Chelmsford, MA Trash and Recycling Schedule

Chelmsford, Massachusetts has recently made some changes to their trash and recycling collection schedule. This article provides an overview of trash and recycling guidelines, schedules, and other key information for Chelmsford residents.

Trash and Recycling Provider

As of July 1, 2023, the trash and recycling provider for Chelmsford is E.L. Harvey & Sons. They provide weekly curbside collection of trash and recycling.

To report a missed pickup, contact E.L. Harvey & Sons Customer Service at 1-800-321-3002.

Trash Collection

• Trash is collected weekly on your designated day.

• Trash barrels cannot exceed 50 pounds each.

• The limit is one 64-gallon barrel per household per week.

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

• One bulk item can be placed curbside per household per month on regular trash day (except holidays).

Unaccepted Trash Items

Do not place the following in your regular household trash:

• Batteries or mercury-containing products
• Construction/demolition debris
• Electronics or tires
• Appliances or large metal items
• Medical sharps
• Yard waste
• Textiles

Recycling Collection

• Recycling is now collected weekly on your designated day.

• Recycling containers cannot exceed 100 pounds or 96 gallons each.

• There are no limits on the amount of recycling.

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

• Recycling is single-stream – all recyclables can be combined in one bin.

Accepted Recyclables

Chelmsford accepts a wide variety of recyclable materials curbside including:

• Cardboard
• Paper
• Metal cans
• Plastic containers
• Glass bottles/jars
• Milk and juice cartons
• Books
• Flattened boxes

See page 3 of the Annual Recycling & Solid Waste Guide for a full list.

Recycling Preparation Tips

• No plastic bags or plastic wrap
• Rinse food residue from containers
• No tanglers like hoses or wires
• Remove lids and flatten items
• No clothing/textiles

Unsure if Item is Recyclable?

Use the Recyclopedia on the RecycleSmartMA website or the Green Wiki Search in the Chelmsford Recycling app to look up proper disposal methods.

Trash and Recycling Schedule Lookup

To find your designated trash and recycling collection day, enter your address on the Town of Chelmsford website.

Collection schedules are also available in the Annual Recycling & Solid Waste Guide.

The Chelmsford Recycling app provides collection reminders and schedules.

Holiday Schedule Changes

If a holiday falls on your regular collection day, pickup is delayed by one day that week. No bulky items are collected on holiday weeks.

See the Pickup and Events Calendar for exact dates.

Bulk Waste Disposal

Each household can place one bulk item curbside per month on regular trash day. Bulk items include furniture, mattresses, carpets, toilets, etc.

Mattresses and box springs must be recycled. Schedule a pickup via Mattress Recycling – UTEC (utecinc.org). Fees apply.

For large volumes of building materials, demolition debris, or trash exceeding limits, contact E.L. Harvey & Sons to rent a dumpster or inquire about pickup pricing.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household hazardous waste like chemicals, batteries, and oil-based paints cannot go in your curbside trash.

Chelmsford holds two Household Hazardous Waste Collection days per year. Proof of residency is required. See the calendar for exact dates and times.

Yard Waste Disposal

• Yard waste is collected curbside 5 times per year. See calendar for dates.

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

• Brush must be bundled and tied, not to exceed 3 inches diameter by 6 feet long.

• The Boy Scouts offer Christmas tree pickup – visit www.troopseventy.com for details.

• Backyard composting of leaves and food scraps is encouraged. Chelmsford offers discounted compost bins each spring.

Other Disposal Programs

Chelmsford offers recycling programs for textiles, mattresses, electronics, tires, appliances, demolition debris, hazardous waste, and more.

See the Annual Recycling & Solid Waste Guide for full details on all disposal programs available to residents.

Resources

• Chelmsford DPW Website – Schedules, program info
• Annual Recycling & Solid Waste Guide – Collection calendar, full program details
• Chelmsford Recycling App – Collection reminders and searchable recycling info
• E.L. Harvey & Sons: 1-800-321-3002 – Missed pickups and bin sales
• Chelmsford DPW: 978-250-5203 – Questions on disposal programs

Keeping up to date on Chelmsford’s trash and recycling schedule and guidelines ensures your waste is disposed of properly. Refer to this overview or check the resources listed above if you have any questions!