Cambridge supports multiple programs that improve energy efficiency, increase renewable energy usage, reduce fossil fuel use, and help make energy more affordable for residents. Visit Clean Energy Cambridge to learn more.
At Home
When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, every little bit helps – including the steps you can take to be sustainable at home. Learn how to do your part by recycling, composting, and urban farming, as well as conserving energy and taking steps to prepare for flooding.
Community Energy Programs
Recycle, Compost, and Reduce Waste
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Recycling is mandatory in Cambridge. The city offers free weekly recycling collection to residential buildings and some small businesses. Find curbside collection schedules.
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Use the Get Rid of It Right Tool to identify how to recycle or dispose of different kinds of waste. Learn about the City's Zero Waste Master Plan and how to reduce your trash, and consider signing up for the Cambridge Recycling newsletter. To learn more about the City’s progress toward its waste reduction goals, visit the Sustainability Dashboard.
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Order a kitchen compost bin and participate in curbside composting, or drop your compost material off at one of several locations across the City.
Conserve Water
- Take steps to reduce your use of water in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and outdoors.
- Use a rain barrel for an additional, free water supply to use on lawns, gardens, or plants by capturing rainwater from the roof for later use.
Urban Agriculture
- View the regulations for henkeeping, and apply for a permit to keep hens.
- Learn about the benefits of beekeeping, and the regulations for keeping bees in Cambridge. Get a permit from the City, and use this guide to get started with beekeeping.
- Join a community garden.
Keep Your Home Safe from Flooding
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Follow the steps in this flyer.
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Use the Cambridge FloodViewer to help understand the risk of flooding to your property, and how to protect against it.
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Use the FEMA flood plain maps to understand whether you are required to carry flood insurance on your property.
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Explore this Flood Risk story map, which explains the causes of flooding.
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Use this Flood Strategy story map to learn ways to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change-driven flood risk on your property.