Town transitions to fully automated curbside pickup system with new cart placement requirements and updated collection procedures
Reading, MA — Starting July 6, 2026, all curbside collection will fully transition to automated trucks. These trucks use a mechanical arm to lift and empty your trash and recycling carts, creating a safer, cleaner, and more efficient system for our community.
In 2025, the Town issued new standardized trash and recycling carts to all households currently receiving Town collection. This included a green 48-gallon or 64-gallon trash cart and a blue 48/64/96-gallon recycling cart.
We’ll be sharing information you need to know to prepare for this transition. While your collection day will remain the same, how your carts are set out will be more important than ever.
Stay tuned to learn how to make sure your materials are collected without interruption. Check out the new Automated Trash and Recycling page: https://www.readingma.gov/1074/Automated-Trash-and-Recycling-Collection
Automated Trash and Recycling Collection Guide
What’s New?
Starting July 6, 2026, trash and recycling curbside collection will be fully automated. All trash and recycling must fit in your Town issued containers. Republic Services will begin using automated collection trucks equipped with mechanical arms to lift and empty our standardized trash and recycling carts. This system will make the collection process safer, more efficient, and cleaner. Your service collection days will not change.
Here’s what Reading residents need to know:
What is NOT Changing?
Your collection day will remain the same.
Trash and recycling will remain collected weekly.
Click link here to see what day your trash and recycling gets picked up
What IS changing?
- Automated Collection: Collection will be fully automated using truck-mounted mechanical arms
- Amount: All trash and recycling must fit inside your Town-issued carts
- Overflow Bags: The Town of Reading will offer overflow bags for occasional extra household trash. Residents may purchase official overflow bags at local retailers or at the DPW Office at Town Hall. Please note that only one overflow bag is permitted per week, and the bag must be placed on top of your trash cart for collection
- Bulk Collection: Residents must now schedule and pay directly with Republic Services for Bulk item collection. Residents can call 1-800-442-9006 to schedule bulk pick up.
These updates will improve efficiency and safety for the drivers, but they also require small changes from residents to ensure successful pickup.
If you have any questions, call the DPW office at 781-439-6930 or open a SeeClickFix request.
What to do?
Place Cart Properly
Position the cart as close to the edge of your property or curb as possible, with the lid closed, the handle facing away from the street. and the wheels toward the curb. Carts must be upright and on a level, stable surface.
Maintain Clearance
Leave at least 3 feet of space on all sides of the cart, away from the other carts, mailboxes and vehicles.
Close the Lid
Make sure the lid if fully closed to prevent windblown litter and spillage during collection.
Bag Your Trash
For trash carts (not recycling) secure all waste in bags to minimize spills and odors.
Breakdown Your Boxes
For all large carboard boxes, you must flatten and break them before placing them in your recycling cart. This helps save space, prevents overflow, and ensures materials are collected properly.
Overflow Bags
Place overflow bags on top of your trash cart.
What not to do?
Do NOT Overflow
Avoid overfilling or placing items on top of the cart. Excessively filled carts may not be collected.
Do NOT Block
Do not block access to the cart with vehicles, landscaping materials, or bulky items.
Do NOT Use Unauthorized Carts
Use only the official Town of Reading carts assigned to your residence. Trash and recycling placed in alternative receptacles will not be collected
Do NOT Bag Recyclables
All items must be placed loose in the recycling cart. Bagged recyclables may not be collected and rejected
Do NOT Block Roadways
Please ensure that carts are placed in a manner that does not obstruct roadways or interfere with traffic.
