Pawtucket, RI Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule

Pawtucket, Rhode Island has a comprehensive trash and recycling collection program for residents. This guide provides an overview of trash and recycling rules, schedules, and other key information for Pawtucket households.

Trash and Recycling Rules

There are several rules in place for trash and recycling collection in Pawtucket:

• Loose garbage will not be collected. All trash must be bagged and placed in city-issued trash barrels.
• Yard waste like grass, leaves, small branches must be placed in compostable bags or barrels marked “yard waste”. No plastic bags.
• Cardboard boxes must be broken down and recycled separately.
• Rugs under 5×7 feet can be cut up and put in trash barrels. Larger rugs are considered construction waste.
• No hazardous or banned materials can be placed in trash barrels like car parts, concrete, bricks, ashes, paint cans, etc.
• Bulk item pickup like furniture must be scheduled in advance. Residents can place 3 furniture items per week.
• Appliance pickup like fridges, AC units must be scheduled in advance. Fees apply for some items.
• Propane tank disposal is available at the transfer station for a fee based on tank size.
• Dogs must be leashed or restrained on collection days.
• Trash receptacles must be screened from street view when possible.

The full list of rules is available on the Pawtucket Trash and Recycling page. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in trash not being collected.

Collection Schedule

Pawtucket has weekly trash and recycling pickup on designated days depending on your neighborhood. The collection routes are divided into 5 areas:

Area 1

Pickup Day: Monday

Neighborhoods: Downtown, South Street, Beverage Hill, River Street, Exchange Street, Walcott Street, Broad Street, Weeden Street, Mineral Spring Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue, and surrounding streets.

Area 2

Pickup Day: Tuesday

Neighborhoods: Woodlawn, Pleasant View Avenue, Waverly Street, Benefit Street, Cottage Street, Newport Avenue, Woodward Road, and surrounding streets.

Area 3

Pickup Day: Wednesday

Neighborhoods: Pleasant View Avenue, Benefit Street, High Street, Cottage Street, Newport Avenue, Walnut Street, Brook Street, Dexter Street, Broad Street, Church Street, Pine Street, and surrounding streets.

Area 4

Pickup Day: Thursday

Neighborhoods: Prospect Heights, Seekonk, Mendon Avenue, Randall Street, Dunnell Lane, Division Street, Mineral Spring Avenue, East Avenue, and surrounding streets.

Area 5

Pickup Day: Friday

Neighborhoods: Darlington, Division Street, Hopkins Avenue, Mineral Spring Avenue, Beverage Hill Avenue, Randall Street, Walcott Street, Pinecrest Drive, and surrounding streets.

An interactive trash collection map shows the different neighborhood collection areas in Pawtucket.

Recycling is collected on the same day as trash in each area. Place recycling bins at the curb by 7 AM on your designated pickup day.

Holiday Schedule Changes

Trash and recycling collection are delayed by one day after the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

For example, if your usual pickup is Monday, it will shift to Tuesday after a holiday. Friday pickup moves to Saturday.

View the 2023 holiday schedule.

Bulk and Large Item Pickup

• Furniture – Residents can place 3 furniture items per week on the curb for pickup. Call 401-728-0500 ext. 233 to schedule.
• Appliances – Stoves, washers, dryers, water coolers, and TVs are picked up for free. Fridges, AC units, mattresses have a fee. Call to schedule.
• Propane Tanks – Drop off tanks up to 20 lbs for $6 or over 20 lbs for $22 at the transfer station.
• Scrap Metal – Schedule pickup of metal items by calling 401-728-0500 ext. 233.

Yard Waste and Brush Pickup

Yard waste like grass clippings, leaves, small branches must be placed in compostable bags or yard waste barrels. Pickup is weekly from April to December.

Tree branches cannot exceed 3 inches diameter and 3 feet length. Bundles must be tied together.

Christmas trees are collected during the first 2 weeks of January on your normal pickup day.

Hazardous and Banned Waste Disposal

Many hazardous household items like chemicals, paint, motor oil cannot be disposed of in regular trash. Pawtucket offers special programs for proper disposal:

• Household Hazardous Waste: Schedule drop off events for chemicals, fuel, cleaning products, etc. Visit RI Resource Recovery for details.

• Paint: Allow latex paint cans to dry out before placing in trash. For oil paints, contact Eco Depot at 401-942-1430 for disposal sites.

• Auto Fluids/Parts: Properly dispose of used motor oil, car batteries, and parts at RI Resource Recovery.

• Needles/Syringes: Use safe sharps disposal programs. Visit RI Resource Recovery for options.

Transfer Station and Recycling Depot

Pawtucket’s Transfer Station and Recycling Depot is located at 240 Grotto Ave. This facility accepts bulky items, yard waste, and other trash that cannot be disposed of through curbside pickup.

Transfer station permits are required for Pawtucket residents. Learn more about permits, fees, and hours here.

The Recycling Depot has drop-off containers for recycling glass, cardboard, newspapers, scrap metal, motor oil, electronics, tires, propane tanks, and more. Mattresses and appliances have a fee.

Contact Information

For additional questions about trash and recycling schedules, bulk pickup requests, or disposal information, contact Pawtucket Public Works:

Phone: 401-728-0500 ext. 233

Website: Pawtucket Public Works

Following these guidelines will help ensure your trash and recycling are collected properly in Pawtucket. Check the website and collection map to confirm your neighborhood’s pickup schedule.