There are over 30 recycling bins in the City's squares and parks provided to collect glass, metal and plastic containers.

The City is excited about the installation new public area recycling receptacles in Porter , Central and Harvard, Inman, and Kendall Squares, as well as by Lechemere, Fresh Pond and other locations. The brightly colored "recycling blue" receptacles have a unique design that clearly distinguishes them from adjacent trash containers. The locations of the receptacles have been strategically sited to maximize the capture rate of recyclable beverage containers such as glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

Victor Stanley manufactured the containers. The artwork was designed by DPW staff.

Public area recycling access in Cambridge began as a public/private partnership between the City and Cambridge businesses. Individual businesses paid for a container and the City empties and maintains it. Business partners included Gravestar, Inc in Porter Square, Minuteman Press and the Cambridge Redeveloment Authority in Kendall Square, MacTemps, Inc and Nantucket Nectars in Harvard Square, the Central Square Business Association in Central Square and the Cambridge Water Department at the Fresh Pond Reservation.