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Trash and recycling bins can be placed curbside after 4 p.m. on the day before your scheduled pickup day, and need to be on the curb no later than 7 a.m. on pickup day. Empty barrels must be removed from the sidewalk by 7 p.m. on trash collection day.
You can view a map showing collection days or enter your address in the box below to find out when your trash and recycling is collected each week.
Collection will be delayed one day following holidays observed by the City of Somerville. View a list of 2024 holidays that will impact trash and recycling collection.
There are some rules and responsibilities all residents and businesses need to keep in mind to make sure the City of Somerville’s trash collection is efficient and effective:
- Consider if item can be reused, recycled, or donated before your throw it in the trash.
- Check the list of items you can place in regular trash below.
- Trash barrels should be placed curbside no later than 7 a.m. on your collection day.
- Trash and recycling bins can be placed curbside after 4 p.m. on the day before your scheduled pickup day.
- Empty barrels must be removed from the sidewalk by 7 p.m. on trash collection day.
- Trash should be stored in covered barrels during the week, but you can remove covers on pickup day to prevent loss or damage.
- Do not place trash bags on the ground or next to your barrels on pickup day. You can place an extra trash bag on top of your barrel once its been placed on the curb for collection.
What can I put out with my regular trash?
These items may disposed of with your regular trash.
- Appliances: Small household appliances including radios, VCRs (including tapes), toasters, irons, etc. can be disposed with regular trash, but please consider dropping them off for Electronics Recycling any weekday at DPW, One Franey Road, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Basketball poles/nets: The pole must be cut down to three feet in length.
- Alkaline batteries: Only regular household alkaline batteries (such as A, AA, C, or D) may be disposed of with regular trash. Rechargeable batteries, button cell batteries, and lithium batteries must be disposed of as Hazardous Waste. Laptop battery packs should be disposed of with Electronic Waste.
- Bicycles
- Camping stoves: The City will pick these up if there is no propane tank attached.
- CDs/DVDs and covers (But please consider dropping them off for Electronics Recycling any weekday at DPW, One Franey Road, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- China/ceramics
- Christmas trees: Place curbside on regular trash day after removing all decorations. Do not place in a plastic bag. Trees picked up through January are mulched. Pick up free mulch through February at DPW yard. Christmas trees are only collected through January. Uncollected trees are the responsibility of the individual.
- Computer accessories: The tower, printer, keyboard, computer laptops, and toner and ink cartridges can be placed with regular trash. But please consider dropping them off for Electronics Recycling any weekday at DPW, One Franey Road, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Doors: Wooden doors must be cut in half. Tape storm doors with glass to prevent shattering. Multiple doors would be considered construction material, which requires private disposal.
- Fans
- Fire Extinguishers: Small, empty household extinguishers can be disposed with regular trash. Larger or non-empty ones (regardless of size) must be brought to the DPW on Hazardous Waste Days.
- Furniture: The City will pickup two pieces of furniture per week. Any mirrors or glass should be taped on both sides to avoid shattering. Drawers and doors should be tied down or removed to avoid injury.
- Glass: Wrap the glass in heavy paper and/or with tape to ensure that it won't break easily. If wrapped in paper, please write on it that it is glass and must be handled with care. (Includes mirrors, tabletop glass etc.)
- Kitty Litter
- Ladders: Wooden and metal ladders may be put out for pickup, but must be broken down into pieces no longer than 4 feet in length.
- Lawnmowers: Non-motorized mowers may be placed with regular trash; motorized mowers must be disposed of privately.
- Medical equipment: Call 311 to arrange a pickup of hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Some of these items can be donated to Council on Aging, if in good condition. To donate, call 311.
- Mattress and box spring (bed bug-infested only): Items must be wrapped in plastic and clearly marked. Note that constituents must contact 311 to schedule the pickup for recycling of non-bed bug-infested mattresses and box springs.
- Microwave ovens (But please consider dropping them off for Electronics Recycling any weekday at DPW, One Franey Road, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Pools: Children's rubber pools may be placed with regular trash; adult, aboveground rubber pools must be cut down to pieces no longer than 3 feet in length and tied with string or twine. Metal pools must be disposed of privately.
- Paint cans: If they are dry and empty, place in regular trash. Non-empty cans must be brought to the DPW on Hazardous Waste Days.
- Pots and pans
- Rugs/carpets: Must be rolled and tied with string/twine. Roll must not exceed three feet in length.
- Sewing machines
- Styrofoam: Peanuts/pellets must be disposed of with regular trash. Do not place in recycling. But please consider saving clean Styrofoam for drop-off at one of our twice-yearly Styrofoam Recycling days.
- Swing sets: A wooden set must be dismantled in order to be picked up. A metal set must be disposed of privately.
- Trash barrels/recycling bins: To dispose of damaged barrels or bins, place a sign indicating that item is broken and you wish to dispose of it.
