FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
a) General Recycling Program Questions
b) Extra Trash and Overflow Bags
c) Tips For Best Service

a) GENERAL PROGRAM QUESTIONS

Q. When did the new recycling program start?
Automated collection began December 1, 2014.

If your recycling cart has a GREEN LID, your recycling service will be collected during the GREEN WEEKS. If your recycling cart has a BLUE LID your recycling collection will take place during the BLUE WEEKS.

If your recycling cart has a GREEN LID, your recycling service will be collected during the GREEN WEEKS. If your recycling cart has a BLUE LID your recycling collection will take place during the BLUE WEEKS.

Click here to view the DPW Disposal calendar.

Q. When will I be serviced for curbside pickup?
Collection schedules have not changed. You will be serviced on your regularly scheduled day. Once per week for trash and every other week for recycling.

Q. What should I do with my old containers?
You can keep your old containers or use them for yard waste collection.

Q. What do I do with my yard waste?
Yard waste will continue to be collected by a separate truck on your trash day during the specified weeks on the recycle calendar. These weeks are shown on the calendar with a brown/orange color Yard waste can be placed curbside in standard trash cans or paper yard waste bags. Full cans/bags must weigh no more than 50 lbs. and may not be filled with dirt.

Q. Should I continue to bag my trash?
Yes. Bagging your trash is not only a City Ordinance requirement, it will help to keep the cart clean and sanitary, and prevent litter on windy days.

Q. What should I do with Shredded Paper?
Please put shredded paper in with your trash and not the recycle bin.

Q. Why is there a fee to collect bulky items and mattresses?
To keep costs down, bulky items and mattress collection were not included in the base fee. We encourage you to donate old furniture and other bulky items whenever possible. If you would like to avoid the fee, please use the bulky item days to dispose of them. These Saturdays are shown on the recycle calendar with a gray color. Bulky item days are hosted at Covanta - 247 Commercial Street in Lynn and are from 8 AM until 12 Noon.

NOTE: EFFECTIVE November 1, 2022 MATTRESSES WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED AT BULKY ITEM DAY. ALL MATTRESSES MUST BE RECYCLED PER THE MASS DEP.

b) EXTRA TRASH AND OVERFLOW BAGS

Q. What do I do with extra trash or recycling?
Extra trash options: All household trash must go into your cart, with the lid completely closed. But if you generate more trash than will fit in your cart, there are some options.

- An extra 96 gallon recycling bin can be rented for $46 per year.
- An extra 64 gallon trash bin can be rented for $132 per year. (Included w/recycling)
Contact Waste Management for more information at (800) 972-4545.
Recyclables not in the official 96-gallon container will not be collected.

Purple Overflow Bags

Q. What are Overflow Bags?
Overflow bags are the only approved bags for extra trash. These bags hold 33-gallons and cost $3 each and area only sold in packets of 5 for $15. Bag are available at local stores listed on this page. Trash not in official 64-gallon carts or overflow bags will not be collected. Bag are currently available at the stores below:

STORE ADDRESS MAP LINK
Lynn Dept. Of Public Works 250 Commercial Street Off The Lynnway
7-Eleven (#32441) 50 Western Avenue Near RT 107

CVS Pharmacy Store (#1204)

509 Eastern Avenue

 Eastern Ave,
Nina's Market 51 Essex Street Essex Street
Stop and Shop Store (#67) 35 Washington Street Washington At
Boston Street

c) TIPS FOR BEST SERVICE

Q. What Are Tips For Best Service?

  • Place the proper items in the correct cart: only trash in the 64-gallon cart and only recycling in the 96-gallon cart.

  • Carts should be placed curbside by 7 AM on your collection day.

  • Make sure all materials fit inside your carts with the lids completely closed.

  • Always keep the lid closed to keep rain, snow, and animals out.

  • Container remains property of Waste Management and may not be removed from the property.

  • Use the handle provided to move the cart. Tilt the cart on its wheels to roll it. It is easier to pull the cart uphill and push the cart downhill.

  • Remove your cart as soon as possible after collection to maintain the appearance of your neighborhood.

  • Clean your carts periodically by rinsing them with water and letting them dry in the sun with the lid open.

  • To limit trash tonnage in Lynn and save taxpayer dollars. "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle" as much as possible.

  • Since automated waste collection requires clearance for the vehicles lifting mechanism, any cars parked at the curb should be at least 5 feet from the cart.

  • Your address printed on your containers