• Replace trash bags on sidewalks in Squares with containers (carts or dumpsters)
• Increase recycling and composting to reduce the volume of trash in the Squares
• Reduce rodent attractants and ensure we maintain and improve public health
• Be a more fair and consistent application of the municipal collection contract

Call the City Department of Public Works office at (781) 393-2417 if you need assistance.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling and food waste reduction assistance program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and delivered under contract by CET that helps businesses and institutions reduce waste and maximize recycling, reuse, and food recovery opportunities. RecyclingWorks is available to businesses in Business Districts within the City of Medford to ensure that the transition to private service maximizes opportunities to recycle, reuse, and compost. Technical assistance through RecyclingWorks is one step of the WM sign-up process. However, any business can access technical assistance. To contact RecyclingWorks directly, email heather.billings@cetonline.org or info@recyclingworksma.com

Download a printable version of the 2-page fact sheet that includes key information about changes to waste and recycling in the Squares

As of May 1, 2025, Official City Green Trash Bags are no longer permitted for use in the Squares. All trash must be placed in carts or dumpsters for collection. The list of all haulers permitted to provide regular collection service in Medford is here.

Medford Permitted Waste & Recycling Haulers – If you want to shop around for collection service, the haulers included in the list are permitted for the regular collection of trash and recycling in the City of Medford.

Shared Services Agreement Template– Businesses with small amounts of material to manage or space constraints can decide to share trash, recycling, and food scrap services with each other. They do not have to be exactly the same type or size of business, but will agree on their fair share of use and fair share of cost. We prepared this sample agreement for you to use to define the terms of your shared services agreement.

 

Basic Information

Do businesses in the Squares need to pay for their own trash service now?

Yes, starting January 1, 2025, businesses in the Squares were expected to begin paying for their own trash service for all bags, carts, and dumpsters. In the past, the City’s trash contractor (WM) collected trash from some businesses at no cost to the businesses, but not from others. To be fair and to provide an incentive to reduce waste, the City is working to have all Medford businesses (except the smallest located in residential areas) to cover the cost of their own trash collection services. This means businesses in Squares that previously received services at no cost to the businesses began the transition to start paying for those services on January 1, 2025. The City has assisted businesses with the transition by helping identify efficient and cost-effective collection solutions. As of May 1, 2025, bagged trash is no longer allowed on sidewalks. All trash must be set out for collection in carts or dumpsters.

 

Which Medford Squares are subject to the changes in the City’s waste and recycling system? 

Medford Square, West Medford Square, Hillside, South Medford Square, and Haines Square. Those five Squares historically received weekly trash collection of bagged trash under the City’s collection contract with WM. 

 

Do businesses have to start recycling? If so, which businesses, why, and when?

Yes, all businesses are required to recycle. The City of Medford adopted a commercial recycling requirement in 1992 with Ordinance No. 568. Page 5, Chapter 39A Section C defines “commercial establishments” and “recipients of solid waste services.” Section D is titled “Mandatory Separation of Acceptable Recyclable Materials.” Section F describes that recyclables must be “separated and prepared” for collection. 

 

The revised solid waste ordinance requires trash haulers to also provide recycling to any customer to whom they provide trash collection unless the customer can provide evidence that they have recycling service through another hauler. The hauler requirement follows the MassDEP waste disposal regulations to keep recyclable materials out of the trash. That requirement will help businesses all over Medford comply with the recycling mandate. The City began enforcing both the commercial recycling requirement and the hauler recycling service requirement starting on May 1, 2025.

 

Do businesses have to start composting? If so, which businesses, why, and when? 

There is no composting requirement in the Medford solid waste ordinance. However, MassDEP requires any commercial establishment that generates more than 1/2 ton of food scraps per week to have composting service now. RecyclingWorks can help food service businesses in Medford’s Squares determine if this requirement applies to them. Source separating food scraps for high volume food scraps generators can save money on trash collection costs, reduce problems with rats, and support the City’s climate and sustainability goals. WM and other haulers may charge extra fees for businesses with very heavy, food-laden trash. Garbage to Garden is the City’s residential composting hauler and offers commercial services with rates for Medford businesses that generate large amounts of food scraps and other compostable materials. Call Garbage to Garden at 617-977-4547 for more details and to request a quote for commercial composting service. 

 

What does this mean for my business’s waste operations? 

To improve the cleanliness of our Squares, bagged trash is no longer allowed on sidewalks. All trash must be set out for collection in carts or dumpsters. Many communities on the East Coast are heading in this direction to reduce problems associated with rats and litter. Most notably, in March 2024, New York City implemented a requirement that all businesses in the City containerize all trash.

 

What is containerization? 

Containerization means putting all the trash into carts or larger dumpsters for collection instead of plastic bags on sidewalks. Containerization looks different from one property to another and one business to another. Appropriately sized carts might work for some small businesses. Large shared dumpsters might work for properties with multiple tenants and outside space for dumpsters. This document shows some sample container sizes. There is not necessarily a standard size and each hauler will have its own styles and types available. However, the samples give a sense of the space that would be required for placement and storage. The containers would likely be provided by the hauler that the businesses/properties select to provide collection service.

