Cambridge Recycling Center
Recycling Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts
About This Location
The Cambridge Recycling Center at 147 Hampshire St (rear of the Public Works yard) is the city's free drop-off facility for hard-to-recycle materials not collected curbside, including fluorescent bulbs, batteries, small electronics, scrap metal, and plastic bags. Open to Cambridge residents, small businesses, and nonprofits.
What this location Accepts
Related recycling guides: Electronics · Batteries · Appliances · Plastic · Cardboard & Paper
What they do not accept
Access & restrictions
Pop-up neighborhood recycling events held at rotating locations accept the same materials
Programs & events
- Pop-up Neighborhood Recycling Events — Held at rotating locations across Cambridge with the same accepted materials as the Hampshire St center. Check the Cambridge DPW website for dates.
- HHWE (Household Hazardous Waste Events) — Periodic events for paint, solvents, pesticides, and other hazardous materials not accepted at the Recycling Center. See Cambridge DPW for schedule.
Materials, fees and hours can change — call ahead to confirm before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cambridge Recycling Center free to use?
Yes — drop-off is free for Cambridge residents, small businesses with 50 or fewer employees, and nonprofits. You do not need to pay a fee or make an appointment; just arrive during open hours (Tue/Thu 4–7:30 PM, Sat 9 AM–4 PM).
Can I drop off paint or hazardous chemicals at the Cambridge Recycling Center?
No. Paints, solvents, pesticides, and other hazardous materials are not accepted at the Hampshire St center. Cambridge holds periodic Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics (HHWE) collection events for these items — check the <a href='https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/publicworks/Services/recyclingcenter' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Cambridge DPW website</a> for upcoming event dates.
Does the Cambridge Recycling Center take fluorescent bulbs and batteries?
Yes to both. Fluorescent and LED bulbs, mercury-containing devices, alkaline batteries (sorted separately), and rechargeable batteries are all accepted free of charge. This is one of the few drop-off points in Cambridge for these items outside of scheduled HHWE events.
Can Cambridge businesses use the Recycling Center at 147 Hampshire St?
Yes, if your business has 50 or fewer employees. Larger businesses must use a private waste hauler or certified recycler. For secure data destruction and e-waste, local businesses can also use <a href='/ma/cambridge/shredtronics-ma-cambridge-2/'>Shredtronics at 1105 Massachusetts Ave</a>, which is open to commercial clients.
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