL bulbs, certain batteries, electronics, plastic bags, bulky plastics and scrap metal. Typical hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring proof of residency and review rules on the Curbside Collections page.

Household Hazardous Waste events

Items labeled caution, poison or hazardous like paints, solvents and some batteries must go to HHW events. Cambridge typically holds several events per year for residents. Confirm dates and accepted items via the DPW brochure linked on the Curbside Collection Brochure.

Mattresses and textiles: scheduling is required

Massachusetts bans mattresses and textiles from the trash. Cambridge offers free scheduled curbside pickup for both.

• Mattresses and box springs are collected by UTEC for recycling. Schedule online and place items at the curb by 7 a.m. on pickup day. Check exceptions on the City’s Mattress Recycling page.
• Clothing and textiles are collected through HELPSY, with curbside scheduling and drop-off bin options. Learn how to schedule on the Textiles Recycling page.

Appliances, TVs and other bulky items

Some bulky items can be your one allowed weekly large item, while others require scheduling or drop-off. Use the City’s disposal guidance at Reduce and Reuse to confirm the right option.

Missed pickups and cart issues

If your collection was missed, report it after 4 p.m. on your pickup day through 311 or SeeClickFix. If your cart is stolen, missing or damaged, request a replacement through DPW’s service forms. All service links and contacts are available on the City’s Curbside Collections hub.

Why Cambridge composting matters

Cambridge’s Zero Waste Master Plan sets goals to reduce trash 50 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. Organics collection is a key strategy because food scraps are processed at the CORe facility for energy recovery and soil benefits. Learn more about the City’s goals on the Zero Waste Master Plan page.

Quick weekly checklist

• Set carts out after 6 p.m. the night before or by 7 a.m. on pickup day
• Keep recycling empty, clean and dry, and never include plastic bags
• Use the green cart every week, latch the lid and line with paper or certified bags
• Bag extra trash in 3 mil heavy-duty bags under 50 lb
• Check the City’s tools when unsure and schedule special pickups in advance

For holiday changes, HHW dates and any program updates, always verify details on the City’s Curbside Collections page or search items in the recycling tool.

Ready to make your move easier in Cambridge? For neighborhood-savvy guidance that covers the details that matter, reach out to Joan Solomont.

FAQs

What goes in Cambridge’s green compost cart?

• Include all food scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, napkins and paper towels, cut flowers and approved BPI-certified compostable paper. Exclude pet waste, diapers, yard waste and plastic bags. See the City’s list on the Curbside Composting page.

Can greasy pizza boxes go in recycling in Cambridge?

• No. Grease contaminates paper recycling. Check the City guidance for the best option, and when in doubt use the disposal tool on the Recycling page.

How do I schedule a free mattress pickup in Cambridge?

• Schedule curbside collection through the City’s UTEC partnership, place the mattress or box spring at the curb by 7 a.m., and review exceptions on the Mattress Recycling page.

Where do I take paint, CFL bulbs and batteries in Cambridge?

• Many hazardous items go to Household Hazardous Waste events, while CFLs and some batteries are accepted at the Recycling Center. Check dates and accepted items via the DPW’s Curbside Collection Brochure and the Curbside Collections page.

What should I do if my cart was stolen or my pickup was missed in Cambridge?

• Report missed collections after 4 p.m. on your pickup day via 311 or SeeClickFix, and request replacement carts through DPW’s forms on the Curbside Collections hub.