 

Why do Squares need to use containers for trash? Wasn’t the bag system working fine? 

The containerized collection has eliminated trash bags on sidewalks and has created a cleaner, more efficient system with access to recycling for all Square businesses. The old trash bag collection system attracted rats and contributed to litter. The transition to containers has addressed these nuisances for the benefit of all.

 

What will I need to pay for and who will I need to pay?

All businesses must arrange for their own trash and recycling collection services. Businesses within multi-unit buildings should discuss with the property manager or owner the most efficient and effective system for their building. 

 

What do I have to do and when do I have to do it? 

These changes are required now. Visit the Timeline section of this web page for details.

 

I thought trash pickup was included in my rent. 

That’s a discussion with your landlord. Many landlords do not include trash pickup in rent because the type and quantity varies with the type of business. A good place to start is to check your lease agreement.

 

I thought trash pickup was included in my taxes. 

Trash pickup is not included in commercial property taxes. Historically, some businesses received service while others did not. To have a fairer and more transparent system, the City is transitioning the majority of businesses in Medford to private services. Some businesses are located in residential areas serviced by residential trucks. If a business is in a building under 2500 sq ft and generates resident-like amounts of trash, it will continue to receive service to maintain an efficient collection system and to reduce truck traffic. Those “resident-like” businesses are subject to review and approval by DPW. Massachusetts municipalities typically do not support private enterprises by paying for trash collection. Proper waste management is a cost of doing business.

 

 

WM COLLECTION SERVICE OPTION

 

Are there negotiated commercial rates for businesses in the Squares? 

Yes, there are negotiated commercial rates for businesses in the Squares. Those businesses can receive trash and recycling collection services through WM using the commercial rates the City negotiated with WM in its new contract. View the rates on the Squares Fact Sheet. Businesses in the Squares are not required to use WM and can compare those rates with services from other permitted haulers in Medford. The City’s WM contract includes a 3.5% increase for cart service and 5% increase for dumpster service each year on July 1. Businesses can also contact Garbage to Garden, the City’s residential compost collection contractor, to inquire about Medford rates for commercial compost collection. Food scrap separation for composting can reduce trash volume and odor in your trash cart. If you aren’t sure if your business is in a business district, click here for a map of Medford’s business districts. Zooming in shows the detail of which businesses are included. 

 

How do I sign up for WM service for trash and/or recycling? 

Call the City Department of Public Works office at (781) 393-2417 if you have a business located in a Square and you want to sign up with WM. 

 

How long are the WM rates good for? 

The WM negotiated rates will increase annually on July 1 by 3.5% for cart service and 5% for dumpster service. The contract term will be one year and your WM contract will automatically renew at the new rates if you take no action. If you would like to cancel your service, you must notify WM 90 days prior to your contract renewal date.

 

Will there be any other charges on my WM invoice? 

Variable fuel and environmental fees are included on dumpster service, but not on cart service. Other possible fees can include fees for extra pickups, overfilled containers, or contaminated trash and/or recycling containers. Be sure to educate yourself on the fees when you set up your service.

 

My business is seasonal. Can I make adjustments to my WM service? 

Yes, once you establish an account with WM, you will be able to contact them directly to make changes according to your needs. You will also be able to schedule extra pickups, but make sure you understand the costs of any services you request before requesting them as some services are quite expensive.

 

What does shared service mean and how do I set it up fairly? 

Businesses with small amounts of material to manage or space constraints can decide to share trash, recycling, and food scrap services with each other. They do not have to be exactly the same type or size of business, but will agree on their fair share of use and fair share of cost. A sample Shared Services Agreement is linked here and can also be found in the Resources section of this web page. Shared services can be arranged with any permitted hauler, not just with WM.

 

Will WM provide carts or do I have to buy my own? 

If you sign up for service with WM, they will provide carts for your service. 

 

How will WM know whose carts are whose? There are several businesses in my building and/or residents live upstairs from my business. 

WM will have a route sheet to know who has contracted service and how many carts to pick up for each account. WM will put a "paid cart" sticker on each cart associated with an account and track the carts by serial number.

 

What if the carts get dirty and smelly? 

Over time that may happen. You can spray down the inside of your cart with disinfectant from your business and it will be dumped on the next pickup. Do not dump out wash water on the ground as water that goes into the City stormwater system drains into the Mystic River and other local water bodies such as Wrights Pond.

 

What are the dimensions of the WM carts? 

The 64-gallon cart is 26 inches wide, 28 inches deep, and 41 inches tall. The 96-gallon cart is 28 inches wide, 33 inches deep, and 45 inches tall. 

 

What about dumpsters? 

Dumpsters can be a way to reduce the area needed for collection containers. Here is some trash math: 1 cubic yard is 200 gallons, so a 2-yard dumpster would fit the contents of about twelve 32-gallon barrels, six 64-gallon carts, or four 96-gallon carts. Dumpsters are available in multiple sizes and are best for out-of-the-way locations like alleys and storage areas if those spaces are available to your business.

 

I don’t have space for carts or dumpsters. What can I do?

