Refuse Collection

blue icon of trash canRepurpose and Reuse

Recycling or trash...this recyclopedia will give you the answers, fast! Can you repurpose your item? Instead of tossing usable things, give them to a charity or other organization that will pass them along to others. Check out the Beyond the Bin directory or these resources from the Mass Department of Environmental Protection for donation options.

Standard Refuse Collection

When trash collection falls on a holiday, pick up is delayed one day.

The Town assigns each single-family household a municipal trash collection container. Legal two-, three-, and four-family households that receive Town refuse collection are provided with one container for each legal unit.

All containers are the property of the Town of Wakefield and must be left at the place of residence upon change of ownership/tenancy. Each container has a serial number that allows tracking if the container is lost or stolen. A record will be maintained by the DPW with the address associated with each container and the serial number.

Overflow Bags and Cart Rental

You can buy orange overflow bags if you anticipate a large amount of trash after a holiday or party. Overflow bags, which are $10 for a package of five, can be purchased at Wakefield Town Hall, Harts Hardware, Farmland, CVS Wakefield, Walgreens Wakefield, Shaw’s in Wakefield, and online.

An additional blue trash cart is available for an annual rental fee if your refuse is frequently excessive. Residents may apply for a second refuse cart using this application form. Email it to DPW@wakefield.ma.us or mail it to Department of Public Works at 1 Lafayette St. The application will be reviewed and you will be notified if your request is approved. Once approved, you will have the option of paying online once you receive the invoice and bill number. The annual rental fee for a second cart is $150 per year. The fee includes the rental of the cart and the collection and disposal of the additional refuse.

Refuse Placement

Place trash carts or authorized overflow bags at your curb no later than 7:00 a.m. on your designated pick-up day.  Recycling, hazardous waste, construction debris, and yard waste should not be put in the automated container.