Reading trash & recycling schedule
Trash is picked up weekly; your day depends on your ZIP.
At a glance
| Trash | Weekly automated curbside (Republic Services). Starting July 6, 2026 all trash must fit in Town-issued cart with lid closed. Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov |
|---|---|
| Curbside | Recycling/trash out after 4:00 p.m. night before, no later than 6:00 a.m. collection day (FAQ). Checklist Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov |
| Recycling | Weekly mandatory same day as trash. Blue Town-issued barrels only (no legacy red bins). Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov |
| Bulk | Republic — schedule and pay directly for bulk, appliances, CRTs/TVs. Bulk page Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov |
| Hauler | Republic Services. |
| Contacts | Public Works 781-942-9077; Garage 781-942-9092; Republic bulk 1-800-442-9006. Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov |
Curbside
Curbside checklist
City rules before collection day. Confirm with the city if anything looks off.
When
Recycling/trash out after 4:00 p.m. night before, no later than 6:00 a.m. collection day (FAQ).
Where
Curbside; blue recycling separate from trash for automated pickup.
Limits
Post-July 2026: all waste in carts; 1 overflow bag/week; bulk via Republic fees.
Not allowed
C&D not collected curbside; CRTs/TVs not in trash/recycling; mattresses via Tough Stuff.
Bags
Trash in cart; recyclables loose in blue barrel.
Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov
Add curbside reminder to Google CalendarFind your pickup day
Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov
Holidays
Holiday → collections delay one day after holiday (Mon holiday → Tue pickup; Fri → Sat).
Verified 2026-10-15 · readingma.gov
Private junk pickup
Same-week haul for furniture or a cleanout in Reading. Not affiliated with Town Rulebook or your city — you book directly.
Opens the vendor site. We do not book or take payment.
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Full details for Reading: every rule, with sources
- Trash
- Weekly automated curbside (Republic Services). Starting July 6, 2026 all trash must fit in Town-issued cart with lid closed. Day by street schedule / Town maps. Missed: call Public Works Garage 781-942-9092 if out correctly by 6:00 a.m. (Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–3 p.m.).
- Recycling
- Weekly mandatory same day as trash. Blue Town-issued barrels only (no legacy red bins). Second recycling barrel free on request. Cardboard flattened bundles ≤4×4 ft ×6 in thick. Rinse containers; “Go Back to Basics” paper + commingled containers. Contaminated carts stickered and left curbside.
- Bulk pickup
- Republic 1-800-442-9006 — schedule and pay directly for bulk, appliances, CRTs/TVs. Tough Stuff Recycling for mattresses (curbside/drop-off). One official overflow bag/week on top of trash cart (Market Basket or Public Works cash/check). Extra 64-gal trash cart $200/year (48-gal optional); additional recycling free.
- Curbside: when
- Recycling/trash out after 4:00 p.m. night before, no later than 6:00 a.m. collection day (FAQ).
- Curbside: where
- Curbside; blue recycling separate from trash for automated pickup.
- Curbside: limits
- Post-July 2026: all waste in carts; 1 overflow bag/week; bulk via Republic fees.
- Curbside: brush
- Six weeks curbside Kraft paper bag leaves (4 fall, 2 spring); compost site Strout Ave Apr–Nov with sticker; Styrofoam #6 block drop at Public Works Garage 75 New Crossing Rd weekdays.
- Curbside: not allowed
- C&D not collected curbside; CRTs/TVs not in trash/recycling; mattresses via Tough Stuff.
- Curbside: bags
- Trash in cart; recyclables loose in blue barrel.
- Curbside: fees and fines
- Not on FAQ.
- Holidays
Holiday → collections delay one day after holiday (Mon holiday → Tue pickup; Fri → Sat). Thanksgiving on Thursday affects Thu/Fri only per FAQ.
- Hauler
- Republic Services
- Contacts
- Public Works 781-942-9077; Garage 781-942-9092; Republic bulk 1-800-442-9006
- Find your day
- Reading rubbish & recycling FAQ + street schedule
- Sources
- Trash and recycling: readingma.gov
Bulk: readingma.gov
Holidays: readingma.gov
Curbside: readingma.gov - Verified
- 2026-10-15
Town Rulebook is independent and not affiliated with any city or hauler. Schedules change — always confirm with your city. About & disclaimer