Medford's Smarter Waste System
Starting July 1, 2027: Trash Collection Will be Every Other Week
Launching July 1, 2027
511
Days
•
17
Months Away
Start composting today and get comfortable 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!
$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
Rising Disposal Costs
Trash disposal costs outpace Medford's budget, proactive measures prevent another override
2030 DEP Waste Ban
Massachusetts DEP proposed to ban household food waste in 2030
Limited Disposal Capacity
Massachusetts facilities at capacity. 40% of waste shipped out of state
Significant Cost Savings
Every-other-week collection saves $1 million annually
53%
of Medford's trash is recyclable and compostable
Benefits for Our Community
Beyond individual households, this program strengthens Medford
Saves Taxpayer Dollars
Over $1 million in annual savings protects the City budget
Cleaner Air Quality
33% reduction in truck trips improves air quality
Protects Streets
Less heavy truck traffic means less wear on streets
Advances Climate Goals
Moves Medford toward Zero Waste goals
Prepares for State Ban
Gets ahead of 2030 food waste ban
Why This Works For You
Less Smelly Trash
Food waste goes in weekly compost cart with secure lids
31%
can be composted - the smelly part!
Less Trash
Most trash carts only half full
53%
waste reduction through composting
Fewer Pests
Secure bins reduce pests and odors
8,000+
households already enrolled
Flexible Options
Effective July 1, 2027
FREE
Standard Service
- • 64-gal trash (every other week)
- • 96-gal recycling (every other week)
- • 12-gal food waste (weekly)
- • 20 weeks yard & leaf collection
More Services
- Extra trash cart$12/mo
- Extra recycling cart$6/mo
- Overflow bag$2/bag
- Extra food cart$9/mo
Seniors, low income, mobility-impaired: Contact DPW at (781) 393-2417
Public Hearing Resources
Watch recordings and review presentations
Your New Collection Schedule
Effective July 1, 2027
Food Waste
WEEKLY
12-gal cart • Free
Trash
EVERY OTHER WEEK
64-gal cart • Free
Recycling
EVERY OTHER WEEK
96-gal cart • Free
Yard & Leaf
20 WEEKS/YEAR
Seasonal • Free
Are You Ready? 3 Steps
Follow this guide to prepare
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How to Prepare for July 1, 2027
Three simple steps
1
Start Composting
Compostables are 31% of trash by weight. Composting lowers disposal costs.
Sign up for FREE composting →2
Recycle Right
Check the Smart Recycling Guide. Flatten boxes to fit more in your cart.
View Recycling Guide →What Goes Where?
Compost Cart (12 Gal)
- • Food scraps & leftovers
- • Coffee grounds & filters
- • Fruit & vegetable peels
- • Eggshells & nutshells
- • Food-soiled paper
- • Paper towels & napkins
Trash Cart (64 Gal)
- • Diapers & hygiene products
- • Pet waste
- • Plastic film & bags
- • Broken items
- • Non-recyclable packaging
- • Styrofoam
Recycling Cart (96 Gal)
- • Paper & cardboard (clean)
- • Glass bottles & jars
- • Metal cans
- • Plastic bottles & containers
- • Clean packaging
- • Empty & dry only!
We Want to Hear from You
Have questions or concerns? We're here to help.
Join Medford's Waste Reduction Movement
Sign up for FREE composting
Over 8,000 Medford households have already joined!
Be part of Medford's vision for every-other-week trash collection
Questions? See Click Fix