Chelmsford, MA Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule

Chelmsford, Massachusetts provides trash and recycling collection services for residents through the Department of Public Works. This article provides an overview of trash and recycling schedules, guidelines, and other key information for Chelmsford residents.

Trash Collection

• Trash collection occurs once per week on your designated collection day. Check the Town of Chelmsford website or Annual Recycling & Solid Waste Guide to find your collection day.

• Trash must be placed curbside by 6:30 AM on collection day.

• Each household is limited to two 32-gallon trash barrels per week. Barrels cannot be filled more than 3 inches above the top.

• Trash in excess of the 64-gallon limit must be placed in official blue Chelmsford overflow trash bags. Bags are $2 each and available at local retailers.

• One bulk item per household is collected on your trash day each month, except on holiday weeks. Mattresses and box springs must be recycled separately.

• On holidays, collection is delayed by one day for the remainder of the week. No bulk items are collected on holiday weeks.

Recycling Collection

• Recycling is collected weekly on your designated collection day. Check the Town website or Recycling Guide for your day.

• There are no limits on recycling. Containers cannot exceed 100 pounds or 96 gallons each.

• Recyclables should be comingled in one bin. Flatten boxes and cut cardboard into 3×3 pieces.

• Do not bag recyclables. No plastic bags, straws, or Styrofoam.

• Place curbside by 6:30 AM on collection day.

Yard Waste Collection

• Brush and leaves are collected curbside 5 times per year. See the collection calendar for dates.

• Brush must be cut into lengths no longer than 6 feet and diameter no larger than 3 inches. Piles cannot exceed 4×6 feet.

• Real Christmas trees are collected on brush days if wires and ornaments are removed.

• Leaves and grass clippings must be placed in paper bags or barrels.

Bulk and Metal Collection

• Residents can schedule pickup of appliances, tires, and other large metal items through the trash hauler E.L. Harvey & Sons for a fee.

• Prices range from $25-$70 depending on the item. Call 1-800-321-3002 to schedule.

• Construction debris can also be collected for a fee.

Hazardous Waste and Electronics

• Household hazardous waste like chemicals, batteries, or lighting can be dropped off at DPW events in October and April.

• Mercury containing items like thermostats and CFLs can be taken to the Bulb Shed behind Town Offices on collection days.

• Electronic waste is collected for a fee through E.L. Harvey & Sons. Prices range from $50-$60 depending on item size.

Multi-Family Buildings

• Multi-family properties are entitled to 64 gallons of trash capacity per household per week.

• Recycling should be prepared according to guidelines. Contaminated loads will incur fees.

• Extra pickups are paid for by the property owner/manager.

• Do not park in front of dumpsters or block access.

Key Contacts

• For missed collections, contact E.L. Harvey & Sons at 1-800-321-3002

• For recycling info or questions, contact the Sustainability Manager at 978-250-5203

• For trash bins, contact E.L. Harvey & Sons

• For hazardous waste days, contact the DPW at 978-250-5203

• For sharps disposal, contact the Board of Health at 978-250-5241

• For brush disposal, contact Community Tree Service at 978-256-0341

Resources

• Chelmsford Recycles App – collection schedules, event notifications

• Annual Recycling & Solid Waste Guide

• Town of Chelmsford Solid Waste Page

• Chelmsford DPW Facebook – updates and reminders

Following Chelmsford’s trash and recycling schedule, guidelines, and resources will help residents properly dispose of waste and ensure successful collection. Contact the DPW or E.L. Harvey & Sons with any questions. Proper sorting and preparation makes collection more efficient for all.