Town announces trash & recycling rollout update for 2025
The Town of Reading is preparing for an upcoming change in trash and recycling as part of the next rubbish/recycling contract, which will transition from manual collection to automated collection in July 2026. To facilitate this change, new trash and recycling carts will be delivered to every household currently receiving town collection services starting in April 2025.
Standard cart distribution
One (1) 64-gal. trash cart
One (1) 96-gal. recycling cart
Additional & alternative cart options
Additional Cart Requests: Residents requiring a second trash cart may apply through OpenGov for a $200/year fee.
Extra Recycling Cart: A second 96-gal. recycling cart may be requested at no charge.
Smaller Cart Options: Residents in need of a smaller cart should contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 781-439-6930. Priority will be given to seniors (60+) and individuals with disabilities, but all residents may request an additional cart.
48-gal. trash cart
48-gal. or 64-gal. recycling cart
Transition time & special pickup
As the drop-off schedule for the new bins is finalized, the Town will provide a calendar for distribution. To assist with the transition, a special pickup for existing trash and recycling bins will take place this summer. For more details and updates, visit: www.readingma.gov/cartrollout.
Join the curbside food waste composting program
The Town of Reading is launching a new initiative to help residents reduce their carbon footprint with a curbside food waste compost pilot program in partnership with Black Earth Compost. New residential subscribers will receive a free 13-gal. compost bin and their first roll of 13 gallon compost bags at no cost. To sign up or learn more, call the DPW office at 781-942-9077 or email composting@ci.reading.ma.us.
The current rate is $69.99 for 6 months. Once the town reaches 1000 subscribers, the price will drop to $59.99/6 months. Learn more at BlackEarthCompost.com.
Why Compost?
Waste management is a growing issue throughout Massachusetts, and reducing trash volume benefits everyone. The Town of Reading is charged based on the total weight of garbage collected - by properly sorting recyclables and compostables, we can reduce overall tonnage, lower waste costs, and help protect the environment.
