06/09/2026
Every Tuesday leading up to July 6 we are sharing information as we prepare for the full transition to automated trash and recycling collection. Today we talk about cart placement. With automated collection, proper cart placement is essential to ensure trash and recycling are collected safely and efficiently.
To help ensure collection of your household trash and recycling carts:
• Place carts at the edge of the street.
• Position carts with the wheels at the edge of the street and the handle facing towards your property.
• Leave at least 3 feet of space around carts whenever possible.
• Make sure lids are fully closed.
• Keep carts clear of vehicles, mailboxes, utility poles, and other obstacles.
Collection trucks use a mechanical arm to lift and empty carts. If carts are blocked, placed too close together, or improperly positioned, they may not be collected.
For residents living on dead ends (in which there is no way for the truck to turn around), or one-way roads, additional cooperation may be needed to safely service all homes. On these streets, collection trucks will only be able to collect from one side of the roadway due to the position of the mechanical arm. As such, residents on one side of the street may be asked to move their carts to the opposite side of the street, so that all the carts on the street will align on the same side. The Department of Public Works will be sending out letters to all households that will be affected. To see the full list of affected households go to our Automated Trash and Recycling collection page. https://www.readingma.gov/1074/Automated-Trash-and-Recycling-Collection
This small adjustment is necessary to ensure that the collection trucks are able to collect trash and recycling each week from all properties.
We understand that maintaining 3 feet of clearance on all sides may not be possible at every location, and we appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during this transition to automated collection. Please arrange carts as close to these guidelines as possible, and Republic Services will do their best to safely complete collection.
If you experience pickup issues at the curb, please report it to See-Click-Fix or contact the Department of Public Works at 781-942-9077. Taking a few extra seconds to place your cart correctly and helping your neighbors when needed can make a big difference for safe and efficient collection throughout the community.
