New Trash Carts to be Provided in June to Buildings where City Collects Trash.

The City will provide new trash carts in June 2022. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will deliver new trash carts to all buildings where the City collects their trash. The goals of this new program are to:

1. improve rodent control and public health
2. improve ergonomics and reduce lifting impacts on DPW staff.
3. improve sidewalk accessibility.

The new carts will replace all old trash barrels. Approximately 45% of current trash barrels have holes in them, a sign of rodent activity.

To reduce rodent activity even more, DPW encourages separating food waste into the curbside compost carts. Compost carts are rodent resistant. They have thick plastic and locks or latches which secure food waste better than all trash carts.

DPW will have two virtual community meetings to learn about the new trash carts. You can register in advance for the meeting through these links:

Wednesday, March 2nd, 6PM-7:30PM

https://cambridgema.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bDFtluPvRnCEHTsnXdzdKg

Tuesday, May 10th, 6PM-7:30PM

https://cambridgema.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZZTmntpfT1exXIPHZPKwew

We want to receive your feedback about the trash carts! We encourage you to attend, as we value the feedback we receive from Cambridge residents. You may also view the presentation and submit questions in advance of the meeting to Recycle@cambridgema.gov.

Information and help:

In April 2022, DPW will send a postcard with information on when the new trash cart will arrive and how to dispose of your old trash barrel. The new trash carts will come in three different sizes for different building sizes. To stay informed on this program and other waste programs in the City, sign up for the DPW Recycle, Compost, and Trash Newsletter at www.CambridgeMA.Gov/Subscribe.

The City of Cambridge does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If asked, the City of Cambridge will provide:

• auxiliary aids and services,
• written materials in an alternative format,
• reasonable modifications in policies.

To learn more about this program, contact Camilla Elvis, Solid Waste Program Manager, at recycle@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4800.