Trash and Recycling Collection in Framingham, Massachusetts

The City of Framingham provides municipal trash and recycling collection services for residents. This article covers key details about collection schedules, guidelines, and resources for Framingham households.

Trash Collection

• Trash pickup is once per week on a designated day depending on your street address.

• To find your trash day, check the When is My Collection Day? page and scroll to your street.

• Trash carts must be placed curbside by 7AM on collection day. Carts should be removed from the curb by midnight after pickup.

• Carts must be placed with wheels and handles facing away from the street. Leave 3 feet between carts.

• The city provides one 96-gallon trash cart per household. Additional carts can be requested for $100 annual fee.

Recycling Collection

• Recycling is picked up every other week on the same day as trash collection.

• Check the When is My Collection Day? page to find your designated recycling week.

• Recycling goes in a 64-gallon cart provided by the city. Do not bag recyclables.

• Follow the recycling guidelines on the Curbside Recycling page. No plastic bags, foam, or food waste.

Collection Schedule Changes

• If your normal collection day falls on or after an observed holiday, pickup shifts to the following day that week.

• View the 2023 Holiday Schedule for impacted dates.

• Impacted holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Trash Guidelines

• All trash must fit inside the cart with the lid fully closed.

• Bag all trash items before placing in the cart. This includes pet waste.

• Do not place any trash bags or items next to or on top of the cart.

• Overweight carts will not be collected if the lid does not close.

• Yard waste cannot be placed in trash carts. Use leaf bags or rigid containers labelled as yard waste.

Bulk Item Pickup

• Bulk items like furniture and appliances are collected on your trash day.

• Place these items next to the trash cart before 7AM.

• Do not place bulk items on top of the trash cart.

• Mattresses and upholstered items must be wrapped in plastic.

• Remove doors from large appliances before setting out.

Banned Trash Items

Some hazardous and problematic waste cannot be disposed of with regular household trash. These include:

• Liquids, chemicals, gasoline, motor oil
• Car and household batteries
• Tires, construction debris
• Appliances with refrigerants
• TVs, computers, monitors
• Fluorescent bulbs

View the Banned Materials page for proper disposal options.

Yard Waste Collection

• Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or rigid containers labelled as “yard waste.”

• Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected.

• Brush can be bundled securely with rope or twine, not to exceed 4 feet in length.

• Yard waste is picked up April 1 through December 15.

Holiday Trees

• Holiday trees are collected curbside for 4 weeks after Christmas.

• Remove all decorations, lights, and stands. Do not bag the tree.

• Flocked trees will be picked up but cannot be composted.

Leaves

• Leaves are collected curbside in the fall, around the first week of October through the first week of December.

• Rake leaves loosely to the curb, do not bag them. Avoid placing leaves in streets or blocking storm drains.

• Sign up for email notices about leaf collection schedules each year.

Additional Resources

• Curbside Refuse Collection – Department home page
• 2023 Holiday Schedule – Schedule changes due to holidays
• Recycling Guidelines – Accepted recycling list and how to prepare materials
• Yard Waste Policies – Yard waste, leaf collection, and composting

Knowing the collection schedule and guidelines can help Framingham residents properly manage trash and recycling. Check the city website or call 508-532-6001 if you have any other questions. Proper waste disposal keeps neighborhoods clean and safe.