Longmeadow Trash Schedule: Collection Days, Guidelines, and More

Living in Longmeadow, MA? Want to know when trash and recycling are collected in your neighborhood? This guide will provide everything you need to know about Longmeadow’s trash and recycling schedule, guidelines, and more.

Trash and Recycling Collection Overview

• Household trash is collected weekly on a set schedule
• Recyclables are collected on the same day as trash, with paper/cardboard and containers alternating weeks
• No limit on amount of recyclables collected
• Trash limited to 1 cart (provided by town) per household, up to 40 lbs
• Extra trash must be in town-approved bags purchased at local stores

Trash Collection Days

Trash collection happens once per week on a set schedule depending on your neighborhood. Check the collection day calendar to find your scheduled day.

Some key notes:

• Collection is delayed on major holidays – see calendar
• Trash must be curbside by 7AM on your scheduled day

Recycling Collection Days

Recycling is collected on the same day as your regular trash, alternating between paper/cardboard and containers each week.

• Paper/cardboard weeks – all paper and cardboard collected
• Container weeks – glass, cans, plastic containers collected

Check the collection calendar to see paper vs. container weeks. Recycling must also be curbside by 7AM.

Trash Cart Regulations

• Only trash in your town-issued cart will be collected, limit 40 lbs
• Lid must be fully closed
• No loose trash – everything must be bagged
• No yard waste, construction debris, electronics, or bulk items
• Extra trash must be in town bags only, available at local stores

Trying to get rid of prohibited items in your trash cart may result in it being tagged and left at the curb.

Recycling Bin Regulations

• Use recycling bin/can clearly marked for recyclables
• No limit on amount set out for collection
• Follow paper vs. container weeks
• Do NOT bag recyclables – must be loose in bin/can
• Break down cardboard boxes – no larger than 3ft x 3ft

The town recycles a wide variety of paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastic containers. Check the recycling guidelines page for details.

Curbside Collection Tips

• Place all trash and recycling at the curb by 7AM on your collection day
• Make sure lids are fully closed on trash and recycling bins
• Bag all trash – no loose waste in your cart
• Do NOT bag recyclables – keep loose in bin/can
• Break down cardboard boxes
• Follow paper vs container recycling weeks

Adhering to these guidelines will prevent your trash or recycling from being rejected. Missed collections should be reported to the trash provider Waste Management.

What Can Be Recycled?

Longmeadow recycles a wide variety of paper, cardboard, glass, cans, and plastic. Here’s an overview:

Paper & Cardboard

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Office paper
• Junk mail & envelopes
• Phone books
• Cardboard boxes (flattened)
• Food boxes like cereal boxes
• Paper bags

Glass

• Glass bottles and jars from food, drinks, beauty products etc.

Metal Cans

• Aluminum cans
• Tin cans
• Empty aerosol cans

Plastics #1-7

• Plastic bottles and containers
• Plastic tubs like yogurt, margarine etc.
• Takeout containers and cups
• Plastic bags and wrap

Check the recycling guidelines for more examples of what can and cannot be recycled. When in doubt, check RecycleSmartMA.org.

What Cannot Be Recycled?

Some common non-recyclable items include:

• Food waste
• Yard waste
• Electronic waste
• Styrofoam
• Plastic utensils and straws
• Shrink wrap or film plastic
• Hazardous waste containers
• Tanglers like hoses and wires
• Clothing, fabrics, shoes

Dispose of these items in your regular trash. For large bulk items, hazardous waste, electronics etc. special disposal may be required – check with the town’s recycling program.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous household waste like chemicals, oils, batteries, and CFL bulbs require special disposal. Do NOT place in your regular trash or recycling.

Longmeadow hosts periodic hazardous waste collection days for residents. See the town website for upcoming events.

Some items can also be disposed of year-round at the Springfield Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Proof of residency is required.

Large Items and Bulky Waste

The town provides limited curbside pickup of large bulk items like furniture, mattresses, grills, etc. This service is available upon request – contact the Department of Public Works to schedule.

Alternatively, bulk items can be disposed of at the town’s Recycling and Yard Waste Center for a fee. Call ahead to confirm acceptable items and associated fees.

Yard Waste Disposal

Yard waste like leaves, grass clippings, branches, and brush cannot be placed at the curb for collection.

Instead, take yard waste to the town’s Recycling and Yard Waste Center on designated drop-off days. Refer to the town website for the schedule.

There are also limited curbside collections of yard waste on certain weeks in the fall – check the calendar. Use paper yard waste bags only.

Holiday Collection Schedules

Trash and recycling collection are delayed on major holidays:

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

Check the collection calendar for specific dates affected each year. Collection will be pushed back 1 day after a holiday, with Friday collection moving to Saturday.

Missed Collections

If your trash or recycling are missed on your scheduled day:

• Double check you had materials out by 7AM
• Contact Waste Management to report the issue:
  • Phone: 1-800-972-4545
  • Explain you have a “missed pickup” in Longmeadow
• Waste Management will log and investigate the issue

Missed pickups are often resolved within 24 hours. Call the town Department of Public Works if your issue persists.

Changes to the Schedule

The trash and recycling schedule in Longmeadow follows a yearly calendar. Any major changes will be communicated by:

• Website notices
• Email and text alerts (sign up on the town website)
• Local public access TV station
• Posts on social media

Stay in the know by following the town’s communications channels. You can also call the Department of Public Works with any immediate collection questions.

Tips for Proper Disposal

By following Longmeadow’s guidelines, we can keep the town clean, safe, and environmentally friendly. Here are some key tips:

• Know your collection days and times
• Separate trash and recycling correctly
• Bag all trash, keep recycling loose
• Break down boxes and containers
• Dispose of hazardous waste properly
• Compost yard waste when possible
• Report any missed pickups promptly

Working together, we can reduce waste and boost recycling. Contact the town with any questions or concerns.