Trash Disposal

Public Notice

If shopping online via Instacart and you wish to purchase yellow trash bags, please note the following for Big Y, Price Chopper/Market 32 and Shaws: City trash bags are available through Instacart by typing in "City Ordinance Bags." If shopping online via Peapod for Stop & Shop, there is a request bar where a shopper can type in a description of an item they don't see on the site.

If you suspect that the yellow bags you have purchased are defective, please call Customer Service at 508-929-1300. You can return them for an exchange at the point of sale or bring defective bags to 20 East Worcester Street, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for exchange.

Yellow Trash Bag Program

Residents of Worcester can dispose of household waste via our pay as you throw Yellow Trash Bag program by purchasing official City of Worcester trash bags at various local retailers throughout the City.

Small yellow bags cost $1.00/bag (sold in sleeves of 10)
Large yellow bags cost $1.75/bag (sold in sleeves of 5)

Rules

Small yellow city trash bags have a 15 pound weight limit
Large yellow city trash bags have a 30 pound weight limit

Schedule

Set recyclables and trash at the curb between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled trash/recycling day. Whenever a scheduled collection day falls on a holiday, that day's collection and all remaining collections for the week will be delayed one day.

Collection Schedule Map

Observed Holidays

What to Trash

Curious to learn more about recyclability of different items? Check out a handy Recyclopedia search function for information on what is or isn't recyclable and why, as well as ideas on reusing/repurposing some of them. Just type in ANY item in the search bar to start learning more.

Soiled paper
Plastic bags
Egg cartons made out of Styrofoam (plastic and paper cartons can be recycled)
Styrofoam
Plastic toys
Small Pieces of metal & wood
Pizza Boxes -if soiled (place under yellow bag). Unsoiled pizza boxes can be recycled.
Dishes
Glasses
Pyrex
Broken glass (wrapped in newspaper)
Window/auto glass
Flower pots
Buckets (see Recyclopedia for other potential uses!)
Pails
Paint & aerosol cans (empty)
Motor oil containers (empty)

Sharps Disposal

A statewide ban on the disposal of needles, syringes and lancets in household trash went into effect on July 1, 2012. Sharps will be accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Day and must be brought to the collection in sturdy, sealed containers.

#KeepWorcesterClean

Pile of Houeshold Trash on Sidewalk in Violation of City Ordinance

What NOT to do:

The trash in the photo was placed out a day early.
Both yellow bags have been ripped open and the contents will soon become litter.
The recycling bin contains items that are not recyclable.
Large items left on the curb are not only unsightly but a violation of City ordinance. Bulk items, including furniture, appliances and electronics can be dropped off by appointment at the Residential Drop-off Center. Call Worcester 311 to arrange an appointment at 311.
This location is along a busy street and intersection where many cars pass by daily. This is not the message we want to send as a city.

Please help #KeepWorcesterClean by following the trash and recycling policies.

Old Broken Brown Armchair as an Example of Bulk Waste

Bulk Waste Disposal

The Residential Drop-Off Center allows Worcester residents to dispose of an unlimited number of bulk waste items in a timely manner and at a low cost.

Recycling

The more you recycle the less you'll pay! A recycling bin can be obtained at DPW&P Customer Service.

Contact Information

Department of Public Works
20 East Worcester Street
Worcester, MA 01604

Accessible via WRTA Bus Line. View Schedules

Phone: 508-929-1300
Fax: 508-799-1448
Email Us

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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