The City of Cambridge requires that trash, recycling, and compost carts be placed on the sidewalk at 6 p.m. or later on the evening prior to curbside collection day (view ordinance).
If you cannot meet this requirement to wait until 6 p.m. because of a disability, you may be eligible for an exemption granted by the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD). This exemption allows you to bring your carts out to the curb any time on the day before collection. There are no income restrictions for this exemption.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Your disability must prevent you from meeting the 6 p.m. rule.
- For example, you cannot see after dark or your caregiver leaves before 6 p.m. and you are unable to bring your carts out without their help.
- There are no members of your household ages 12 or older who can bring your carts out after 6 p.m.
To request an exemption, please fill out the online form below.
Apply for a 6 p.m. Trash / Recycling / Compost Collection Exemption
Exemption Requirements:
- Sidewalk clearance (36" clear width whenever possible) must be maintained for pedestrians, including those who use wheelchairs, baby carriages, crutches, etc. Please do not allow your carts to block sidewalk access.
- Recycling and trash cart lids must be fully closed before being placed at the curb. Compost carts must be closed and locked.
- The exemption does NOT allow you to bring bagged trash out before collection day. You may place trash bags on the curb before 7 a.m. on collection day.
- You must remove carts from the curb and bring them back onto your property by 6 p.m. on collection day. There is no exemption for bringing your carts in later than that.
CCPD staff will contact you within 5 business days of receiving your application to let you know if you have been approved for an exemption. If you no longer need the exemption, please contact ccpd@cambridgema.gov.