With permission you can use City-owned space (e.g., sidewalks, parking lots, or rights-of-way) to put carts or dumpsters. Contact the DPW office at (781) 393-2417 to discuss your situation.

 

What if I have questions about my WM bill?  

Each business will have its own WM account number and will contact WM directly with any questions. More information on how to contact WM will be provided by WM. 

 

I have a business located in a Square and am ready to set up collection service with WM. What should I do?

Call the City Department of Public Works office at (781) 393-2417.

 

 

RECYCLING & COMPOSTING

 

What items can I recycle? 

You can recycle cardboard, boxboard, newspaper, office paper, metal plastic and glass bottles, cans, jars, and tubs. RecycleSmart guide shows what is accepted. The RecycleSmart Recyclopedia is a database with recycling information on hundreds of items. WM will put a sticker on the recycling carts that looks similar to this.

 

Does each business need to have both a trash and a recycling container? 

Not necessarily. Recycling must be separated from trash and collected separately. That will require separate containers for trash and recycling. Depending on the containerization solution, businesses may separate trash and recycling into their own containers, possibly carts, or into containers shared with their neighbors, possibly carts or dumpsters. Recycling is required and reduces the amount of trash for pickup. Your hauler must be able to document that it or another hauler is providing recycling services to your business (even under a shared service arrangement) in order to renew its license with the City of Medford.

 

What if a lot of what my business throws out is food and food-soiled paper?

Garbage to Garden is the City’s residential composting hauler and offers commercial services with affordable rates for Medford businesses that generate large amounts of food scraps and other compostable materials. Call Garbage to Garden at 617-977-4547 for more details and to request a quote for commercial composting service. Reminder: a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulation requires businesses that generate over 1/2 ton of food scraps per week to reduce, donate, or divert that food material from disposal.

 

 

RESIDENT-LIKE BUSINESSES

 

Are there negotiated commercial rates for businesses OUTSIDE of the Squares? 

The only negotiated commercial rates for businesses OUTSIDE of the Squares are for City-approved Resident-Like Businesses. WM is the contracted hauler for residential and municipal trash and recycling and Garbage to Garden is the contracted hauler for food scraps. There are other haulers that are permitted to work in Medford. The list of all haulers permitted to provide regular collection service in Medford is here.

 

What is a Resident-Like Business and how does one get approved by the City?

Some businesses are located in residential areas and historically have been included in the City’s residential trash and recycling collection service. To support the City’s goal of equity and efficiency in the new system, the City now has eligibility criteria for receiving City service. A Resident-Like Business is a stand-alone building of 2500 sq ft or smaller, located outside of a Business District, houses a single business, and requires a similar level of collection service as a resident. That level of collection service is one 64-gallon trash cart weekly and one 96-gallon recycling cart every other week. Resident-Like Businesses are included in the City’s residential trash and recycling collection service at no charge to the business. This designation helps create efficient collection routes and reduces the number of trucks in Medford’s residential areas. If your business meets the criteria described above, contact the DPW office at (781) 393-2417 for more information. If a business is not in a building under 2500 sq ft, that business must contact a hauler for commercial service. The list of all haulers permitted to provide regular collection service in Medford is here.

 

What is resident-like service? 

At this time, if a business meets the eligibility criteria described above that business can receive one 64-gallon trash cart weekly and one 96-gallon recycling cart every other week at no cost. If a business does not meet the eligibility criteria, that business must contact a hauler for commercial service. The list of all haulers permitted to provide regular collection service in Medford is here. Contact the DPW office at (781) 393-2417 for more information.

 

What if my business meets the Resident-Like Business requirements, but I need an extra cart or more?

After getting a first set of carts at no charge, a Resident-Like Business may subscribe to the negotiated monthly rate of $23.20 for an additional 64-gallon trash cart and $10.35 for an additional 96-gallon recycling cart. Trash collection occurs weekly and recycling collection occurs every other week. At this time there is no set limit to the number of additional carts allowed. However, the City may place a limit on the number of additional carts a Resident-Like Business may lease to continue to be considered resident-like.

 

 

CONTAINER SECURITY

 

How can I keep unauthorized people from using my trash and recycling container? 

Securing carts and dumpsters from unauthorized use is best handled by a locking device or fencing. 

 

Will rats get into my containers? 

Keeping lids closed on containers is a best practice for keeping rats out. When a cart or dumpster lid is propped or flipped open, that’s easy access for critters. NYC experienced a 60 percent reduction in rat sightings by moving from bags to containers in a recent pilot program. The City of Cambridge, where the same type of locking carts for compost that are approved by the Medford Board of Health are used, states here that “placing food into locking compost carts is better than trash carts for controlling rodents.”

 

What if other people put their trash in with mine? Currently I see mattresses and other items dropped off in my area by random people. 

The City will try to help identify and prosecute illegal dumping. If you are in an area that seems to be a repeated dumping ground, contact DPW and they may be able to set up monitoring cameras.

 

OTHER 

 

My business or condominium is not located in a business district, what do I do? 

Call WM or another permitted hauler for service options. The list of all haulers permitted to provide regular collection service in Medford is here.

 

What if I have a question that’s not addressed here? 

Call the DPW office at (781) 393-2417.