Worcester, MA trash pickup schedule

Worcester trash and recycling: who collects, how often, how to find your pickup day, and what changes on holidays in 2026.

Population 213,862 (Census 2025 estimate)Last checked October 30, 2026Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.

Contents10 sections

Quick answer

Who collects	The city collects: Casella Waste Management of Massachusetts, Inc. (City's recycling contractor; also curbside bulk collector) City-run Pay-As-You-Throw program (DPW & Parks) for residential buildings with 1-6 units: trash only in official yellow bags, recycling free. Buildings with 7+ units arrange their own hauler but may use the Residential Drop-Off Center. City pages do not say who operates the trash trucks; Casella is named as the recycling contractor.¹⁷
How often	Trash weekly, recycling weekly⁴⁶⁷
Set out	at the curb between 5 and 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day (not the night before)²
Your pickup day	Zone map: worcesterma.gov² · Look up your day here
Holiday	Veterans Day, Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Delayed one day. Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²

Bulk items: By appointment (details). Drop-off sites: 3 listed (hours and fees).

Worcester holiday trash schedule 2026

City’s rule	When a scheduled collection day falls on a holiday, that day's collection and all remaining collections for the week are delayed one day.²
Official notice	worcesterma.gov²

Worcester trash pickup on holidays, 2026
Holiday	Date	Pickup	What the city says
New Year's Day	Thu, Jan 1, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Mon, Jan 19, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Presidents' Day	Mon, Feb 16, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Patriots' Day	Mon, Apr 20, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Memorial Day	Mon, May 25, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Juneteenth	Fri, Jun 19, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Independence Day (Fourth of July)	Fri, Jul 3, 2026 (observed)	Not on the city’s list	Not on the city’s list for this year
Labor Day	Mon, Sep 7, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day	Mon, Oct 12, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Veterans Day	Wed, Nov 11, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Thanksgiving Day	Thu, Nov 26, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²
Christmas Day	Fri, Dec 25, 2026	Delayed one day	Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)²

Check your own day for the next three holidays with the holiday delay checker, or download a pickup calendar.

Sources: Schedule: Home Recycling & Trash Disposal (City of Worcest… Last checked October 30, 2026 Report a change

Bulk trash pickup in Worcester

How it works	By appointment¹⁰
How to request	Drop-off: book a half-hour appointment online or via 311 (up to 48 hours ahead); Wednesdays 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (3 p.m. in November) and Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., April-November/December; bring proof of residency, pay by check or exact cash. Curbside: call Casella at 508-832-2349, pay when booking (card or money order), items at the curb by 7 a.m. on the scheduled day; 24-hour cancellation notice.¹⁰
Limits	Drop-off: unlimited items (DPW may limit quantities of certain items per year); Casella curbside: unlimited items per appointment, buildings up to six units¹⁰
Fees	Drop-off: $5 per item, mattresses and box springs $15 each, mercury products free. Casella curbside (Worcester residents): burnables $30.92 + $25.70 each additional piece; CRTs $55.25; mattress/box spring $134.96 each; metals $31.85; sleeper sofa $73.69; Freon white goods $47.18¹⁰
Not accepted	Tires over 22 inches¹⁰ Construction debris¹⁵ Commercial waste / commercial vehicles¹⁰

Sources: Bulk Waste Disposal (City of Worcester), Smart Recycling Guide / Trash & Recycling Guide 2026 PDF (… Last checked October 30, 2026 Report a change

Recycling in Worcester

Pickup	weekly⁶
Type	single-stream⁶
Glass	accepted in cart⁶
Plastics	plastic bottles, jugs, tubs and lids from kitchen, laundry and bathroom (no resin codes published)⁶

Accepted

Glass bottles and jars used for food and beverages.⁶
Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and lids used in the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom.⁶
Aluminum and steel cans used for food and beverages.⁶
Clean aluminum foil and foil pans.⁶
Paper Mixed paper , such as newspaper, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, envelopes, office paper, and paper bags.⁶
Corrugated cardboard , with a wavy layer in the middle.⁶
Boxboard , such as dry-food boxes, paper egg cartons, and cardboard tubes.⁶

