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Solid Waste Management

Show All Answers

1. Where can I donate used clothing/textiles and books?

You can drop off used clothing and textiles such linens and clothing accessories such as backpacks, book bags, etc. and books at the recycling drop off center donation trailers. In addition for information about recycling clothing, please visit Beyond The Bin Recycling Directory. 

2. I just returned home to find a non-compliance warning sticker on my trash or recycling cart. What is it for?

Non-compliance warnings are an educational tool used to inform residents when they are not in compliance with current policies, by-laws/ordinances, state laws or regulations. The sticker should have a box checked indicating the reason for the warning.

3. When is my trash and recycling picked up?

Your trash and recycling is picked up from the curb weekly. Depending on where you live determines your collection day. If you do not know which day, call (508) 532-6001. Both trash and recycling need to be placed at curbside by 7:00 a.m. on the pick-up day, but no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the night before. The automated collecting truck cannot pick up trash or recycling that is not in an approved City of Framingham cart. Unacceptable material will be left at curbside.

4. What happens if my collection day falls on a holiday?

Your trash will be picked up the next day, and everyone else whose collection day follows the holiday will have their trash picked up one day later than usual. Please reference this year’s holiday calendar of observed holidays.

5. Are there any restrictions on what I can put in my trash?

Yes. By state regulation or Framingham City By-Law the following are not allowed: hazardous wastes, rubber tires, most metal items, yard waste (grass, leaves, brush), Christmas trees, recyclables such as newspapers, glass bottles, metal cans, plastic containers, television sets, computer monitors, fluorescent light bulbs, Ni-cad batteries, lead acid batteries, any Mercury containing items and lumber or other home construction materials from home repair.

Please reference this guide for more information.

6. So, what do I do with items that I cannot put in my trash?

The Sanitation Division conducts special bulky item pickups for a nominal fee. For information about bulky item pickups, please visit: https://www.framinghamma.gov/173/Bulky-Item-Disposal 

Construction material such as lumber and demolition materials are not accepted at curbside or at the Recycling Drop-Off Center.

Some alternatives for disposal of construction/demolition materials are: 

• Using the hired tradesman who did the work to dispose of the materials. 

• Hire a hauling contractor for a fee. You can easily find specialized contractors online. 

7. When is the Recycling Drop-Off Center on Mt. Wayte Ave. open?

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. year round (excluding holidays). Thursday is dedicated to RECYCLING ONLY. The RDC is ONLY open to permitted residents and businesses of Framingham.

8. Where do my recyclables go?

Recyclables are currently brought to E.L. Harvey in Westborough, MA. Items are sorted and marketed to companies that can reuse the material. 

9. Where does my trash go?

The City’s sanitation trucks bring collected trash to the Waste Management Transfer Station located in Marlborough, MA.

10. How should I dispose of yard waste?

Yard waste can be placed in biodegradable paper bags or in barrels clearly marked “Yard Waste." Please do not use plastic bags. 

You can bring the yard waste to the Compost Area on Dudley Road, which is open seasonally. Please check the City website for information about curbside yard waste and brush pickup. 

11. Can I use a borrowed or rental vehicle at the Recycling Drop-off Center?

No, only vehicles that are registered in the City of Framingham can use the Recycling Drop-Off Center with a valid permit.

12. Where can I purchase biodegradable leaf bags?

Biodegradable paper yard waste bags are available for purchase at most local hardware stores. 

13. When is household hazardous waste collection day held?

Call the Sanitation Division to find out when Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is. Items listed as accepted may be disposed of during this event. Watch your newspaper for an announcement of the specific day. Items listed as NOT accepted require private contractor handling. All products must be labeled and placed in a box (no paper or plastic bags, please).

14. How must I bundle my brush and yard waste?

Yard waste is defined as leaves, grass clippings, shrub trimmings, plant cuttings and non-woody organic garden waste only. 

Brush is defined as wood waste from bushes and trees that is less than four inches in diameter. Pieces of brush must be no more than 4” in diameter and no more than four feet long. Brush must be tied with string (no metal wire) and bundled in lengths of four feet or less and weigh no more than forty pounds per bundle. 

Materials such as dirt, sand, sod, rocks, stumps or trunks will not be accepted. 

Yard waste and brush not meeting the above criteria will not be accepted at the Dudley Road Yard Waste Drop-Off Site. 

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15. How do I dispose of latex paint?

Latex paint can be mixed with kitty litter or speedy dry. Allow the paint to harden and dry completely and then  place it in your trash container for collection.  

Please reference this guide for more information.

16. Can I have bulky household items picked up curbside?

The Sanitation Division conducts curbside pickup of bulky items by appointment and for a nominal fee. Residents may pay for and schedule a pickup online through the City website or in person the Department of Public Works Administration Office located in Room 213 at City Hall or the Recycling Center located at 255 Mt. Wayte Avenue, Thursday -Saturday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

There is no charge for items taken to the Recycling Drop-Off Center EXCEPT FOR televisions, computer monitors, laptops, soft goods, mattresses, sleep sofas, tires, propane tanks, and items containing Freon. Please keep as much metal out of your trash as possible and recycle it.

17. Who collects my recycling? What can I recycle?

Recyclables are picked up by DPW personnel. Please visit the City’s recycling page for more information.

18. Where can I dispose of sharps and needles (new or used)?

Residents can dispose of needles and medical sharps inside the lobby of the Framingham Police Station located at 1 William Welch Way.

Needles and sharps SHOULD NEVER BE DISPOSED OF AS TRASH.  Needles must be placed in hard plastic containers. 

19. Does Framingham offer textile recycling?

Yes. Residents have two recycling options:

1) Bring your items to the Recycling Drop-Off Center (RDC), 255 Mt. Wayte Avenue, during regular operating hours. You must have a valid RDC permit to enter the facility.

OR

2) Schedule a home collection via Simple Recycling, the City's vendor

Learn more about Textile Recycling.