Waltham Regular Trash Pickup Services

Coordinating Regular Trash Pickup with Waltham’s Department of Public Works

Waltham’s Department of Public Works (DPW) oversees regular trash pickup for residential properties, ensuring compliance with city ordinances and environmental standards. Weekly curbside collection is provided for bagged household waste, with collection days varying by neighborhood. Residents must place trash at the curb by 7:00 AM on their scheduled day and use city-approved containers. The DPW enforces a strict limit of three barrels or bags per household per week, with excess waste requiring a special sticker or drop-off at the city’s transfer station. Prohibited items include construction debris, hazardous waste, and electronics, which must be disposed of through designated programs. Key steps for residents include:

• Confirming collection day via the Waltham DPW website
• Using city-approved containers or bags
• Placing waste curbside by 7:00 AM
• Adhering to the three-barrel/bag limit
• Scheduling bulk item pickup in advance

Department of Public Works
610 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: (781) 314-3800
Official Website: Department of Public Works

Waltham’s Solid Waste Regulations and Environmental Compliance Requirements

Waltham enforces local and state solid waste regulations to protect public health and the environment. The city prohibits landfill disposal of certain materials, including electronics, yard waste, and hazardous substances, in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) landfill bans. Residents must separate recyclables and organics from regular trash, and improper disposal may result in fines. The city’s code enforcement officers monitor compliance and issue citations for violations. Key compliance requirements include:

• No electronics, yard waste, or hazardous materials in regular trash
• Mandatory recycling of paper, cardboard, glass, and metals
• Use of city-issued recycling bins for curbside collection
• Adherence to posted collection schedules and preparation guidelines
• Reporting illegal dumping to city authorities

Department of Code Enforcement
610 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: (781) 314-3120
Official Website: Department of Code Enforcement

Accessing Waltham’s Transfer Station: Hours, Fees, and Accepted Materials

Waltham residents may use the city’s transfer station for disposal of excess household waste, bulk items, and materials not accepted at curbside. The facility is located at 165 Lexington Street and operates Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A valid resident ID or utility bill is required for entry. Fees are charged by weight or item, with a minimum charge of $10 per visit and $35 per ton for general waste. The transfer station accepts:

• Household trash (bagged)
• Bulk items (furniture, mattresses, appliances)
• Yard waste (seasonal drop-off)
• Scrap metal and white goods (separate area)
• Recyclables (paper, cardboard, glass, metals)

Prohibited materials include hazardous waste, electronics, and construction debris. Special collection events are held for hazardous waste and e-waste.

Department of Public Works
610 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: (781) 314-3800
Official Website: Department of Public Works

Massachusetts State Solid Waste Laws Impacting Waltham Trash Pickup

Massachusetts law, enforced by MassDEP, establishes strict landfill bans and recycling mandates that directly affect Waltham’s trash pickup services. The state prohibits disposal of electronics (CRTs, TVs, computers), yard waste, and certain hazardous materials in municipal waste streams. Residents must comply with these bans by using city or state-approved recycling and hazardous waste programs. Key state requirements include:

• Electronics and mercury-containing items must be recycled, not landfilled
• Yard waste is banned from trash and must be composted or dropped off at designated sites
• Mattresses and box springs are subject to recycling mandates
• Construction and demolition debris must be separated for recycling
• Violations may result in fines or refusal of waste collection

For more information, visit the Massachusetts Solid Waste Regulations.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Waltham, MA?

• South Side: Predominantly single-family homes with driveway access, making curbside pickup straightforward. Residents should ensure barrels are not blocked by parked cars on collection days.
• The Highlands: Features older multi-family buildings and narrow streets, requiring careful placement of trash for collection. Bulk item pickups may need advance scheduling due to limited curb space.
• Downtown Waltham: High-density residential and mixed-use buildings with limited curb access. Residents in apartments should coordinate with building management for proper waste storage and set-out times.
• Cedarwood: Suburban neighborhood with wide streets and newer homes. Yard waste collection is common in spring and fall; residents should use city-approved bags for organic material.
• Piety Corner: Historic homes and tree-lined streets may present access challenges for collection vehicles. Residents should avoid placing barrels under low-hanging branches.
• Lakeview: Mix of single-family and duplex homes, with some properties requiring barrels to be placed at designated collection points due to private roadways.
• North Waltham: Includes both residential and commercial properties. Businesses must comply with commercial waste regulations and may require private hauler services for large volumes.