New trash & recycling cart coming to Reading starting April 8th
Beginning April 8th, the Town of Reading will roll out new trash and recycling carts to all households currently receiving Town collection. This initiative aims to improve waste management efficiency and standardize container use across the community.
Each household will receive:
One (1) green 64-gallon trash cart
One (1) blue 96-gallon recycling cart
Seniors (60+) and residents with disabilities will receive priority for alternative sizing and may request:
A 48-gallon trash cart
A 48-gallon recycling cart
A 64-gallon recycling cart
Requests for smaller carts can be made by contacting the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 781-439-6930.
Need a second cart?
Residents may request an additional cart through OpenGov on the Town of Reading’s website:
Extra 64-gallon trash cart: $200 per year
Extra 96-gallon recycling can: No additional charge
What can be recycled in Reading?
The Town of Reading follows single-stream recycling, meaning all recyclables go into the same cart - no sorting necessary. However, only clean and empty items can be recycled.
Accepted Items
Metal food & beverage cans (clean and empty)
Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, & tubs
Glass bottles & jars
Paper & cardboard (flatten boxes)
Not Accepted
No bagged recyclables - place items loosely in the cart
No plastic bags or plastic wrap
No hoses, wires, or electronics
No food or liquids
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
What to do with your old trash and recycling bins?
Once residents receive their new carts, they must begin using them immediately. To help with disposal, Republic Services will offer free curbside pickup of old trash and recycling containers this summer. The special collection will take place on Saturdays from July 12th to August 19th, based on your trash collection day.
Upcoming events & drop-off opportunities
Recycling drop-off event (May 17, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm) - held at the DPW Garage, where residents can bring their old carts for disposal.
Existing cart pick up schedule
July 12 - Monday trash route
July 19 - Tuesday trash route
July 26 - Wednesday trash route
August 2 - Thursday trash route
August 9 - Friday trash route
Interested in composting?
Residents can sign up for Black Earth Compost to help reduce waste and support sustainability efforts. Sign up here!
For more details and updates on the cart roll out, visit the Town of Reading website.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
