Trash Ordinance Exemption

The City of Cambridge requires that trash, recycling, compost bins be placed on the side walk at 6 p.m. or later on the evening prior to curbside collection day (view ordinance).

If you are a Cambridge resident with disabilities that prevent you from following this ordinance, you can apply for an Exemption from 6 p.m. Regulation for Placing Trash and Recycling on the Curb. This will allow trash and recycling bins to be placed at your curbside by someone else before 6 p.m. the day before regular curbside collection.

Eligibility

• Must be a Cambridge homeowner
• The head of your household must depend on an outside person (friend, neighbor, or relative) to place trash barrels at the curbside.
• Medical verification of your disability may be required to process the request.

How to Apply

• Complete the Exemption from 6 p.m. Regulation for Placing Trash and Recycling on the Curb application (PDF)
• Return the completed application to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), 51 Inman St. 2nd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139. You can also email the completed form to ccpd@cambridgema.gov. 

Please note: it may take up to 10 business days for your application to be processed by CCPD and the Department of Public Works.