Fiscal Year 2018 City Budget: Curbside Organics Expansion

The passage of the FY18 City Budget included a $1 million request for expanding the curbside organics program. We expect to divert more than 2,000 tons of food waste and compostable papers (i.e. food-soiled napkins and paper towels) in the first year after expansion takes place in Spring 2018.

Quick Facts:

  • Approximately 40% of trash in Cambridge is food waste or compostables, making this program a great opportunity to divert waste and control trash costs.

  • All 1-12 unit buildings with City trash service will be eligible for the expansion. All 13+ unit buildings with City trash will likely be included in the 2019 expansion. 

  • Households served will increase from 5,000 to 25,000.
  • More than 500 tons of food scraps have been composted in the Monday trash collection route since October 2015.
More information and news will be shared in the coming months.
DPW Commissioner Awards

Meryl Brott, Recycling Program Manager, was the recipient of the 2017 Commissioner's Award. Meryl has brought composting to each CPS school and has made recycling available to 95% of Cambridge. 

Also recognized is Rob Gogan, Recycling and Waste Manager for Harvard University. Rob was chosen as the 2017 Community Partner Award. Rob has been a volunteer on the Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) member since 1992, nudging Cambridge to divert more waste. 

Congratulations to Meryl and Rob for helping make Cambridge a sustainable City!
See Your Recycling Get Sorted!

Our tour of the Casella recycling facility in Charlestown was RESCHEDULED for Thursday, June 22, 8:30am-11:30am. We meet at DPW and carpool to Charlestown. Please   register to attend.
 
Can't make it? Take the Virtual Tour to see how your recycling gets sorted. 
Household Hazardous Waste Day: June 17, 9am-1pm

The next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event takes place Saturday June 17, 9am-1pm at the Volpe Transportation Center. Common items to bring to HHW events include: 
  • Items containing mercury (fluorescent bulbs & thermostats)
  • Paints
  • Propane tanks
  • Chemicals
  • Batteries (automobile or non-alkaline ONLY)
  • Fire extinguishers (NEW!!!)
Visit our  HHW page for more information and directions.
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling

Recycle your refrigerators and freezers with Mass Save for FREE! Through Mass Save, you may also receive a $50 gift card. 
Cambridge Dept. of Public Works | Recycling | 617-349-4800 | [email protected]
The Recycling Division of the Cambridge Department of Public Works
encourages people to consume less, reuse and donate materials,
and recycle what cannot be eliminated or re-used.
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