Swampscott, MA Trash and Recycling Pickup: What You Need to Know

Navigating local waste and recycling programs can be confusing. This guide provides everything Swampscott, MA residents need to know about trash and recycling pickup days, policies, and special disposal services.

Overview of Trash and Recycling in Swampscott

The Town of Swampscott handles trash and recycling collection for all residential properties. Waste management services are overseen by the Department of Public Works.

Key facts about Swampscott’s program:

• Weekly curbside trash collection
• Weekly single-stream recycling pickup
• Yard waste disposal on scheduled weeks
• Bulk item and white good disposal by appointment
• Special collections for hazardous waste, electronics, textiles

Trash collection is funded through taxes and user fees. Recycling is paid for through the town’s general operating budget.

Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule

Trash and recycling are collected weekly on designated days based on location:

Trash

• Mondays: South of Route 1A
• Tuesdays: North of Route 1A

Recycling

• Collected same day as trash

Check the collection map to confirm your scheduled day.

Holiday Trash Schedule

If a holiday falls on your normal pickup day, collection is delayed by one day that week:

• New Year’s Day
• MLK Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Patriots’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving & day after
• Christmas Day

View the full holiday schedule.

Trash Policies and Guidelines

Follow these rules to keep Swampscott’s waste collection running smoothly:

• All trash must be bagged – no loose items
• Use provided 35-gallon cart
• Overflow bags available for purchase
• Bag weight limit: 30 lbs
• Do not overfill – lids must close
• No hazardous materials or electronics

Missed Pickup

If trash or recycling is missed, report it ASAP:

• Call 781-596-8850
• Provide address and pickup details
• They will arrange pickup within 24 hours

Recycling Tips and Rules

Proper recycling reduces contamination. Follow these tips:

✅ Accepted:

• Paper, cardboard
• Metal cans
• Glass bottles/jars
• Plastic bottles and jugs

❌ Not Accepted:

• Plastic bags

• Food or liquid

• Non-recyclables

• No plastic bags

• Empty and rinse containers

• Do not tie or bag recyclables together

• Flatten cardboard boxes

Check Recyclopedia if unsure about an item.

Bulk Item and White Good Disposal

Large household items like furniture and appliances require special pickup.

Scheduling

• Contact Republic Services at 781-289-0500 to schedule
• Provide name, address, and items for disposal

Fees

• Bulk items (furniture): $20 per item
• White goods (appliances): $30 per item
• Items with Freon (AC units): $50 each

Bulk item stickers can also be purchased at Town Hall or select retailers.

Special Waste and Hazardous Materials

Swampscott offers disposal programs for difficult-to-recycle items:

Household Hazardous Waste

• Paint, chemicals, motor oil, more
• Drop-off days held periodically

Mercury Recovery

• CFL bulbs, thermostats, thermometers
• Drop off at Town Hall during business hours

Electronics

• TVs, computers, small appliances
• Recycle at retailers like Best Buy, Staples

Textiles

• Clothing, sheets, towels
• Schedule curbside pickup through Simple Recycling

Yard Waste Policies

Follow these guidelines for yard waste:

• Paper bags or cans labeled “yard waste”
• Brush bundled if over 4 feet long
• No trash bags or plastic
• Collection weekly on scheduled days:
  • April 24
  • June 5
  • July 24
  • September 11
  • October 16
  • November 13
  • December 11

Changing Trash Service

Moving or need to change pickup day?

• Call DPW at 781-596-8850
• Email your new address and preferred day
• Your cart stays with the property

Contact Information

• Website: Trash & Recycling Page
• Phone: 781-596-8850
• Email:
• Address: 22 Monument Ave, Swampscott, MA 01907

Use this Swampscott trash and recycling guide to access schedule information, collection policies, and disposal programs needed to properly handle your household waste.