Medford's Smarter Waste System

Starting July 1, 2027: Trash Collection Will be Every Other Week

Launching July 1, 2027

561

Days

•

Months Away

Start composting today and get comfortable with it before the switch

Composting Households Enrolled Goal: 19,000

8,121

Households Enrolled

43%

of Goal Reached

2M+

Pounds of Food Waste Diverted

Since the start of Medford's composting program, over 2 million pounds of food waste have been kept out of the trash and turned into garden-ready compost!

$1M+

Annual Collection Savings

Every year

$4.6M

Total Disposal Savings

Through composting & waste reduction

$13M

Total Savings

Over 8 Years

Why Medford Is Making This Change

By planning ahead, we're avoiding bigger challenges that other communities will face

Rising Disposal Costs

Trash disposal costs continue to outpace Medford's budget, proactive measures will allow us to better balance our budget and prevent another override

2030 DEP Waste Ban

Massachusetts DEP has proposed to ban household food waste from trash in 2030 which will have both financial and environmental benefits

Limited Disposal Capacity

Massachusetts waste disposal facilities are at capacity. In fact, 40% of Massachusetts' waste is shipped out of state for disposal due to limited capacity.

Significant Cost Savings for Medford

Moving to every-other-week trash collection will save Medford over $1 million annually in collection costs alone. By reducing collection frequency, diverting food waste to composting, and maximizing recycling, Medford saves on both collection and disposal costs

Medford's Trash Costs - Comparison showing costs with and without the program change

53%

of Medford's trash is recyclable and compostable

By composting food waste and recycling correctly, more than half of what currently goes to trash can be diverted—reducing costs and environmental impact.

Benefits for Our Entire Community

Beyond individual households, this program strengthens Medford

Saves Taxpayer Dollars

Over $1 million in annual trash collection savings protects the City budget as disposal costs rise

Cleaner Air Quality

33% reduction in garbage truck trips improves air quality in residential neighborhoods

Protects Neighborhood Streets

Less heavy truck traffic means less wear and tear on residential streets

Advances Climate Goals

Moves Medford toward Zero Waste as outlined in the City's 2022 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan

Prepares for State Ban

Gets ahead of the proposed 2030 statewide residential food waste disposal ban

Cleaner Recycling Streams

Removing food waste keeps recyclables cleaner, ensuring that those materials can be recycled

Why This Works For You

Significantly Less Smelly Trash

Food waste goes in your weekly compost cart with secure, latching lids - not sitting in your trash

31%

of household waste can be composted - that's the smelly part!

190,000 lbs of compostables could be diverted monthly

Significantly Less Trash

Households who maximize composting and recycling see dramatic waste reduction - most of their trash carts are only half full

53%

potential waste reduction per household through composting

Average cart: ½ full or less

Fewer Pests and Odors

Secure bins with compostable liners help reduce pests and odors - cleaner neighborhoods for everyone

8,000+

Medford households already enrolled and seeing the benefits

Reduced pests, less odor, cleaner trash

Flexible Options for Every Household

Pricing and schedule effective July 1, 2027

FREE

Standard Service

Includes everything most households need

64-gal trash cart (every other week)
96-gal recycling cart (every other week)
12-gal food waste cart (weekly)
20 weeks yard & leaf collection

More Services (if needed)

If you need more capacity

Extra 64-gal trash cart $12/mo
Extra 96-gal recycling cart* $6/mo
Overflow trash bag $2/bag
Extra food waste cart $9/mo

*New rate when every-other-week trash collection starts. Rate is currently $12/mo.

Seniors, low income, and mobility-impaired residents: Please contact City Department of Public Works at (781) 393-2417 to get help to prepare for every-other-week trash collection.

Public Hearing Resources

Watch the recording and review the presentation from our first public meeting

Meeting Recording

Watch the full recording of the December 15, 2025 public hearing

Watch Recording

Meeting Presentation

Download the slide deck presented at the public hearing

View Presentation (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

View Complete FAQ (PDF)

Your New Collection Schedule

Effective July 1, 2027

Food Waste

WEEKLY

12-gallon cart • Collected every week • Free service

Trash

EVERY OTHER WEEK

64-gallon cart • Same day as recycling • Free service

Recycling

EVERY OTHER WEEK

96-gallon cart • Same day as trash • Free service

Yard & Leaf

20 WEEKS PER YEAR

Paper bags, 32-gallon barrels, and bundles • Seasonal • Free service

Are You Ready? Find Out in 3 Steps

Follow this quick guide to see if you're prepared for the transition

Are you composting?

Yes, I compost!

Great! You're already reducing your trash by as much as 31%. Keep it up and you'll be ready for every-other-week trash collection starting July 1, 2027.

✓ You're on track → Continue to Step 2

Not yet

No problem! Sign up today for FREE weekly composting. It's one of the best ways to reduce your trash.

Are you recycling correctly?

Yes, I recycle right!

Excellent! Proper recycling keeps even more out of your trash cart.

✓ You're on track → Continue to Step 3

Not sure

Good news! WM has expanded what you can recycle. Check the updated guide to maximize your recycling.

View Recycling Guide →

Do you have special waste needs?

Common Concerns:

Diapers or pet waste?

Store diapers in sealed diaper pails or odor-control bags. Keep pet waste in a separate, lined, latching bin and add to garbage can the night before your pickup.

Medical waste?

Follow safe disposal practices and store securely between pickups.

Senior, low income, or mobility impaired?

Please contact City Department of Public Works at (781) 393-2417 to get help to prepare for every-other-week trash collection.

Large household?

Additional trash carts are available for $12/month or overflow bags for $2 each.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! If you're unsure how this will work for your household, we have options and people available to assist.

See Click Fix Learn More

You're All Set!

If you're composting and recycling correctly, you're ready for every-other-week trash collection!

Share These Graphics

Click any image to download and share on social media

How to Prepare for July 1, 2027

Three simple steps to make this transition easy

Reduce Wasted Food and Start Composting

Compostables are 31% of trash disposed at the Saugus incinerator by weight, making them one of the largest categories of the state's solid waste stream. Compostables are among the heaviest items in the trash. Explore strategies to reduce wasted food. Composting directly lowers trash disposal costs, which are calculated by weight.

Recycle More and Recycle Right

Not sure how? Check out the Smart Recycling Guide for clear instructions in 12 languages. Here's an easy way to succeed with the new system: recycle your boxes and paper! Since they make up so much of your trash, recycling them will really lighten your load. Pro tip: flatten boxes to fit more in your cart.

View the Smart Recycling Guide →