Plan Your Framingham Recycling Center Trip: Permit, Hours, Fees & Correct Drop-Off Route
The City of Framingham Recycling Drop-Off Center at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue accepts excess recycling, permitted trash, bulky items and several universal-waste materials for eligible permit holders.
The most important rule is the schedule: Thursday is recycling only. Full Friday and Saturday hours are 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., while Sunday hours are 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Fast answer
The Framingham Recycling Drop-Off Center is not a public dump that anyone can drive into. Every vehicle entering the facility must display a valid City permit, and residents must meet the City’s eligibility requirements.
For FY2027, valid permits cover July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Residential permits cost $20 and eligible business permits cost $50. The City currently states that in-person RDC transactions are processed by cash or check.
On this page
Framingham Recycling Drop-Off Center Overview
The City of Framingham Department of Public Works operates the Recycling Drop-Off Center, commonly called the RDC, at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue. It supplements the City’s normal curbside trash and single-stream recycling programs.
The center is especially useful when a permitted resident has overflow recycling, a bulky item that requires paid disposal, universal waste that should not enter ordinary trash, or another accepted material that needs a designated drop-off stream.
Recycling
Cardboard, paper, glass bottles and jars, metal food containers, rigid plastics, scrap metal and other listed materials are separated into their proper collection areas.
Bulky disposal
Tires, mattresses, Freon appliances, CRT screens, propane tanks, carpeting and other bulky items may have current per-item charges.
Special waste
Motor oil, certain batteries, fluorescent lamps, mercury devices and other listed universal wastes can be brought to the RDC with a valid permit.
Stop at the information shack first
The City’s published facility rules require every customer to stop at the information shack upon entering. Do not drive directly to an unloading area simply because you have visited before.
Framingham Recycling Center Hours
The RDC is open four days each week. Thursday has a major restriction: recycling only. Trash and normal bulky-waste disposal should be planned for Friday, Saturday or Sunday rather than Thursday.
| Day | Current hours | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | RDC not listed as open. |
| Tuesday | Closed | RDC not listed as open. |
| Wednesday | Closed | RDC not listed as open. |
| Thursday | 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Recycling only. |
| Friday | 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Normal RDC services subject to material rules. |
| Saturday | 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Normal RDC services subject to material rules. |
| Sunday | 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Shorter operating window. |
Thursday trip?
If the vehicle contains household trash, carpeting, a mattress, a sleeper sofa or another disposal item rather than recycling, do not assume Thursday is appropriate. The City specifically labels Thursday “Recycling Only.”
Holiday Closures and 2026 Planning
The official RDC page says the center is closed on holidays. For the remainder of 2026, Framingham’s sanitation holiday calendar includes Veterans Day on November 11, Thanksgiving Day on November 26 and Christmas Day on December 25.
| Date | Holiday | RDC planning impact |
|---|---|---|
| November 11, 2026 | Veterans Day | Wednesday is already outside normal RDC operating days. |
| November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day | Falls on Thursday, which would otherwise be recycling-only; plan another day. |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | Falls on Friday; plan another operating day. |
Check before a holiday-week trip
Holiday schedules can affect both the drop-off facility and curbside service. The safest approach is to check the City sanitation page immediately before loading a difficult or fee-based item.
FY2027 Recycling Center Permit Rules
The current permit cycle runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The City says all vehicles entering the facility must display a valid permit sticker.
Residential permit
$20 per fiscal year.
Available to eligible Framingham residents who receive City curbside trash and recycling service.
Business permit
$50 per fiscal year.
Eligible Framingham businesses may obtain a business permit, but business/commercial vehicles are not permitted to dispose of trash through the normal RDC route.
Where to buy a permit
| Purchase location | When | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling Drop-Off Center | During normal RDC operating hours | Required residency/vehicle documents plus cash or check. |
| DPW Operations | 100 Western Avenue, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Required residency/vehicle documents plus payment. |
The sticker must be on the vehicle
The attendant places the permit on the lower driver’s-side corner of the windshield. Permits are not transferable between residents, and the City can revoke a permit for violating facility rules.
Proof of Residency and Vehicle Requirements
The City’s current permit page contains slightly different wording in its summary and detailed rules, so the safest approach is to bring the strongest current vehicle documentation available.
Bring current vehicle documentation
The City’s detailed rules identify current vehicle registration as the standard residency document. Current official guidance also references proof of insurance showing a Framingham address in the permit-purchase instructions.
Use a non-commercial document
Residential documentation must be current, non-commercial and show a Framingham address.
Pay the permit charge
The residential permit is $20; the business permit is $50. The RDC states that in-person transactions use cash or check.
Allow staff to attach the sticker
The permit is placed on the lower driver’s-side windshield rather than handed over as a loose transferable pass.
Non-conforming vehicle application
If a resident’s vehicle does not satisfy normal eligibility requirements, the City provides a non-conforming vehicle application. Approval is discretionary, and the City says processing takes approximately 10 business days.
