Cambridge's New Trash Carts
Request the appropriate size and number of trash carts for your needs!
The default distribution is at the highest level - much more than usual usage. Typical Usage, and 35 gal. available by Request Only. Request Your New Trash Carts Today at: CambridgeMA.Gov/Trash Trash Cart Change Form Deadline is May 17th ! Please share this information! Trash bins are on display at Main Library 449 Broadway through May 18th! |
New Trash Carts on display at Main Library 449 Broadway |
Cambridge’s Default Distribution of New Trash Carts Is Unusually Large!
Multiples of 45 - 65 Gal. Trash Carts Will Be Distributed By Default.
More typical 20-35 gal. usage is available by request only!
Special Request the Number & Sizes of Trash Carts to appropriately meet your needs!
Cambridge's Default Distribution of trash carts is set at the highest trash usage level.
This is more than two times typical current usage. The majority of residents who now produce less than 20 gal./ week will likely prefer to take this opportunity to request a 35 gallon bin, or more appropriate combination of trash carts.
Avoid the Issues of Too Many Large Trash Carts:
- Storing oversized carts;
- Hauling a large bin with a little trash weekly (this excess adds up for sanitation workers as well); &
- Wrestling heavy carts over winter’s snow banks, through narrow pathways or on inclines.
Assess Your Trash Needs:
- Volumes are printed on most trash lids. Typically 32 gal.; or 42-50 gal.
- Compare your current trash bin volume with your actual usage. Most residents have significantly downsized their trash by utilizing recycling, yard waste, composting and other conservation measures.
- City-wide Data Indicate that the number of residential units producing Less than 32 gal. of trash / week has increased from 75% in 2018*, to above 90% in 2022**!
- Trash volumes usually decrease as the number of units per building increases.
- Trash carts should accommodate normal trash fluctuations. Plastic bags are accepted for moving & rare use.
- Please use green compost bins for food scraps; and always close the trash cart lid completely to deter rodents!
Sample Trash Cart Distribution for More Typical Usage - By Request Only:
Single Family Houses: One 35 gal. cart
Two Family Houses: One 45 gal. cart; or two 35 gal. carts
Three Family Houses: Two 45 gal. carts; or three 35 gal. carts
Caution: 65 Gallon carts are the size of Recycle Bins. Consider injury / liability when filled with trash at 100-300 lbs.
New Trash Carts are on Display:
At the Main Library on 449 Broadway.
Pick up your compost bags and yard waste stickers while they last!
Request the appropriate size and number of trash carts for your needs. Trash usage, and preferences vary.
Request Your New Trash Carts Today at:
CambridgeMA.Gov/Trash
Trash Cart Change Form
Deadline is May 17th !
More Cambridge PSAs:
Many Waste Reduction Services in Cambridge help protect the environment and reduce costs.
Compost, Yard Waste, Recycling, Textile, Mattresses, Recycle Center, Hazardous Waste...
Cambridge's Popular Curbside Food Scrap Composting Offers:
- Free set up materials and weekly curbside collection, making it easy to get started.
- Thicker, latching compost bins that are nearly rodent proof!
- A disposal process which captures/reduces the potent greenhouse gas methane; and makes fertilizer!
- Trash reduction (typically 1-20 gal. trash/week/unit) with huge environmental advantages and cost savings.
- Practical advantages over stinky trash with nearly 100% adoption in some neighborhoods!
Kudos to the majority of Cambridge residents that already participate! Boston will also start curbside composting soon.
Composting supplies are also available when Requesting Trash Carts.
This is an important step for a more sustainable future!
What to do with Current Trash Bins? Consider repurposing or reuse options - yard waste stickers are available; or find new owners through buy nothing, craigslist, facebook marketplace etc. The city will recycle bins left out for collection - check FAQ's for your date. Sign up below for an email update on reuse options to be sent out in June.
* Zero Waste Master Plan ZWMP
** Cambridge City-Wide Trash Volume Survey of 4/22 CCTVS22
Multiples of 45 - 65 Gal. Trash Carts Will Be Distributed By Default.
More typical 20-35 gal. usage is available by request only!
Special Request the Number & Sizes of Trash Carts to appropriately meet your needs!
Cambridge's Default Distribution of trash carts is set at the highest trash usage level.
This is more than two times typical current usage. The majority of residents who now produce less than 20 gal./ week will likely prefer to take this opportunity to request a 35 gallon bin, or more appropriate combination of trash carts.
Avoid the Issues of Too Many Large Trash Carts:
- Storing oversized carts;
- Hauling a large bin with a little trash weekly (this excess adds up for sanitation workers as well); &
- Wrestling heavy carts over winter’s snow banks, through narrow pathways or on inclines.
Assess Your Trash Needs:
- Volumes are printed on most trash lids. Typically 32 gal.; or 42-50 gal.
- Compare your current trash bin volume with your actual usage. Most residents have significantly downsized their trash by utilizing recycling, yard waste, composting and other conservation measures.
- City-wide Data Indicate that the number of residential units producing Less than 32 gal. of trash / week has increased from 75% in 2018*, to above 90% in 2022**!
- Trash volumes usually decrease as the number of units per building increases.
- Trash carts should accommodate normal trash fluctuations. Plastic bags are accepted for moving & rare use.
- Please use green compost bins for food scraps; and always close the trash cart lid completely to deter rodents!
Sample Trash Cart Distribution for More Typical Usage - By Request Only:
Single Family Houses: One 35 gal. cart
Two Family Houses: One 45 gal. cart; or two 35 gal. carts
Three Family Houses: Two 45 gal. carts; or three 35 gal. carts
Caution: 65 Gallon carts are the size of Recycle Bins. Consider injury / liability when filled with trash at 100-300 lbs.
New Trash Carts are on Display:
At the Main Library on 449 Broadway.
Pick up your compost bags and yard waste stickers while they last!
Request the appropriate size and number of trash carts for your needs. Trash usage, and preferences vary.
Request Your New Trash Carts Today at:
CambridgeMA.Gov/Trash
Trash Cart Change Form
Deadline is May 17th !
More Cambridge PSAs:
Many Waste Reduction Services in Cambridge help protect the environment and reduce costs.
Compost, Yard Waste, Recycling, Textile, Mattresses, Recycle Center, Hazardous Waste...
Cambridge's Popular Curbside Food Scrap Composting Offers:
- Free set up materials and weekly curbside collection, making it easy to get started.
- Thicker, latching compost bins that are nearly rodent proof!
- A disposal process which captures/reduces the potent greenhouse gas methane; and makes fertilizer!
- Trash reduction (typically 1-20 gal. trash/week/unit) with huge environmental advantages and cost savings.
- Practical advantages over stinky trash with nearly 100% adoption in some neighborhoods!
Kudos to the majority of Cambridge residents that already participate! Boston will also start curbside composting soon.
Composting supplies are also available when Requesting Trash Carts.
This is an important step for a more sustainable future!
What to do with Current Trash Bins? Consider repurposing or reuse options - yard waste stickers are available; or find new owners through buy nothing, craigslist, facebook marketplace etc. The city will recycle bins left out for collection - check FAQ's for your date. Sign up below for an email update on reuse options to be sent out in June.
* Zero Waste Master Plan ZWMP
** Cambridge City-Wide Trash Volume Survey of 4/22 CCTVS22