The DPW Recycling Center is open on Tuesdays & Saturdays ONLY. Due to COVID-19, there are extra safety protocols being implemented. Please review the changes here.
About the Recycling Center
The Recycling Center, located at 147 Hampshire St. in the back right corner of the Public Works yard, is open to all Cambridge residents looking for a safe and efficient way to dispose of items that cannot be recycled curbside.
The hours of operation are:
Tuesdays, 4PM-7:30PM
Saturdays, 9AM-4PM
Get Rid of It Right
To determine how an item in your household can be disposed, please use our "Get Rid of It Right" tool below.
Accepted Items:
- Batteries
- Books and 3-Ring Binders
- Cans and Bottles
- Cardboard and Paper
- Cell Phones
- Flags
- Metal Items - no sealed containers, no appliances
- Motor Oil - secured in a container with a tight cap
- Plastic Bags - No cling wrap or food bags (from pre-washed veggies). No bags with excess paint or glue. No compostable bags.
- Large plastics like laundry baskets and pails
- Printer Cartridges
- Small Appliances and Electronics - No computers or TVs
- String Lights
- Swap Shelf Items - Household goods in good condition like dishes, glasses, utensils, toys, picture frames, jewelry, etc. No food, hazardous waste, baby items, car seats, sports equipment, toiletries, CDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes or candles
Businesses and Non-Profits
The Center is open to Cambridge residents only and small businesses and non-profit organizations in Cambridge with 50 employees or less. Dozens of items are accepted for safe and efficient disposal, but businesses and nonprofits may only bring:
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Single-stream recyclables (paper, cardboard, cans, and bottles)
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Fluorescent bulbs
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Plastic film (for special recycling)
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Scrap metal