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Curbside Collection Bins

Recycling

Public Works

Blue Cart Recycling

Cambridge offers free weekly recycling collection to residential buildings and some small businesses. Recycling is mandatory in Cambridge; items on the curbside recycling list are banned from disposal as trash in Massachusetts.

The recycling program is primarily for:

  • Metal cans and foil
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Plastic containers
  • Paper and cardboard.

Get Rid of It Right

Wondering if an item can go in curbside recycling? Use the Get Rid of It Right tool below to determine how to best get rid of your waste. Or, download and print our Recycling Flyer.

Get Rid of It Right

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Important Tips:

  • Place items loose in the recycle cart. Do not bag recyclables.
  • No food or liquids. Lightly rinse containers.
  • Flatten cardboard to help make it more manageable. If you have cardboard that won’t fit in the cart, nest it inside a larger box and place it next to the recycle cart.
  • Use this form to request flyers, recycle cart labels, and other resources

Do NOT place these items in your recycle cart. Use the Get Rid of It Right tool for proper disposal:

  • Electronics
  • Clothing & Textiles (rugs, towels, curtains, etc)
  • Plastic bags & Plastic film (air pillows from package deliveries, plastic wrap, shrink wrap)
  • Clothes Hangers
  • Straps, Cables & Hoses
  • Pots/ Pans/ Scrap Metal
  • Paper Takeout Containers, Paper towels, Napkins, & Paper Plates
Recycling carts containing items that are not accepted may be rejected. Use the Get Rid of It Right tool above if you are unsure if an item can be recycled. 

 

Recycling Contamination - Learn what you can do to help reduce contamination

 

Additional Information

Multi-family properties are responsible for making sure residents have the collection containers and information to maximize recycling. Use this form to request flyers, recycle cart labels, and other resources. Recycling information should be distributed annually. Contact us for technical assistance, such as a site visit or a presentation for your residents: recycle@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4800.

Curious about what happens after your recycling is picked up? It's taken to Casella Recycling in Charlestown. Watch this video to see how the sorting happens.

Curbside recycling and compost collection are available to some small businesses. Technical assistance to help small businesses with waste diversion is also available. Email recycle@cambridgema.gov for more information.

The Recycling Advisory Committee meets 10 times per year to advise and support the City on its waste diversion efforts. To view their meeting minutes please click here.

To go back to the main waste collections webpage, click here.

 

Page was posted on 11/14/2019 2:01 PM
Page was last modified on 1/6/2025 7:42 PM
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