Thank you for visiting the trash collection FAQ. The information on this page will be updated as details are finalized.
In July Waste Management will be transitioning to an automated trash collection service similar to how our recycling is picked up today. In preparation, all households served by the city will receive a new trash cart. At a July date to be announced, Waste Management will only be collecting trash in that provided cart, or in overflow bags that can be purchased.
Why did we make this change? We didn’t have a practical alternative. Woburn is behind our neighboring communities who have already made this transition. Trash collection and disposal service companies have shifted their service models and most are not offering manual trash collection due to challenging staffing requirements. The change will reduce the annual budget for trash collection and create a healthier working environment for trash collection service personnel. As a bonus, we anticipate that more trash will be disposed of in the provided cart, leaving less waste for rodents to pick through.
Will we be picking up on a new schedule? No, your trash schedule remains. You’ll find your schedule here.
How did the roll out of recycling carts impact recycling volumes across the city? For the month of October and November 2024 we saw approximately a 10% increase in recycling volume. This is waste that otherwise would have ended up in trash landfills.
How large will our trash cart be? We’re collecting a bit more data from our recycling transition and will make a final determination in early spring.
What if I need more than one container for trash?
The cart that will be supplied to each household at no cost will cover the needs of most households on an average week based on current volumes. However, if your trash needs are higher, you can lease additional bins from Waste Management. The bins are $165/per year. In addition, overflow bags will be available for purchase for occasional overage needs.
Where can I purchase overflow bags? Overflow bag purchase locations are being planned but our hope is to make it convenient for residents. More details to follow closer to the roll out.
What if I live in a 2 or 3 family household? A cart for each unit will be dropped off.
What happens if my trash cart is damaged during trash collection by Waste Management? Waste Management will replace or repair trash carts damaged during trash collection.
I already have trash bins that have a bar for machine pick up, can I use them?
No. The automated machine pickup process is rough and can damage bins. Those that are purchased through hardware stores and online by residents are typically not strong enough to endure it over time. The bins leased from waste management are built specifically for automation and should any damage happen, they will be replaced free of charge.
May I mark my bin with my address? We ask residents not to mark their carts, but each cart does have a code associated with your address to protect it.
What can I do with my old bins? We encourage residents to repurpose your current bins. Here are some ideas how you might use them:
- The bins can be used as a container garden
- You can use them for the collection of rainwater to use for plant irrigation
- Store salt or sand for the winter months
- Use your old bin for yard waste
If there are any you do not want to repurpose, Waste Management will be picking them up from your residence. Please note the bin must be clearly marked “TRASH” for disposal. More details will follow closer to the trash change roll out.
I’m not sure I have the physical ability to maneuver a large trash cart and our trash needs are less than average? Please contact the Board of Health at 781-897-5920 to discuss your accommodation needs.
My road is narrow will the truck be able to serve me? Yes, if you get service today, the automation arms will be able to serve your property. The barrel has instructions for which way to face the street and asks to have 3 feet of space around the bin for pick up. Placement near the street is the same as it always has been.
How does this effect yard waste? At this time there are no changes to how yard waste is collected, although we are exploring ways we might offer residents an option for yard waste drop-off.
How can I dispose of bulk items that do not fit into the trash cart? Waste Management will be collecting permitted bulk items curbside, however, there will be a fee. The fee schedule is as follows below, and instructions for setting up collection will be published closer to the July roll out when the details are finalized, and the city’s fiscal year budget has been set.
| White Goods & Bulk Collection Fee | |||
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
| 10/1/24 – 6/30/25 | 7/1/25 – 6/30/26 | 7/1/26 – 6/30/27 | |
| Bulk Items | N/A | $ 28.35 | $ 29.77 |
| Non-Freon | $ 35.00 | $ 37.00 | $ 39.00 |
| With Freon | $ 45.00 | $ 47.00 | $ 50.00 |
| TVs & Monitors | $ 60.00 | $ 63.00 | $ 66.00 |
Are there any changes to items banned in trash collection? Items currently banned from trash collection such as hazardous materials, mattresses, textiles, electronics and appliances remain banned from regular weekly curbside pick-up. Special disposal instructions are available on the website for these items and remain unchanged.
Will the trash cart be the same color as the recycling cart? The trash cart will have Waste Management colors of Green and Yellow but they will be reversed from the recycling cart. This makes it easier for the collection team to identify which bin should go in the trash truck from their vehicle.