Not accepted

Plastic bags, plastic film, and other flimsy plastics that clog sorting machinery.⁶
Items that tangle in sorting machinery , such as hoses, electrical wires, and chains.⁶
Styrofoam⁶
Wax-Coated Paper⁶
Bulky rigid plastics , such as toys.⁶
Disposable items , such as plastic cutlery, paper towels, and Styrofoam takeout containers.⁶
Ceramics and heat-resistant glass , such as Pyrex and other baking dishes.⁶
Medical waste , such as gloves and masks.⁶
Recycling in plastic bags (bin not collected)⁶

Programs

Bins: City no longer gives out recycling bins (since Sept. 21, 2026); use any durable, open-top, weatherproof container up to 35 gallons labeled 'Recycling'⁶
Worcester Recycles Right: from the week of November 9, 2026, bins containing non-recyclable items will not be picked up⁶
Free recycling and textile drop-off at the Residential Drop-Off Center, 1065 Millbury Street, year-round⁹

Sources: Recycling (City of Worcester), Residential Drop-Off Center (City of Worcester) Last checked October 30, 2026 Report a change

Yard waste, food scraps and seasonal pickups

Yard waste pickup	drop-off only (no curbside yard waste collection published, except fall leaf collection)¹³
Season	April - November¹³
How often	Not published by the city (official page)
Rules	Free drop-off for residents (ID required): 1065 Millbury St (Wed 8:30-7, Fri 8:30-3, Sat-Sun 9-5; Nov shorter; only site for large branches up to 8 in. diameter/8 ft and loose brush), 300 Chandler St and 299 Clark St (Wed 8:30-3, Sat 9-5). Brush tied in bundles no longer than 3 ft; only biodegradable paper bags left on site; no commercial yard waste; no stumps.¹³
Food scraps	Not published by the city (official page)
Christmas trees	No curbside pickup. Free drop-off of real trees at Millbury Street (next to VFW Post), Chandler Street (lot across from Foley Stadium) and Clark Street (near East Mountain St) only when City staff are present: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun (Millbury only) 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; proof of residency. Page says 'Complete for the 2026 Season'; 2026-27 dates not yet published (2026 guide: tree drop-off starts the day after Christmas).¹¹¹⁵
Leaf collection	Curbside fall leaf collection by DPW route, starting the first week of November (weather permitting): rake leaves into the gutter only after No Parking signs are posted (notice usually 1-2 days ahead); 2026 collection begins Monday, Nov. 2 in routes 27, 29 and 31; approximate weeks Nov 2-6, Nov 9-14, Nov 14-21, Nov 21-28 by trash day/area; no brush, branches or plastic in the gutter; paper bags only if bagging.¹⁴
Cleanup events	Household Hazardous Waste Day: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 1065 Millbury St, by appointment (Worcester residents)¹²

Sources: Christmas Tree Drop-Off (City of Worcester), Household Hazardous Waste Day (City of Worcester), Leaf & Yard Waste Drop-Off (City of Worcester), Fall Leaf Collection (City of Worcester DPW Streets), Smart Recycling Guide / Trash & Recycling Guide 2026 PDF (… Last checked October 30, 2026 Report a change

Drop-off sites: landfill, recycling and hazardous waste

Residential Drop-Off Center

Type	Recycling center
Run by	city (DPW & Parks)
Address	1065 Millbury Street, Worcester, MA 01607 · Map⁹
Hours	Recycling/textiles/compost/cooking oil/mercury: Apr-Nov Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Wed 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; winter Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Bulk waste by appointment Wed and Sat (Apr-Nov/Dec). 2026 closures incl. Nov 11 and Nov 26.⁹
Fees	recycling, textiles, yard waste, compost, cooking oil, mercury free; bulk items $5 ($15 mattress/box spring)⁹
Who can use it	Worcester residents only; proof of residency plus driver's license or state/federal ID; no commercial waste⁹

Leaf & yard waste drop-off sites (Millbury St, 300 Chandler St, 299 Clark St)

Type	Compost / yard waste site
Run by	The city
Address	1065 Millbury Street; 300 Chandler Street; 299 Clark Street, Worcester · Map¹³
Hours	April-November; see yardWaste.rules¹³
Fees	free¹³
Who can use it	Worcester residents (ID required)¹³

Household Hazardous Waste Day (Residential Drop-Off Center)

Type	Household hazardous waste
Run by	The city
Address	1065 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01607 · Map¹²
Hours	Event days only, by appointment; next: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.¹²
Fees	free¹²
Who can use it	Worcester residents, proof required; limit 25 gallons or 25 pounds¹²

Item guides: Mattress · Couch and furniture · Appliances · Paint · Batteries · Electronics · Tires · Motor oil · Christmas tree.

