Cambridge Adopts New Zero Waste Policies to Take Effect in 2027

On August 3, the City Council adopted several new and updated policies to help Cambridge reduce waste, lower trash disposal costs, reduce climate impacts, and address rodent activity.

The changes support goals in the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0, which City Council adopted in June 2025.

The new policies apply to residential and commercial buildings throughout Cambridge and will take effect on February 3, 2027.

What’s Changing?

• Food waste must be kept out of the trash. All residential and commercial buildings will be required to separate food waste from their regular trash. The City offers a free curbside food waste collection program.
  
  
• Large residential and commercial buildings must submit Zero Waste Plans. These plans will help ensure that buildings follow the City’s waste requirements and provide tenants with accessible recycling and waste disposal options.
  
  
• Waste carts must be properly maintained. Residents and property managers who use City waste collection services must label carts with their address, keep lids closed, and request a replacement within 15 days if a cart is broken or damaged by rodents.
  
  

Other Policy Updates

• The Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance has been updated. Plastic bags of any type will no longer be allowed at checkout. Retail stores may only provide paper or compostable bags, and all checkout bags must cost at least 10 cents.
  
  
• Customers must ask for utensils and other disposable items. Under the new “Skip the Stuff” policy, foodservice businesses will only provide items such as napkins, utensils, and condiment packets when customers request them.

The Department of Public Works will launch an outreach and education campaign before the new policies take effect and continue it throughout the first year of implementation. The campaign will help residents, property managers, and businesses understand the changes and what they need to do.

For more information about the new policies and Cambridge’s Zero Waste Master Plan, visit the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 page or contact Cambridge Recycling at recycle@cambridgema.gov.