Lynn Trash Schedule and Collection Guidelines

Lynn, Massachusetts has a robust trash and recycling collection program to help keep the city clean and environmentally friendly. This article provides a comprehensive overview of trash and recycling schedules, guidelines, and services in Lynn.

Overview of Trash and Recycling Collection in Lynn

• Trash and recycling are collected weekly on the same day of the week for each home. Recycling is collected every other week.

• Collection occurs between 7am-3pm on your designated day. Trash and recycling carts should be curbside by 7am on collection day.

• Holidays delay collection by one day. Collection moves to Saturday if the holiday falls on a Friday.

• The city provides a free 64 gallon trash cart and 64 gallon recycling cart to each home. Additional carts can be leased for a fee.

• Overflow trash must be in designated purple bags placed on top of closed trash carts. Bags should not exceed 50lbs.

• Yard waste is collected on scheduled weeks in spring, summer, and fall. Yard waste should be in barrels or paper bags.

• Bulky items and hazardous waste have scheduled drop off days. Fees may apply.

• Special collections occur for Christmas trees, leaves, mattresses, and textiles.

Trash Cart Guidelines

• All trash must fit inside provided 64 gallon cart with lid fully closed.

• Bag all trash to keep cart clean and reduce odor.

• Overflow trash must be inside purple bags provided by the city. Bags must be placed on top of closed trash cart.

• Weight of overflow bags cannot exceed 50lbs.

• Do not place hazardous materials, electronics, yard waste or construction debris in trash cart.

• Report missed pickups and damaged carts to DPW.

Recycling Cart Guidelines

• All recyclables should be clean and placed loosely in cart. Do NOT bag recyclables.

• Accepted items: paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, metal cans, plastic bottles/jugs.

• Rinse food residue off containers but do not bag or bundle recyclables.

• Flatten cardboard boxes to maximize space.

• Do not put plastic bags, electronics, yard waste or trash in recycling cart.

• Report missed pickups and damaged carts to DPW.

Yard Waste Collection

• Yard waste is collected curbside on scheduled weeks during spring, summer, and fall. See calendar for exact weeks.

• Yard waste must be in paper yard waste bags, open barrels or cardboard boxes (do not use plastic bags).

• Bundles of branches must be tied with twine or rope (no wire). Branches cannot exceed 4 feet long or 50lbs.

• Yard waste can be dropped off year-round on Saturdays at the DPW yard waste site. Proof of residency required.

• Christmas trees are collected curbside the first full week of January.

Bulky Item and Hazardous Waste Disposal

• Bulky items like appliances, mattresses and furniture are accepted on scheduled Saturdays from April-November at the Covanta site. Fees range $10-50 per item.

• Curbside bulky item pickup can be scheduled for a fee through DPW.

• Hazardous waste like chemicals, batteries and fluorescent bulbs can be dropped off on scheduled Saturdays from April-November at DPW site. Fees apply.

• Electronics like TVs and computer monitors have separate dropoff days and fees.

Holiday Collection Schedule

Trash and recycling collection are delayed by one day after these major holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

For holidays falling on Friday, collection moves to Saturday. Check city website for updated holiday collection schedule each year.

Annual Trash and Recycling Calendars

The DPW publishes an annual trash and recycling calendar detailing your designated collection day and all holiday changes or special collections.

• 2022 Collection Schedule

• 2023 Collection Schedule

Use the calendar for your address to determine your standard collection day. Reference it throughout the year for holiday changes and special collection dates.

More Waste Disposal Programs

Lynn offers recycling and safe disposal for many other waste items:

• Textiles and mattresses – Schedule curbside pickups for a fee. Mattresses can also be dropped off year-round at DPW for a fee.

• Cooking oil and grease – Drop off at DPW site for free. Must be in sealed containers.

• Books – Drop off at DPW or scheduled curbside collection in May.

• Building materials – Permit required for curbside collection. Can be dropped off for fee at Cosco Busan transfer station.

• Tires – Drop off limit 4 per year. Fees range $2-10 per tire based on size.

Recycling Guide

Follow these tips to recycle properly in Lynn:

• Place all recyclables directly into your recycling cart loose – no plastic bags.

• Rinse food residue but do not bag recyclables.

• Break down and flatten cardboard boxes.

• Only include acceptable paper, metal cans, glass bottles, plastic jugs and bottles. No trash or yard waste.

• Check the recycling guide on DPW website if you’re unsure an item is recyclable. When in doubt, throw it out!

Proper recycling reduces contamination and ensures your items get recycled. Together we can divert more waste and make Lynn a greener, more sustainable city!