Trash
Putting out Your Trash for Pickup
Use Only Approved Containers
Put all waste in any the following approved containers:
- Plastic bags that are:
- At least 1.5 mils thick
- No more than 3 cubic feet (30 gallons) in volume
- No more than 40 pounds in weight
- Tightly sealed or tied
- Metal containers that:
- Are watertight
- Are rust-resistant
- Have handles
- Have tight-fitting covers
- Are no more than 3 cubic feet (32 gallons) in volume
- Are no more than 50 pounds in weight
- Plastic barrels that:
- Are heat- and water-resistant
- Have handles
- Have tight-fitting covers
- Are no more than 3 cubic feet (32 gallons) in volume
- Are no more than 50 pounds in weight
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Cardboard boxes placed into or next to trash will not be picked up. Cardboard must be flattened, cut to size, bundled and recycled.
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Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and will not be collected in the trash. They must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
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Cardboard boxes can't be used as trash containers. They will not be picked up.
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 EL Harvey in advance of the move at 800-321-3002.
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 EL Harvey by at 800-321-3002 by 3 pm the day before your regular trash day to have these items collected on your regular trash day.
- 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.