This rating is based on customer reviews, inventory size, pricing, and service quality
In Cambridge, MA, the Cambridge Recycling Center scores 85/100: reviews are largely upbeat about helpful, courteous staff directing drop-offs, clear sorting once you reach the back, and convenient disposal for electronics, paint, and moving boxes. Common knocks: confusing access/signage (go all the way past pumps/trucks), limited convenience for seniors hauling items, and one serious complaint about no lifting help. Pricing and wait times rarely noted; parts/inventory not applicable. Hours online are accurate—check before you go.
What clients say about Cambridge Recycling Center in Cambridge (MA)
Go all the way in through the gates, past the pumps. There is typically one operator hanging around to answer questions like “where should I throw this?”.
The alley towards the end is a bit narrow. Be mindful of other cars as they might need to move out. Best option is to turn around near the gas pumps and reverse in.
I'm so glad this place exists so we don't have to just leave all our electronics and other hazardous waste on the curb hoping someone else picks it up and sorts through it and puts it in the right place! Thank you Cambridge for providing this service for us!
To add onto the last review: yes, go all the way in, through the gate that says cars aren’t supposed to enter lol. There is a worker past the gas pumps in the way back, directing people. You will drive past a bunch of orange vehicles.
Signage could've been better - you have to go ALL the way in the back past the pumps and trucks. So do not go into the offices (or wherever else I accidentally entered). Once I went to the way back things were clear and there was staff helping out.
Sadly, if I could give this less than one star I would. I had called Cambridge Public Works a couple of days ago to ask about getting my old microwave over to the recycling center. I couldn't leave it on the sidewalk or the curb because I live in an apartment building and they wouldn't let me put it in the dumpster. The woman I spoke to was very kind and helpful. That experience was much different than the "gentleman" I encountered today when I brought my microwave oven to be disposed of. I have some physical challenges and this guy had his hands in his pockets the whole time and told me he could not lift a 30 lb microwave out of my trunk. I had to lift it myself to put it in this unit where all the other electronics go. I did so with great difficulty and pain while he stood there and watched. I have never encountered a more useless human being in my entire life and I have to say I will never bring anything back to that recycling center. I don't know what I will do with anything if I have to recycle it but it may end up in someone's trash because I will never bring it there. I would never expect this kind of attitude from someone in a recycling center.
As a senior getting my things in the car and delivering them to the other side of Cambridge is not convenient. I had fluorescent bulbs, batteries, electronics and a large styrofoam cooler. They were helpful in showing me the right place to put things.
Just moved to Boston and this place made my life so much easier. I have a tiny apartment and trash/recycling pickup in my neighborhood is only on Wednesdays. I had about 50 pounds of flattened cardboard boxes and this was like the only recycling center I saw within 10 miles of my apartment, and I was able to dump everything into the recycling bin. Like a previous reviewer said — be sure to check the hours of operation cause they are accurate!
Great thing to have in the heart of Cambridge! I just moved and had a huge number of boxes to get rid of, drove then down and threw them in a big dumpster. Dumpster wasn't brimming to the top like some other landfills I've been to, was quite empty actually (Saturday morning). Took me a few minutes to find the place, youll want to turn onto Norfolk street and go to the back of the lot where there's a sign for Recycling Center. Had to look on their website to find this out. Make sure they're open when you go! Hours on Google are accurate.
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