Household Hazardous Waste
The City holds several Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Days every year. 2013 dates are June 8, July 13 and October 19. Each event is from 9am-1pm. Cambridge residents only. You must bring proof of residency.
NEW LOCATION: at Parking Lot on Field Street at Fern Street by Danehy Park.
Email us at recycle@cambridgema.gov to sign up for our monthly eNewsletter.
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
- Fluorescent Light Bulbs*
- Mercury Items: Thermometers & Thermostats*
- Paints: Oil-Based & Latex**
- Poisons: Insecticides, Pesticides & Weed Killers
- Prescription Medicines (also accepted year-round at Police Dpt, 125 Sixth St)
- Propane Cylinders (20 lbs or less only)
- Waste Fuels: Antifreeze, Gasoline, Kerosene & Motor Oil (motor oil also accepted year-round at DPW)
Items NOT Accepted
- NO Alkaline Batteries
- NO Ammunition, Fireworks & Explosives (call Fire Dept 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 Fire Extinguishers
- NO Compressed Gas Cylinders
- NO Infectious or Biological Waste
- NO Radioactive Waste
- NO Smoke Detectors
- NO Syringes (call Health Department at 617.665.3848)
Can't Make the Next Collection?
- * Remember that the Recycling Center accepts non-alkaline batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury items and motor oil.
- ** Cans of latex paint may be dried out and set out for curbside trash collection, with the lids off. Let evaporate outside or add kitty litter to speed drying.
- Ask a neighbor to bring your items to the collection.
- 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. Eight collections per year. Call for details.
How can we help you? I'd like...
Dept of Public Works
147 Hampshire St
Cambridge
MA
02139
Phone:617.349.4800
TDD:617.349.4805
Email Us
Hours of Service
Monday: 8:30am-8pm
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
Friday: 8:30am-12pm
Recycling Center Hours
Tuesday & Thursday: 4:00pm-7:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Ms. Randi Mail
Director of Recycling
617.349.4866
rmail@cambridgema.gov
Cambridge Mobile Apps
Keeping you connected wherever you are. Learn more about Mobile Cambridge