Department of Public Works (DPW)

The Medford DPW is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of the City, its municipal buildings and resources, and its citizens. DPW staff are available seven days per week to respond to and proactively address needs of the community as they pertain to municipal services and responsibilities.

The Medford DPW is responsible for the general maintenance of all public spaces in the City, including preparedness for seasonal weather, repairs, installation and maintenance of public safety systems and resources, and health and cleanliness of City spaces and services. These goals are accomplished by staff and operations under six separate divisions:

• Cemetery
• Engineering
• Facilities
• Forestry
• Highway
• Parks

The DPW is responsible for a variety of City services including:

• Collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste
• Snow and ice removal
• Street sweeping
• General maintenance of public streets and sidewalks, and maintenance of pavement markings
• Maintenance of City-owned parks and open spaces
• Maintenance, removal, and planting of public trees
• Anti-graffiti efforts
• Stormwater system management and drainage repair\Fabrication and installation of signage on public streets and sidewalks

Street sweeping

The City of Medford conducts street sweeping in two ways:

1. Main Roads (also called “main drags”). Main streets and major roadways are swept twice per week beginning on April 1 each year. (See information below)

2. Public side streets and secondary roads. Secondary/side streets are swept twice per year, once in the spring (typically in May) and once in the fall (typically in November).

To see all street sweeping information and schedules: 

Visit here

Paint shed program

The City hosts a special paint disposal event seasonally at the DPW Yard on James St. Check back here for updates.

We accept latex and oil-based paint only. All cans must be clearly labeled. Five gallons max per household.

The paint shed is located at the DPW yard, 21 James Street.

The paint shed is open from 9am-noon. 2023 dates:

• April 22
• May 20
• June 10
• September 16
• October 14

For all snow information visit: Snow Policies

The City’s trash + recycling pickup is conducted by Waste Management. To reach them directly: Call 800-972-4545 or visit https://www.wm.com/us

• 2023 Waste Management Trash & Recycling Schedule
• Recycling Information
• Street Lists
• Curbside Composting Program
• Recycling Compactor
  • VIDEO: What to do if the compactor is full

The City is holding a Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 9am-1pm. Please see below for the full list of acceptable and unacceptable items.

The following fees will be collected for disposals: $30.00 for ¼ trunk load, $35.00 for ½ trunk load and $60.00 for a full trunk load. Checks will be the only accepted form of payment. 

Click here to see the full network of open household hazardous waste events in Massachusetts this year.

• Acceptable Items: 
  • General Household Materials 
    • Acids (corrosives) 
    • Chemistry set (labeled hazardous) 
    • Fiberglass resins 
    • Fluorescent bulbs (must be in container that allows safe travel) 
    • Furniture, floor, and/or metal polish 
    • Hobby supplies (flammable/labeled hazardous)
    •  Photography chemicals 
    • Rechargeable batteries 
    • Solvent adhesives 
    • Wood preservatives
  • Lawn and Garden Materials 
    • Cesspool cleaners (corrosives) 
    • Flammable liquids/gasoline 
    • Fire starters 
    • Fungicides 
    • Herbicides 
    • Insecticides 
    • Pesticides 
    • Poisons 
    • Pool chemicals
  • Automotive Products 
    • Brake fluid 
    • Carburetor cleaner 
    • Solvents and degreasers 
    • Motor Oil 
    • Transmission fluid 
    • Waste fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.)
  • Other Materials 
    • Chlorine bleach 
    • Drain cleaners 
    • Hair dye 
    • Lighter fluids 
    • Oven cleaners 
    • Toilet cleaners
• Unacceptable Items:
  • Ammunitions 
  • Commercial hazardous waste 
  • Construction waste/building materials 
  • Explosives 
  • Gas cylinders 
  • Infectious or biological wastes 
  • Medications 
  • Radioactive materials 
  • Syringes
  • Bulky plastic items 
  • Computers 
  • Microwaves 
  • Televisions 
  • Tires 
  • Latex Paint

Learn more about hazardous household items here.

• 2021 Pavement Evaluation + Report
• Pavement Report Executive Summary
• 2021 Sidewalk Evaluation + Report
• Sidewalk Report Executive Summary
• Lead Service Replacement Program
• Traffic & Transportation Projects 
• 2017 Complete Streets Projects

• IPM Plan Template for Rodent Control
• Site Plan and As-Built Requirements (PDF)
• Minimum Site Plan Requirements
• Application for Sidewalk Occupancy (PDF)
• Application for Drain Layer’s License
• Notice of new trench regulation (PDF)
• Licensed drain-layer list
• Tapping Fees
• Trench permit