Dump and transfer station options in Waltham, MA
What we could and could not confirm
A third-party website mentions a drop-off on Lexington Street, but the city's own recycling brochure lists only the resident cardboard dumpster at 165 Lexington St. The department's number is 781-314-3390 and the office is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm; hours for the dumpster itself are not stated. The brochure points to a city disposal guide that returned a 404 when we checked. If you need a dump, call before you drive: a wasted trip with a full car is the usual cost of trusting an old listing.
Where each material really goes
Trash: your own lidded barrel on collection day. Cardboard: the blue cart, or larger quantities to the Lexington St dumpster. Metal and white goods: Capitol Waste appointment, 855-533-3400. TVs: appointment, 24 hours ahead. Other electronics: the city points to Best Buy. Textiles and household goods: Global Thrift, Neighbors Who Care or the Waltham Clothing Exchange. Hazardous products: the Minuteman facility in Lexington. Construction debris has no municipal route listed. That list is longer than most residents expect, which is why a single address for everything does not exist.
When a load is bigger than the options
A garage full of mixed junk has no single Waltham drop-off. People then rent a dumpster or hire a hauler. JunkRun's quarter-trailer price is $209 and a full 12 cubic yard trailer is $519, covering the lifting and the dump fee. Compare that with the time to make three or four trips across Waltham, Watertown and Newton. Pricing is by item or trailer load, and you can build a quote on junkrun.co before the crew starts. The JunkRun site lists a $159 minimum, so a single small item is better sent to the city or a charity.
Where does it go in Waltham?
Cardboard in bulk?
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The resident-only dumpster at 165 Lexington St.
Old couch?
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One per week with city collection if the building has six units or fewer.
Refrigerator?
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Capitol Waste appointment at 855-533-3400; the driver does not carry it.
Construction debris?
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No city route is listed; use a private hauler.
Local resources in Waltham
Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.
- Town
Waltham Recycling Department
Accepts: Free yard waste stickers at 165 Lexington St
Office hours Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm; the place for questions on the city's rules. In Waltham itself.
165 Lexington St, Waltham, MA 02452 - Thrift
Global Thrift
Accepts: Clothing, household goods, bed and bath, small appliances, books, toys
Listed by the city as a drop-off; on Moody St near the Charles River. In Waltham itself.
322 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 - Thrift
Neighbors Who Care Thrift Shop
Accepts: Gently used clothing and small household goods
Proceeds fund a volunteer program for seniors; a third-party listing gave Tue-Sat noon-5pm, so call first. In Waltham itself.
709 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451 (parking in rear)
Quick answers
Can I drive my own junk to a Waltham dump?
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No transfer station or dump is listed on the city's official pages. Call 781-314-3390 to confirm.
Is the Lexington St dumpster open to everyone?
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It is described as resident-only and for cardboard.
Sources
Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Waltham before you go.
- City of Waltham: Recycling Brochure 2026-2027: “larger quantities of cardboard can also be brought to the resident only dumpster at 165 Lexington Street” · accessed October 31, 2026
- City of Waltham: How to recycle electronics and appliances: “Pick ups must be scheduled 24 hours ahead of your pick up day” · accessed October 31, 2026