- Vinyl records
- Wood: Small quantities cut into pieces no longer than 3 feet in length and tied into a bundle with string or twine. Large amounts are considered building/construction materials, which require private disposal.
How do I get a replacement trash cart?
If your city issued trash cart is lost, stolen or damaged, please contact 311. An inspector will attempt to locate the missing cart by its serial number. If cart can’t be located or if cart is damaged beyond repair, a replacement cart will be provided. Note that residential properties with 6 units or less are entitled to one free replacement trash cart per unit. A $50 cart replacement fee will be charged on each additional replacement cart.
How do I report a missed trash pickup?
Missed trash and/or recycling reports must be filed no later than 3:30 PM the day after the scheduled collection. Reports received after the 3:30 PM deadline will not be accepted. Additionally, cart must be brought back into the property and placed out for collection the following week.
How do I dispose of a Christmas tree?
Place curbside on regular trash day after removing all decorations. Do not place in a plastic bag. Trees picked up through January are mulched. Christmas trees are only collected through January. Uncollected trees are the responsibility of the individual.
How do I dispose of ____?
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your regular trash pickup.
The City of Somerville offers single-stream recycling, meaning you do not have to sort your items for recycling pickup. Most household packaging, plastics, papers, and aluminum can go in your City-issued Zero-Sort recycling cart. Smaller recyclable items may be placed in a paper bag/carboard box before being placed in the recycling cart to ensure they don’t get stuck at the bottom of the cart.
What can I recycle with curbside pickup?
What can I recycle with curbside pickup?
Most household packaging, plastics, papers, and aluminum can go in your City-issued Zero-Sort recycling cart. Here's an A to Z list of clean items you can put in your Zero-Sort cart:
- Aerosol cans (metal): Must be empty. Remove cap from can. PLEASE dispose of paints, cleaners, automotive sprays via household hazardous waste drop-off.
- Aseptic packaging: Wax-covered or foiled line containers such as juice boxes
- Aluminum cans
- Aluminum foil: Only completely clean foil can be recycled.
- Books: Paperback only (hardcover books are not recyclable but may be donated or disposed as trash)
- Bottles: Glass bottles and glass containers
- Boxboard and paperboard: Cereal boxes, dry food boxes, paper egg cartons, shoe boxes, tissue boxes, paper towel and toilet paper cores, pizza boxes. PLEASE remove all food waste and remove plastic liners. Large amounts of cardboard boxes must be broken down into 3x3 foot pieces or smaller, bundled up and tied together with twine.
- Cans (metal): Food and beverage cans only. Labels are OK. Place lids in can.
- Cans of compressed gas/air duster: Make sure there is no compressed air left in the can. Once it is empty, puncture the can.
- Cardboard (corrugated): Empty. Staple, tape and labels are OK. NO strapping or string, NO wax-coated cardboard, no paint or oil stains, no foam/Styrofoam packing materials.
- Envelopes and opened mail: White, colored, gummed and window envelopes. Remove non-paper items such as plastic cards or CDs. Labels are OK. NO Tyvek or plastic envelopes or bubblewrap-padded envelopes.
- Egg cartons (except foam)
- Foil: Clean
- Glass: Rinse clean. Food and beverage containers only. NO lightbulbs, window glass, Pyrex, or ceramics.
- Magazines: Staples and labels are OK.
- Newspapers: All sections and advertising inserts. NO plastic wrapping. Do not tie with string.
- Paper (white & colored): Plain and glossy, printed, letterhead, copier paper, brochures, file folders (leave on plastic tabs and metal strips), manila folders, craft paper, index cards, construction paper, non-metallic wrapping paper, tissue paper, cards. Stapels are OK. NO paper towels, facial tissues, stickers, or sticker backing paper.
- Paperback books: Paperback books, phone books, and catalogs. NO hardcovers. NO plastic wrapping.
- Pie pans (aluminum): Clean
- Pizza boxes: Only clean boxes
- Plastics 1-7: Any plastic item numbered 1-7 (look on the bottom for the number), as well as rigid plastics such as plastic toys, plastic chairs, etc. Includes plastic bottles, jugs, containers, dairy tubs (for yogurt), laundry baskets, take-out containers (except for black containers), flower pots and trays. PLEASE NOTE: No foam #6 items can be accepted, nor can filmy products such as plastic bags, utensils, motor oil containers, or biodegradable plastics. While some foam items are labeled as #6 recycleables, they cannot be processed by single stream recycling & must be placed in the trash. Foam packing materials such as bracing and peanuts may be brought to City Styrofoam recycling events, but foam egg cartons and food containers cannot.
- Wrapping paper: Matte, glossy, non-metallic. NO metallic papers.
How do I get a replacement recycling cart?
If your city issued recycling cart is lost, stolen or damaged, please contact 311. An inspector will attempt to locate the missing cart by its serial number. If cart can’t be located or if cart is damaged beyond repair, a replacement cart will be provided. Note that residential properties with 6 units or less are entitled to one free replacement recycling cart per unit. A $50 cart replacement fee will be charged on each additional replacement cart.
