Trash

Notes

• Do not fill containers beyond their capacity or have items protruding from the top.
• The waste collector is not responsible for plastic containers that crack during cold weather.
• Empty cracker or broken containers will be collected as trash.

Number of Items Per Week

Waste collectors will pick up a maximum of:

• 6 approved containers
• 1 bulky item - see below to find out more about bulky items

An exception will be made if you are moving — just call Capitol Waste Services in advance of the move at 617-569-1718.

Bulky Items

Bulky items are those that will not fit into an approved container, including sofas, recliners, auto tires (without rim), storm doors, large toys, lawn furniture:

• Only 1 bulky item may be put out for collection each week.
• Bulky items cannot weigh more than 75 pounds.
• Rugs must be cut into 4 foot lengths, rolled and tied. No more than 15 rolls of carpet may be put out for collection each week.

Recyclopedia

Please note that this is a tool used state-wide courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Some items may refer you back to Lexington's Environmental Services Division for guidance.

Items You Can Make an Appointment to Have Picked up

Bulky Items That Can Only Be Picked Up by Making an Appointment

Please call Capitol Waste Services at 617-569-1718 to schedule pick-up for the following items; pick-up is on Wednesdays only.

• CRTs: TVs, monitors — state law prohibits disposal of CRTs in regular trash because of their high lead content.
• Appliances (White Goods) and Large Metal Items: Acceptable items include stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, metal desks, bed frames, air conditioners, file cabinets, wood stoves, dehumidifiers, grills (without propane tank), and water heaters.
• Snowblowers and lawnmowers: Must be completely drained of oil for pickup.

Things You Can't Put out in Your Trash

If there are items in your trash that are not allowed, the container will be left behind by the trash collectors. They will leave stickers explaining why the items were not picked up.

Recyclables

If there are visible recyclables in your trash, it will not be taken. The Town strictly enforces the State Waste Bans, which forbid recyclables from entering the waste stream.

Hazardous Waste

Do not put items such as oil, fuel of any kind, pesticides, non-latex paint, most cleaning fluids, non-alkaline batteries, and other toxic or corrosive items into your trash.

For a complete list, and to find out how to get rid of these items, see the Hazardous Waste page.

Medical Waste

Do not put pills, eye drops, antibiotic ointments, hypodermic needles or other medications or sharps into your trash.

For a complete list, and to find out how to get rid of these items, see the Medical Waste page.

Other Toxic, Corrosive or Polluting Materials

See How Can I Get Rid of... for information about disposing of specific items, or call the DPW at 781-274-8334.

Reduce Your Trash

• Recycling cardboard can reduce the weight of your trash significantly, as an average-sized cardboard box weighs about 1 pound. 
• Composting organic food scraps can be done at home.
• Look for products with less packaging.
• Your trash is another person's treasure, so Donate, Don't Dispose.
• Recycling all your plastic, glass and cans can make a big difference in the amount of trash you throw out.