Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule in Melrose, MA

Melrose, Massachusetts provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection for residents. Staying up-to-date on the collection schedule is important to ensure your trash and recyclables are picked up properly. This article provides an overview of Melrose’s trash and recycling collection schedule, guidelines, and other key information for residents.

Collection Days

• Trash and recycling are collected weekly on the same day. Your collection day depends on where you live in Melrose.

• To find your collection day, check the Trash and Recycling Route Schedule by Street and Day.

• Collection days are Monday through Friday based on your address.

• View the full year’s Curbside Collection Calendar to see specific dates.

Holiday Schedule

• If the collection day falls on or after a holiday, pickups that week will be delayed by one day.

• Friday collection moves to Saturday on holiday weeks.

• Holidays that delay collection are: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Collection Times

• Place barrels curbside by 7:00 AM on your collection day.

• Do not place barrels curbside before 5:00 PM the evening before your collection.

• Remove empty barrels from the curb within 12 hours of collection.

Trash Guidelines

• Up to 4 trash barrels per household weekly.

• Barrels cannot exceed 50 gallons and 45 pounds.

• Trash will not be collected in bags, boxes, or oversized containers.

• Certain items like construction debris, chemicals, batteries, and electronics cannot be placed in trash barrels. See MassDEP Waste Bans for details.

• Items requiring special preparation:

  • Broken glass must be visible in an open box or barrel.

  • Wood pieces cut to 4 feet or less and tied with twine.

  • Doors or windows (one per week) placed alongside barrels.

Recycling Guidelines

• Single-stream recycling means all recyclables go into one barrel – no sorting needed.

• Accepted items: cardboard, paper, cartons, plastic containers, glass jars/bottles, aluminum/metal cans.

• Rinse food residue but leave labels. Do not flatten.

• Use barrels/bins under 50 gallons labeled as “Recycling.”

• Some items not accepted: Styrofoam, plastic bags, shredded paper, clothes, food waste.

• Check Recyclopedia for detailed guidance.

Special Collections

• Yard waste is collected weekly from April to November. Place in paper bags or open barrels labeled “Yard Waste.”

• Christmas trees are collected for 2 weeks in January alongside trash. Remove all decorations.

• Bulk metal items are collected monthly from April to November by request.

• Mattresses and box springs are collected by request. $15 per item fee applies.

• Other special collections like hazardous waste are held periodically. See the Curbside Collection Calendar.

Trash Resources

• View the full Curbside Collection Guide for additional details on Melrose’s trash and recycling program.

• Check the Frequently Asked Questions page for common inquiries.

• Request a replacement recycling bin and labels or get recycling program information at the DPW Recycling Center.

• Report a missed trash or recycling collection to the Department of Public Works.

• City ordinances related to solid waste are found in Chapter 195 of city code.

Staying informed on Melrose’s waste collection schedule and guidelines is the first step toward successful participation in the program. Refer to the city’s trash and recycling website or contact the Department of Public Works for additional information. Proper curbside placement on your designated collection day will help keep the city clean and minimize issues.