City guide · Massachusetts
Worcester Trash Pickup Schedule
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This Worcester trash pickup schedule covers the city's pay-as-you-throw system, where how much you pay for trash depends directly on how much you throw away - recycling, by contrast, is free and unlimited. Bag prices went up sharply in the past year, and bulk waste has its own dedicated pickup days rather than riding along with your regular collection. Read on for exactly how the Worcester garbage collection schedule works for garbage, recycling, and bulk waste.
How often is trash picked up in Worcester?
The Worcester curbside collection schedule collects residential trash and recycling weekly on your assigned day. Commercial pickups run Monday through Friday starting at 6:30 a.m.
| Stream | Frequency | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Trash | Weekly | Official PAYT bags only |
| Recycling | Weekly | Any bin or container, no bag needed |
| Bulk waste | By appointment | Wednesday or Saturday, small fee |
Bins must be at the curb between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on your collection day.
Find your exact pickup day
Every address on the Worcester trash collection calendar has its own collection day, based on your address and route:
Look up your Worcester pickup schedule →
For bulk waste booking or route questions, call 508-929-1300.
Bin placement rules
- Curbside between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on collection day
- Trash must be in official PAYT bags - unbagged trash is not collected
- Recycling goes loose in any bin, no bag required
Worcester Trash Holiday Schedule
Seven holidays push the rest of that week's collection one day later. Four others - MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Patriots' Day, and Veterans' Day - don't affect the schedule at all.
| Holiday | 2026 date | Affects pickup? |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, Jan 1 | Yes - rest of week shifts one day |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | Yes - rest of week shifts one day |
| Juneteenth | Fri, Jun 19 | Yes - rest of week shifts one day |
| Independence Day | Sat, Jul 4 | Yes - rest of week shifts one day |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Yes - rest of week shifts one day |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu, Nov 26 | Yes - rest of week shifts one day |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Yes - rest of week shifts one day |
What goes in each bin
Trash
WeeklyGoes in
- Household waste in official PAYT bags
- Food-soiled paper
Keep out
- Unbagged trash
- Hazardous waste
Recycling
Weekly, freeGoes in
- Aluminum & steel cans
- Cardboard, glass bottles
- Newspaper, plastic containers
Keep out
- Plastic bags
- Food-contaminated items, clothing, electronics
Bulk Waste
By appointmentGoes in
- Appliances, TVs, mattresses
- Garden waste
Keep out
- Hazardous materials, batteries
- Tires, commercial equipment
Pay-as-you-throw bag costs
Worcester's trash system runs on official PAYT bags - the more you throw away, the more you pay, while recycling stays free with no bag required. Bag prices rose sharply in the past year: small bags increased 33% to $10 per 10-pack, and large bags rose 16% to $8.75 per 5-pack.
Bulk waste removal
Bulk items aren't collected on your regular trash day - they need to be booked separately for Wednesday (8:30 AM to 7 PM) or Saturday (9:30 AM to 3:30 PM). Book online or call 508-929-1300. A small fee applies and must be paid by cash or check only. Accepted items include appliances, TVs, mattresses, and garden waste; hazardous materials, batteries, tires, and commercial equipment are never accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Worcester trash pickup schedule?
What time does trash need to be out in Worcester?
Does Worcester use pay-as-you-throw bags?
Does a holiday delay trash pickup in Worcester?
How do I schedule bulk waste pickup in Worcester?
What can't go in bulk waste pickup in Worcester?
What goes in Worcester's recycling?
More Massachusetts guides
Boston, MA
Trash & recycling days
Cambridge, MA
Trash & recycling days
Somerville, MA
Trash & recycling days
Brockton, MA
Trash & recycling days
Shrewsbury, MA
Trash & recycling days
City contact & resources
City of Worcester Solid Waste Division
Bookmark this Worcester waste collection schedule and check back whenever a holiday shifts the calendar. Need more than curbside pickup? Compare local bulk & junk removal quotes. Browse all Massachusetts cities or the full state directory.