FAQ’s

Sanitation & Recycling

When is my trash picked up?

Your trash is picked up at curbside once each week; the collection day depends on where you live.  If you don’t know which day, call 508-647-6556 or 508-647-6550.  All trash needs to be placed at curbside by 7:00 AM on the pickup day, as the trucks will not return for any trash that was not already out.  Please be careful if you put trash out the night before, since animals may tear open bags or get into trash barrels during the night, and collectors can’t pick up trash that is not in a specially-marked trash bags.  These bags are available at several local retailers.  Unaccepted material will be left at curbside.

When are my recyclables picked up?

Recyclables are picked up by a contractor, Waste Management Company, every other week on the same day as your trash.  If you are unsure of your recycling schedule call: 508-647-6556 or 508-647-6550.  Recycling calendars are mailed out each year and additional ones can be picked up at the Department of Public Works.  Recycling calendars are also available on this site by clicking this link.

What can I put out for recycling pickup?

Items such as glass bottles/jars, tin, steel, aluminum, plastic containers, and milk and juice cartons can be put out for pickup and must be placed in a recycling bin.  Items such as newspaper, magazines, books, paper bags, envelopes, and office paper can be put out for pickup but must be placed in a paper bag next to the bin.  Corrugated cardboard can also be picked up but it must be flattened and broken down to 2’ x 2’. 

No pizza boxes, plastic bags or soiled paper will be picked up.

Where can I get a recycling bin?

Recycling bins can be picked up at the Department of Public Works.  New residents are given 1 bin free.  Additional bins can be purchased for $5.00 each.

What are the hours of the Recycling Center and where is it located?

The recycling center is open Thursday, Friday & Saturday and is open from 8:00am – 3:30pm.  It is located on West Street next to the high school football field.

My trash/recycling was not picked up today, what should I do?

Occasionally residents’ trash/recycling is overlooked and we miss picking it up.  If this situation occurs for you, simply call the Department of Public works as soon as you notice at (508) 647-6550, and we will send some back out as soon as possible.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

I have some larger and/or unusual household items (furniture, appliances, toys, etc.) that need to be picked up, how can I get these picked up?

There is no town facility in Natick to drop off trash, so the town provides a service called a “Bulk Pick-up”.  This is a special curbside pick-up for larger items that cannot be disposed of on regular trash days.  There is a minimum fee for the pick-up and it is held every Monday, except holidays.   Payments must be made in advance on or before the Thursday prior to the pick up that you are interested in.  Please call (508)647-6556 or (508)647-6550 to inquire about fees.  

How can I dispose of…

Yard Waste:

Can be brought to the town Recycling Center.  Branches must be cut to less than 4-6’ in length and less than 8” in diameter.

Paint:

Empty latex paint cans can be dried up, and put out with your regular trash with the cover off.  Empty cans of oil based paint must be disposed of on the town’s hazardous waste day held once a year in the spring. Oil based and latex paint can be brought to the town recycling center where there is a “swap” shed from April through October.

Household Batteries, Motor Oil, and Fluorescent Bulbs:

These items are all prohibited from disposal in regular rubbish.  These items should be taken to the recycling center.

Propane Tanks:

There is a $5 fee to pick-up propane tanks.  Please call the DPW at 508-647-6550 to schedule a pick-up on the bulk pick-up days.

Tires:

A maximum of four tires can be placed out on your regular trash day if advance notice is given to the DPW by calling 508-647-6556 or 508-647-6550.

Water & Sewer

What should I do if my water meter is not working?

Immediately call the Department of Public Works 508-647-6550 to report this and set up an appointment.  The Town of Natick will replace your meter at no charge to you.

Who should I contact if I have a question on my water/sewer bill?

The first step you should take if you think your water/sewer bill could be wrong is to call the Collector’s office in the town hall where the billing is done.  If it is determined that the bill is correct, you should contact the Department of Public Works at (508)647-6550 to set up an appointment to have someone come and check your meter for leaks.

I’m selling/buying a house in Natick, what should I do for my water/sewer bill?

The current owner needs to call the Department of Public Works to set up a final water reading, a few days in advance of the closing.  Please have the buyer/new owner’s name available as we will need it before we can set up an appointment.  Appointments are held Monday-Friday, and are early morning appointments.  Someone will have to be home for the appointment because the meter readers need to enter the house to read the inside meter for the closing, and cannot go onto private property unless someone is present.  The reading will then be brought to the Collector’s Office at the Town Hall where a final bill will be developed.  The bill can be picked up and paid the same day it is read after 12:00pm, and proof of a paid bill will be given to you for your closing.  Please take note, only cash will be accepted, no money orders, no personal checks.  All payments are to be made at Town Hall.

Highway Division

My street has not yet been plowed, who do I call?

If it is not an emergency, please be patient: your street will be plowed as quickly as possible.   Available plows must first clear all of the main roads before they begin the residential streets.  If there is an emergency situation call the Highway Division 508-647-6562 or the DPW office.  If there is a medical emergency, call 911.  Remember, Natick has over 154 miles of roads to plow!

The catch basin (storm drain) near my home is caving in (or clogged). What should I do?

Call the Highway Division 508-647-6562 or the DPW office 508-647-6550 and let them know where the catch basin is located.  It will be repaired (or cleaned) as quickly as possible.  There are over 4,000 catch basins in Natick.

How do I get a pothole repaired?

Call the Highway Division 508-647-6562 or the DPW office 508-647-6550 and let them know where the pothole is located.  It will be put on a list and repaired as quickly as possible. 

General Questions

Who should I call if a street light is out?

Natick DPW at 508-647-6550 or email us at dpw@natickma.org.