Household Hazardous Waste
Public Works holds up to four Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Days per year for Cambridge residents only. You must bring proof of residency. If you have no proof of residency or are property managers bringing more than 25 pounds or 25 gallons from a Cambridge residential building, please email recycle@cambridgema.gov in advance.
Below are the 2018 dates and locations. All events are from 9am - 1pm.
Accepted Items:
- Batteries: Vehicle & Non-Alkaline
- Car Fluids: Antifreeze, Brake, Engine Degreaser, Transmission
- Car Tires (max four per household)
- Chemicals: Cleaners, Glues, Removers, Photography & Swimming Pool
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fluorescent Light Bulbs
- Mercury Items: Thermometers & Thermostats
- Paints: Oil-Based & Latex
- Poisons: Insecticides, Pesticides & Weed Killers
- Prescription Medicines (also accepted year-round at Police Dept. 125 Sixth St)
- Propane Cylinders (20 lbs. or less only)
- Waste Fuels: Antifreeze, Gasoline, Kerosene, Sterno & Motor Oil (motor oil also accepted year-round at DPW)
Items NOT Accepted:
- NO Alkaline Batteries
- NO Ammunition, Fireworks, Explosives & Road Flares (call Police Explosive Ordinance Unit (Bomb Squad) at 617-349-3300)
- NO Asbestos (requires proper disposal)
- NO Bleach or Ammonia
- NO Commercial/Industrial Waste
- NO Construction Debris
- NO Empty Aerosol Cans
- NO Compressed Gas Cylinders
- NO Infectious or Biological Waste
- NO Radioactive Waste
- NO Smoke Detectors
- NO Syringes (call Health Department at 617-665-3848)
Before visiting the next HHW day, check the Get Rid of It Right tool for how to dispose of your materials.
Can't Make the Next Collection?
- Remember that the Recycling Center accepts some items that are also accepted at HHW events.
- Bring items to Clean Harbors in Braintree, (781) 380-7100, 1 Hill Ave (off Quincy Ave). Small fee per pound. Saturday mornings from May-October. Call for details.
- Bring items to Minuteman Hazardous Waste Facility in Lexington. (781) 862-0500. Fee based on quantity. 8 annual collections, click here for dates.
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