Trash and Recycling Pickup in Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is a historic coastal city located on Massachusetts’ North Shore that is best known for its rich colonial history and the infamous Salem Witch Trials. With over 43,000 residents, effective trash and recycling services are essential to keeping the city clean and sustainable. This guide provides key details on trash and recycling collection in Salem, including schedules, policies, and resources for residents.

Trash and Recycling Pickup Schedule

• Trash is collected weekly in Salem on a designated weekday between 7AM-6PM.

• Recycling is collected biweekly, alternating between “green weeks” and “blue weeks.”

  • Green week recycling pickup is for those with green lid carts.

  • Blue week recycling is for those with blue lid carts.

• Pickup schedules are available on the trash collection calendar.

• Schedules shift for holidays – collection is delayed by one day if a holiday falls on your pickup day.

Preparing Trash and Recycling for Pickup

• Place carts curbside by 7AM on your collection day. Carts left out overnight must have tight fitting lids to prevent issues with animals.

• Bag all trash and place securely in city-issued trash carts. Do not overfill.

• Recycling must be clean, unbagged and placed loosely in city-issued recycling carts. Do not bag recyclables.

• Close lids on all carts.

Holidays and Changed Pickup Schedules

Salem observes the following holidays, which delay pickup by one day:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Patriots’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Check the collection calendar for adjusted pickup days. Sign up for pickup delay alerts through the city’s CodeRED system.

Bulky Items, White Goods, and Other Special Pickups

To schedule pickup of bulky items like furniture or appliances (“white goods”):

• Contact the city’s trash contractor, Waste Management, at 800-972-4545

• Limit of 2 bulky items per household per recycling week.

• Fees may apply for some items like mattresses.

Yard Waste Pickup

• Yard waste is collected curbside on designated weeks from April to December.

• Place yard waste in paper bags or trash barrels only – do not mix with trash.

• Yard waste can also be dropped off at the Salem Transfer Station year-round.

• Christmas tree pickup occurs during the first weeks of January.

Recycling Laws and Enforcement

• Recycling is mandatory for all households and businesses in Salem per city ordinance.

• Violations are subject to fines up to $300.

• Residents must participate in city recycling services. Independent recycling is prohibited.

• To report non-compliance, contact Salem’s Department of Public Services or Police Department non-emergency line at 978-744-0171.

Trash Fees and Overflow Trash Options

• Standard trash collection is covered by property taxes for eligible residences.

• Overflow trash bags can be purchased at local retailers and placed beside carts on pickup day.

• Fees apply for pickup of bulky items and extra trash outside of city-issued carts.

Key Contacts and Additional Resources

Salem Public Services (Trash Info)

978-619-5672

SalemTrashRecyle.com

For schedule info, cart issues, and special pickups.

Waste Management (Collector)

800-972-4545

To schedule bulky item pickup.

CodeRED Notification System

SalemNH.com/CodeRED

For trash/recycling pickup delay alerts.

Salem Transfer Station

12 Swampscott Rd

For yard waste dropoff and recycling.

By understanding the ins and outs of trash collection in Salem, residents can ensure their household waste is removed promptly and properly. Maintaining an efficient and sustainable waste system benefits the historic community.