GLOUCESTER, MA – The City of Gloucester will launch a new municipal trash and recycling collection program with Casella Waste Management beginning October 1, 2026, replacing the City’s Purple Bag program with automated cart collection.
The new program is designed to make collection safer and more efficient, and reduce litter. The City’s Municipal Waste Collection Program applies to single-family homes and multifamily properties with up to four units.
Each eligible unit will receive a City-provided trash cart and recycling cart. Residents will automatically be enrolled in the Standard Service:
- 65-gallon trash cart + 65-gallon recycling cart: $300 annually ($75 per quarter)
- Size Down Option: 35-gallon trash cart and choice of 35- or 65-gallon recycling cart for $200 annually ($50 per quarter)
Residents who are satisfied with the Standard Service do not need to take any action. Annual fees are billed quarterly on property utility bills.
Residents 65 and older are eligible for a 50% senior discount on their selected service tier at their primary residence.
Residents who need additional capacity may purchase additional carts. Residents with a private hauler contract may also opt out of the municipal program by submitting the required documentation.
See below for the important dates associated with the new service:
- August 31: Deadline to request Size Down service, apply for the senior discount or submit an opt-out request.
- Week of September 3: Casella begins delivering new carts. Residents’ regular collection day will remain the same.
- September 3: Final appliance pickup under the existing yellow sticker program.
- September 30: Final day Purple Bags and existing bulk stickers will be accepted.
- October 1: Automated collection begins. All trash must fit inside the City-issued cart with the lid fully closed. Overflow bags will not be collected.
Beginning October 1, appliance pickups will occur monthly and bulk items will be collected city-wide on Fridays. Residents can schedule these services directly with Casella at 800-CASELLA.
Seasonal homes, vacation rentals, short-term rentals, Airbnbs and ADUs are subject to the annual fee for the service tier selected.
Residents can find service forms to apply for Size Down service, apply for the senior discount or submit an opt-out request, request additional carts, and can find additional information at www.gloucester-ma.gov/trashforms.
City staff will also be available to assist residents with forms:
Rose Baker Center for Aging Well
- August 25, 9:00AM – 11:00AM
- August 28, 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Cape Ann Veterans Services
- August 25, 12:00PM – 2:00PM
- August 28, 9:00AM – 10:00AM
Questions can also be directed to the Gloucester DPW Business Office at 978-325-5600.
—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester
Good Morning Gloucester 