Smart Waste Tip
Did you know that cardboard pizza boxes are recyclable? Yes, even the greasy ones!
Medford offers weekly curbside composting at NO COST to residents! Sign up at medfordcomposts.com to receive your free bins today.
Still curious about composting? Check out our composting page to learn more!
Key Facts about our Program
- Over 30% of household trash by weight is compostable foodstuff. Composting food waste can help alleviate foul odors, manage rats, and will help lower trash disposal fees for the city.
- Bins are collected alongside your trash and recycling bins. Just bring your bin to the curb and our partners at Garbage to Garden will do the rest.
- More Questions? Read through the City Composting FAQ to learn more
Not sure how to recycle an item? Medford’s Single Stream Recycling let’s us recycle a lot of different products into a single bin, but that does not mean we can recycle everything. If you are unsure if an item is recyclable, search for the item below and Recyclopedia will tell you how to recycle or dispose of it!
Also check out Beyond the Bin for more details.
If you have clothing, appliances, or other gently used goods that deserve a new home, consider donating them locally. Here is a growing list of locations and organizations that will accept item donations.
- Secondhand stores like Savers or Goodwill
- Accepted items: clothing, shoes, household items, small furniture
- Where to donate: in-store locations or nearby donation bins
- Visit savers.com or goodwill.org for more information and locations
- Medford Family Network
- Accepted items: toiletries, clothing, toys
- Where to donate: MFN Family Center, 489 Winthrop St., Medford
- Visit medfordfamilynetwork.org for more information
- Big Brother Big Sister
- Accepted items: clothing, small household items, books, small toys, art/collectibles
- How to donate: Drop offs can be made at 85 George P. Hassett Dr., Medford in the rear parking lot or schedule a free pickup at bbbsfoundation.org
- Everything is Free Medford
- How it works: join the Facebook group and post a picture of what you are gifting or seeking
- Join at http://www.facebook.com/groups/BuyNothingMedfordMA/
- Baystate Textiles Donation Boxes
- Accepted items: clothing, shoes, linens
- Where to donate: drop-off boxes at Medford High, McGlynn, Roberts, Brooks, Missituk schools
- Visit baystatetextiles.com for more information
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Accepted items: household goods, clothing, electronics
- How to donate: schedule a free pickup through pickupplease.org or call 1-888-518-8387
- Cradles to Crayons
- Accepted items: children’s clothing, school supplies, winter coats, hygiene items
- Where to donate: dropoff bin in rear lot of Temple Shalom, 475 Winthrop St., Medford
- Visit cradlestocrayons.org for more info
- Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville (MAMAS)
- Free Store events are hosted monthly at East Somerville Community School (50 Cross St., Somerville)
- For more information on upcoming events and donation times, visit mutualaidmamas.com or email mamasfreestore@gmail.com
- Friends of Medford Public Library
- Accepted items: books, DVDs, board games, jigsaw puzzles
- For more information visit friendsofmedfordlibrary.org
- Be sure to check out the Smart Waste Events Calendar for local swap events and other ways to donate and trade unwanted items around Medford.
Please don’t put your electronics in the trash! Electronic waste can be very dangerous if not treated carefully.
Recycle white goods, appliances, metal items, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and even exercise equipment for $26.91 per item. Televisions and monitors can be picked up and recycled for $41.40 per item.
Schedule your pick up at wm.com or call (800) 972-4545
Also be sure to check the Smart Waste Events Calendar for electronics recycling and repair events in Medford.
Whether you are getting rid of an old mattress or an area rug, you can schedule curbside pick-up of broken, bulky items with Waste Management. Contact Waste Management at wm.com or call 800-972-4545 to schedule your pick-up.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the short list of hazardous materials which must be collected separately from your trash. Items like batteries, lightbulbs, chemicals, or needles must be collected separately by Waste Management; call ahead or schedule a special pick up online at wm.com or at 800-972-4545
Still not sure how to dispose of an item?
Waste and Recycling Schedule
