Somerville hazardous waste and yard waste deadlines: Nov 5, Nov 14 and Dec 11
Somerville's last hazardous waste drop-offs are Nov 5 and Nov 14. Yard waste pickup ends Dec 11. Dates, what to bring and what to do with renovation debris.
Mateus MagnoLicensed Construction Supervisor · November 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Somerville's last hazardous waste drop-offs of 2026 are Thursday, November 5, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the DPW yard, 1 Franey Road. Bring proof of residence. The final curbside yard waste week is December 7 to 11. Hazardous waste and yard waste collection return in spring 2027.
If you have old paint in the basement or leaves in the yard, the clock is running. The City announced its final fall dates on October 29, 2026.
Key dates at a glance
| What | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous waste | Thu, Nov 5, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. | DPW yard, 1 Franey Rd. |
| Hazardous waste, last day | Sat, Nov 14, 9 a.m. to noon | DPW yard, 1 Franey Rd. |
| Curbside yard waste, last week | Dec 7 to 11 | At your curb, on your trash day |
How to drop off hazardous waste in Somerville
- Bring proof you live here, such as a driver's license or utility bill.
- Pack it right. Use sturdy boxes, not loose items or plastic bags.
- Check your item first with the City's Waste Wizard or its hazardous waste page.
What goes where?
| Item | What the City says |
|---|---|
| Motor oil, aerosol paint, household cleaning chemicals | Hazardous waste day |
| Paint cans that aren't empty | Hazardous waste day |
| Dry, empty paint cans | Regular trash |
| Rechargeable, button and lithium batteries | Hazardous waste day |
| Regular A, AA, C and D alkaline batteries | Regular trash |
| Large or non-empty fire extinguishers | Hazardous waste day |
| Gasoline, kerosene, heating oil | Not accepted. Dispose of privately. |
| Building and construction materials | Not accepted. Dispose of privately. |
| Business hazardous waste | Not accepted |
Not on this list? Ask the Waste Wizard or call 311 before you load the car.
If you just renovated
This is where people get caught. The drop-off is for household hazardous waste, not job-site debris. Old drywall, flooring, cabinets and framing need a private disposal plan, usually a dumpster or a hauler. My guide to Somerville construction hours and dumpster permits explains how that works.
Be careful with older materials too. Don't sand, scrape or break up anything you suspect has lead or asbestos just to fit it in a bag. Read lead paint in older homes and asbestos floor tiles in older homes first.
Yard waste rules
- Use paper bags, or loose waste in barrels with the City's "Yard Waste Only" stickers. Plastic bags won't be collected.
- After December 11, you can bring yard waste to the DPW yard on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3:30 p.m.
- DPW collection of hazardous and yard waste returns in spring 2027.
Also on November 7: neighborhood cleanups
The City is holding fall neighborhood cleanups on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, with supplies provided. Stay for the whole time or just drop in.
| Ward | Meet at |
|---|---|
| 1 | East Branch Library, 115 Broadway |
| 2 | Union Square Plaza |
| 3 | City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. |
| 4 | Temple Street and Broadway |
| 5 | DPW Building, 1 Franey Rd. |
| 6 | Statue Park, Davis Square |
| 7 | Holland Street and Broadway, Teele Square |
Getting your house ready for winter?
I'm Mateus, a licensed builder based in Davis Square. If your fall cleanup turned up a leak or some rot, book a free walkthrough. You'll get a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last hazardous waste day in Somerville in 2026?
Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the DPW yard, 1 Franey Road. There is also a drop-off on Thursday, November 5, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
When does yard waste pickup end in Somerville?
The final curbside collection week is December 7 to 11, 2026. After that, you can bring yard waste to the DPW yard on weekdays during posted hours.
How do I get rid of old paint in Somerville?
Bring cans that aren't empty to the DPW on a hazardous waste day. Dry, empty paint cans go in regular trash.
Does Somerville accept construction debris at hazardous waste days?
No. The City says building and construction materials must be disposed of privately.
Planning work near Somerville? See the towns I work in, with local permit notes, and how I price work.
Mateus Magno founded Magno & Co in 2020. He is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston.
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