Acceptable materials
All household trash not presently being picked up at curbside for recycling. Recycling is easy and the law in Cambridge. Recyclable items include glass, metal, & plastic containers, paper, cardboard, & yard waste. We also do not pick up household hazardous waste such as paint, chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, tires and car batteries. Alkaline batteries are safe to dispose with household trash as well as dried-out latex paint cans. <<MORE

Placement of receptacles -- time
Trash placed at the curb the night before collection must be in rodent-resistant barrels with tight-fitting lids, no earlier than 6pm. Trash in plastic bags can only be placed at the curb on the day of collection, no later than 7am. Receptacles must be removed from the curb and brought back onto to your property by 6pm of the day your trash is picked up. <<MORE

Furniture Disposal
Help reduce waste, click here for reuse and donation information. Public Works will pick up one piece of furniture per week i.e. soft mattress and box spring, wood filing cabinet, chair, small sofa, carpet (must be rolled up, tied and cut in 5’ lengths, no more than 3 bundles per week) etc. on your regularly scheduled trash day.

Large Appliances
Items such as washers, dryers, stoves, filing cabinets, refrigerators, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers require a sticker for recycling removal. Stickers can be purchased for $20 ($15 for seniors) at Public Works, 147 Hampshire Street during regular business hours. <<MORE

Computer and television disposal
Reduce waste, click here for reuse and donation information. The following items require a sticker for recycling removal: computer monitors and television sets with a diagonal screen length more than 20 inches. Stickers can be purchased for $20 ($15 for seniors) at Public Works, 147 Hampshire Street during regular business hours. <<MORE