Sources: Residential Drop-Off Center (City of Worcester), Household Hazardous Waste Day (City of Worcester), Leaf & Yard Waste Drop-Off (City of Worcester) Last checked October 30, 2026 Report a change

Missed pickup and contacts

Missed pickup form	Worcester 311 online: Trash Bag Not Collected seeclickfix.com ; Recycling Bin Not Collected seeclickfix.com¹
Phone	Trash and Recycling (DPW), 20 East Worcester Street: 508-929-1300 (Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)²
311	Worcester 311: dial 311, [email protected], or online at worcesterma.gov¹
Official website	worcesterma.gov¹

Sources: Trash & Recycling (City of Worcester), Schedule: Home Recycling & Trash Disposal (City of Worcest… Last checked October 30, 2026 Report a change

Nearby cities

All Massachusetts cities: Massachusetts trash pickup schedules.

Worcester trash pickup FAQ

What day is trash picked up in Worcester?

Trash is collected weekly. Worcester does not use one citywide day: your day depends on your address. Look it up with the city’s zone map (worcesterma.gov).

Is trash picked up on Thanksgiving Day 2026 in Worcester?

Thanksgiving Day falls on Thu, Nov 26, 2026. Delayed one day: Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)

Is trash picked up on Christmas Day 2026 in Worcester?

Christmas Day falls on Fri, Dec 25, 2026. Delayed one day: Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)

Is trash picked up on New Year's Day 2026 in Worcester?

New Year's Day falls on Thu, Jan 1, 2026. Delayed one day: Listed by the City under 'Holidays that Will Result in a Day Delay' (2026)

How do I get rid of bulky items in Worcester?

By appointment. Drop-off: book a half-hour appointment online or via 311 (up to 48 hours ahead); Wednesdays 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (3 p.m. in November) and Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., April-November/December; bring proof of residency, pay by check or exact cash. Curbside: call Casella at 508-832-2349, pay when booking (card or money order), items at the curb by 7 a.m. on the scheduled day; 24-hour cancellation notice. Fees: Drop-off: $5 per item, mattresses and box springs $15 each, mercury products free. Casella curbside (Worcester residents): burnables $30.92 + $25.70 each additional piece; CRTs $55.25; mattress/box spring $134.96 each; metals $31.85; sleeper sofa $73.69; Freon white goods $47.18.

Does Worcester recycle glass?

Glass: accepted in cart.

How do I report a missed trash pickup in Worcester?

Use the city’s online form (Worcester 311 online: Trash Bag Not Collected https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/cFzjTyGUk9GfxtQhuGY47ZvY/report/category/57595 ; Recycling Bin Not Collected https://seeclickfix.com/web_portal/cFzjTyGUk9GfxtQhuGY47ZvY/report/category/57552) or call Trash and Recycling (DPW), 20 East Worcester Street: 508-929-1300 (Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).

Sources

1
Trash & Recycling (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
2
Schedule: Home Recycling & Trash Disposal (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
3
2026 Worcester Trash and Recycling Calendar PDF (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
4
Sanitation_Routes_II collection-day layer (City of Worcester)City · services1.arcgis.com · checked October 30, 2026
5
Trash Disposal (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
6
Recycling (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
7
Dos and Don'ts (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
8
Composting Program (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
9
Residential Drop-Off Center (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
10
Bulk Waste Disposal (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
11
Christmas Tree Drop-Off (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
12
Household Hazardous Waste Day (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
13
Leaf & Yard Waste Drop-Off (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
14
Fall Leaf Collection (City of Worcester DPW Streets)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026
15
Smart Recycling Guide / Trash & Recycling Guide 2026 PDF (City of Worcester)City · worcesterma.gov · checked October 30, 2026

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Second-pass verification against every source: October 30, 2026. Not affiliated with any city, county or hauler.