Reduce Reuse Recycle in Swampscott

08/08/2026

Automated Trash & Recycling Collection Update ♻️🗑️

Thank you, Swampscott! As we continue with the transition to automated trash and recycling collection, we appreciate your patience and understanding while our team works through cart deliveries, exchanges, and additional cart requests throughout the community.

Our staff is working hard each day to process requests, answer questions, and ensure every household receives the assistance they need.

📍Missed Trash or Recycling Collection
If your trash or recycling was missed on your scheduled collection day, please contact Republic Services directly at 781-289-0500 to report the missed collection.

Missed collection reports should be directed to Republic Services so their team can document the issue and coordinate collection.

📍Additional Cart Requests
Deployment of additional trash and recycling carts has begun and will continue again beginning Monday, August 10. We appreciate your patience as our team works to distribute these carts throughout the community. If you have already submitted a request, please know that we are actively working through requests and completing deliveries as quickly as possible.

📍65-Gallon Recycling Cart Reminder
If you have requested a 65-gallon recycling cart, please continue using your 95-gallon recycling cart until your exchange has been completed. This will help ensure your recycling continues to be collected without interruption while you wait for your replacement cart.

📍Bulk Item Reminder
Bulk item stickers are not available for purchase at Town Hall. Bulk item pickup scheduling and payment must be completed directly through Republic Services. Instructions and additional information are available on the Town's website.

📍Questions or Inquiries?
Email remains the fastest and preferred method of communication. Email allows our team to review requests, maintain accurate records, and respond more efficiently.

[email protected]

When emailing, please include your name, property address, and a brief description of your question or request so our team can assist you as quickly as possible.

🌐 For additional information, visit www.swampscottma.gov/trash

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we work through this transition. We appreciate everyone's understanding as our staff continues working to complete requests and assist residents throughout the community.

08/05/2026

💊 Did you know?

🆗 Unused or expired prescription and non-presciption pills and ointments can be safely disposed of in the medication collection bin located in the lobby of the Swampscott Police Department Station on Humphrey Street.

Proper disposal helps keep medications out of solid waste and prevents misuse. It's free, convenient, and available 24/7!

❌ Please note: injector pens, needles, syringes, and other sharps are NOT accepted.

Town of Swampscott

08/04/2026

Worth a read from today's Boston Globe Editorial:

"(...) — we could just generate less trash. And the most impactful way to do that would be to cut down on wasted food.

“It’s the single largest material in our solid waste stream. Our most recent data show it around 23 percent of our municipal solid waste,” John Fischer, MassDEP’s deputy division director, solid waste, told the editorial board.

In Swampscott, consider the following options for disposing of food waste:

♻ Public Composting Bins – Located at the Swampscott Police Department and behind the Swampscott Cemetery near the Dog Park (free to use)

♻ Weekly Curbside Residential Composting Pickup – Through Black Earth Compost (annual subscription fee)

♻ Backyard Composting

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/08/04/opinion/cut-food-waste-reduce-trash/

Town of Swampscott

Food is about 23 percent of our municipal solid waste.

08/01/2026

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue delivering new recycling carts and completing cart exchanges throughout the community.

Our staff is working hard each day to fulfill requests, answer questions, and ensure every household receives the assistance they need.

Need to reach us? You can email us anytime at [email protected]. If you’ve already sent us an email or left a voicemail, please know that we are responding as quickly as possible. Every message is important to us.

When leaving a voicemail, please include:
• Your name
• Your street address
• Your phone number
• A brief description of your question or request

Providing this information allows our team to assist you more efficiently.

🚨 Important Reminder: If you have requested a 65-gallon recycling cart, please continue using your new 95-gallon recycling cart until your exchange has been completed. This will help ensure your recycling continues to be collected without interruption until your replacement cart is delivered.

Thank you for your patience, kindness, and cooperation as we continue implementing Swampscott’s new automated trash and recycling program. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you throughout this transition!

07/31/2026

If in doubt what (and what not) to put into your new Recycling Cart, follow this Guide!

And for more questions, refer to the Recyclopedia on https://recyclesmartma.org/results-materials/

Recycle Smart MA
Town of Swampscott

07/27/2026

Green Day Recycle is hosting an electronics recycling fundraiser on Saturday, August 1 at the St. John The Evangelist Church parking lot. The fundraiser will run from 9 a.m. to...

07/27/2026

Exciting news, Swampscott! The Town's new 95-gallon recycling carts have arrived and deliveries will begin this week as we continue the transition to automated trash and recycling collection.

Here's what to know:
♻️ Cart deliveries will take place throughout the week.
♻️ Your new recycling cart will be delivered directly to your property no action is needed at this time.
♻️ Residents who requested a smaller recycling cart will have those requests fulfilled this week. To streamline distribution, all households will initially receive a 95-gallon recycling cart. If you requested a 65-gallon cart, it will be delivered this week, and the larger cart will be picked up during the exchange.

For additional information about the Town's automated trash and recycling program, please visit www.swampscottma.gov

07/22/2026

https://swampscotttides.org/featured/select-board-approves-fees-for-extra-trash-and-recycling-carts-ahead-of-automated-pickup-launch/

The Select Board voted to charge residents $160 annually for a second trash cart and $50 annually for an additional recycling cart. Automated trash and recycling pickup will begin the...

07/20/2026

Friendly Reminder: Upcoming Trash & Recycling Information Session ♻️

The Town of Swampscott invites residents to stop by our information table to learn more about the upcoming transition to automated trash and recycling collection. Representatives from the Town of Swampscott and Republic Services will be available to answer your questions, provide updates, and share information about the new collection program. Whether you're curious about the new carts, collection changes, or the transition timeline, we're happy to help.

Need assistance requesting a different cart size? Town staff will also be available to help eligible residents complete a cart change request for a smaller recycling or trash cart, if needed.

📅 Monday, July 20
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Swampscott Senior Center

Stop by anytime between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to ask questions and learn more about the upcoming transition. We look forward to seeing you!