How do I report a missed recycling pickup?
Missed trash and/or recycling reports must be filed no later than 3:30 PM the day after the scheduled collection. Reports received after the 3:30 PM deadline will not be accepted. Additionally, cart must be brought back into the property and placed out for collection the following week.
Can I recycle____?
Where does Somerville's recycling go?
Recycling in Somerville is taken to the Casella facility in Charlestown, ensuring that items placed in the blue recycling carts are properly sorted and recycled. Learn more about the recycling process at the Casella facility.
Not sure how to dispose of something?
Use the Somerville Waste Wizard tool to find out.
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In addition to the yard waste collection schedule above, residents may drop off eligible items on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. or between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Yard waste, electronic waste, and tires will be accepted. Note: Yard waste cannot be in plastic bags.
Proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill, is required and must be presented at the guard shack. Drop-off will be open to residents only, not contractors. The City reserves the right to refuse drop-off for any reason.
Where can I get a copy of the Yard Waste & Hazardous Waste Calendar?
You can view the Yard Waste Calendar image below, download the PDF, look up your collection schedule with the Waste Wizard in the tabs above, or check the Trash and Recycling Guide (formerly known as the Environmental Service Guide) we mail to all Somerville households each April. If you would like to have a guide mailed to you, please contact 311 (617-666-3311 outside of Somerville).
What materials are accepted for hazardous waste disposal?
Click below to view a complete list of acceptable items, safe/proper handling instructions, and other household hazardous waste collection event details. Use the Waste Wizard app to search our full list of accepted materials and view the disposal guidelines for each material in more detail.
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Household hazardous waste events
WHEN: The first Saturday of each month, April through November only, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WHERE: DPW Yard, 1 Franey Rd., Somerville, MA 02145
Drop off your electronic waste for recycling at the DPW Yard (1 Franey Rd). Residents may drop off eligible items weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. or between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Proof of residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill, is required and must be presented at the guard shack.
The following items can be recycled as electronic waste:
- Desktop computers and laptops: With keyboard and mouse
- TVs and monitors (no broken glass)
- Electronic cables
- Servers and server racks
- Networking equipment
- Electronic instrumentation
- Printers, copiers, and scanners
- Telephones
- Projectors
- Battery backups
- Electronic and audio equipment
- Toner and ink cartridges
- DVDs, CDs, VHS players
- Household electronics and small appliances such as:
- Blenders
- Microwave ovens
- Irons, toasters, coffee makers
- Most small household items that can be plugged in
Please note: Many device retailers have recycling programs for select electronics, including Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless. The City of Somerville does not endorse any of these options, and residents should be aware that the details of each program differ. Please contact your selected retailer(s) directly for more information.
Large Appliance (White Goods) Recycling
Large appliances require a $25 White Goods Sticker (one sticker per item) that can be purchased online, at the DPW (by check or money order), or at City Hall (by cash, check, credit card, or money order). When placing your white goods, curbside, be sure not to block pedestrian traffic.
- Air Conditioners
- Dryers
- Refrigerators: Remove door before placing item on sidewalk.
- Stoves
- Washers
- Water Coolers (bubblers)
- Water Heaters
Television and Monitor Recycling Pickup:
Call 311 to schedule free, curbside pickup of TVs and computer monitors. Or drop them off at the DPW Yard, One Franey Road (see below). Old TVs or monitors with broken glass will not be accepted for electronic waste recycling.
Private Disposal
These items will not be accepted for disposal by the City and must be disposed of privately:
- Building or construction materials: Toilets, sinks, windows, wood, masonry, siding, shingles etc. must be disposed of privately, unless there is a building permit on display with the green sticker (issued on construction jobs for less than $5,000).
- Business hazardous waste
- Car parts
- Dirt/loam
- Heavy metal items: These include exercise equipment, exercise bikes and metal cabinets.
- Kerosene, gasoline or heating oil
- Lawn mower (motorized)
- Pools (aboveground metal)
- Snow blowers
- Windows: These are considered construction material and will therefore be picked up only if a building permit with green sticker is displayed.
Charitable Donations & Textile Recycling
Please consider donating gently used household items (furniture, clothing, books, etc.) to area charities, including those listed below. When you donate items that are still in usable condition, you are saving money for the city and its taxpayers by reducing bulk waste trash disposal costs and you help local charities serve those in need. At the same time, a donation for reuse is a valuable form of recycling, which helps all of us fulfill our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental quality.
Free Pickup of Clothing and Textiles for Donation and Recycling
The City of Somerville is offering a curbside textile recycling program to residential dwellings that receive curbside recycling and trash from the City (typically buildings with six or fewer units). This program is in addition to available drop boxes for clothing and shoes around the City.
Other Charities
Programs & Initiatives
Members will develop a recommendation to the Mayor on both the location and scope of a renovated or new school to meet the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and potentially the Benjamin G. Brown School.
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