Replacing a windshield or vehicle?
A permit can be replaced if the old sticker is scraped off and presented intact with its number legible. The City specifically says a permit receipt cannot substitute for the old sticker when transferring a permit to a replacement windshield or vehicle.
What Framingham Recycling Center Accepts
The RDC uses separated material streams. This differs from simply placing all recyclables together in a curbside single-stream cart, so sort the vehicle before you arrive.
Corrugated cardboard
Cardboard should be flattened, clean and dry. Remove foam, shrink wrap and other packing material.
Do not include: soiled or waxed cardboard.
Paper & paperboard
Accepted examples include office paper, newspaper, magazines, catalogs, clean paper bags, junk mail, envelopes, cereal boxes, shoe boxes and paper egg cartons.
Glass bottles & jars
Food and beverage bottles and jars of all colors and sizes are accepted when empty and rinsed.
No ceramics, drinking glasses, windows or mirrors.
Metal food containers
Steel, tin and aluminum cans and lids plus clean aluminum pie plates are accepted.
Aerosol, paint and chemical cans use different routes.
Bulky metal
Non-Freon white goods, drained small-engine tools, pots and pans, hand tools, bicycles, metal furniture, scrap metal and grills are listed.
Rigid plastics
Examples include buckets, milk crates, bread trays, chairs, toys, playground equipment, empty flower pots, old recycling bins and empty trash barrels.
Rigid plastics that do not belong in this stream
The City excludes flexible hose, tarps, gas or chemical containers, fiberglass, PVC, vinyl siding, vinyl shutters and vinyl windows from its rigid-plastics drop-off category.
Recycling symbol does not guarantee acceptance
Framingham’s own sanitation guidance warns that not every item carrying a recycling symbol belongs in the City’s program. Use the City’s Waste Wizard when an item does not clearly fit one of the published categories.
Current Framingham Recycling Center Bulky-Item Fees
A valid permit does not make every disposal item free. The City publishes the following current per-item RDC charges.
| Item | Published fee | Important preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Freon metal / white goods | $0 | Use the designated metal area. |
| Tire with or without rim | $2 | Keep separate from normal recycling. |
| Propane tank | $5 | Tell staff you have a pressurized cylinder. |
| Bulky soft goods over 40 lb | $12 | Use staffed disposal instructions. |
| Refrigerator / freezer | $15 | Freon-containing appliance charge applies. |
| Air conditioner / dehumidifier | $15 | Freon-containing item. |
| CRT television / computer monitor | $15 | Use the designated electronics/screen route. |
| Mattress | $20 | Permit and disposal charge apply. |
| Sleeper sofa | $25 | Bulky paid disposal. |
| Carpeting over 4 ft × 6 ft | $25 | Treat as paid bulky material. |
Fees can change
The City states that permit and disposal fees are subject to change and that refunds are not granted. Verify the current price before loading multiple fee-based items.
Batteries, Motor Oil, Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Waste
Several materials that should never enter normal trash can be brought to the Recycling Drop-Off Center for free recycling or disposal with a valid permit.
Batteries
- Lead-acid batteries
- Rechargeable batteries
- Ni-Cd batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Mercury button batteries
Lighting / mercury
- Fluorescent lamps in all sizes and shapes
- Non-PCB light ballasts
- Mercury thermostats
- Mercury thermometers
Automotive
- Antifreeze
- Motor oil in a bottle with screw cap
- Oil filters
Battery fire prevention matters
Lithium and rechargeable batteries should never be placed loose in ordinary trash or mixed recycling. Keep batteries protected during transport and tell staff what type you are dropping off.
For broader preparation help, see the site’s battery recycling guide and used motor oil recycling guide.
Medical Sharps Disposal in Framingham
Home medical sharps cannot go into household trash or recycling. Framingham currently accepts properly contained residential sharps at the Recycling Drop-Off Center for residents with valid permits.
Use an official sharps container
The City specifies an official 2.0-quart biohazard infectious-waste sharps container for this route.
Keep needles inside the container
Do not bring loose needles, syringes or lancets to the facility.
Bring the valid RDC permit
The Recycling Drop-Off Center sharps route is described for residents with valid permits.
Use another approved kiosk if more convenient
The City also lists other local sharps disposal locations, including a City Hall kiosk and participating health facilities.
Sharps are not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Day
Framingham lists medical and biological waste, including sharps, among the materials excluded from Household Hazardous Waste Day. Use the dedicated sharps route instead.
Household Hazardous Waste: RDC vs Hazardous Waste Day
The Recycling Drop-Off Center routinely accepts certain universal wastes, but that should not be confused with full household hazardous-waste collection. Paint thinners, pesticides, oil-based paint, solvents and many similar household chemicals use Framingham’s scheduled Household Hazardous Waste Day program.
Routine RDC universal waste
- Listed batteries
- Fluorescent lamps
- Mercury thermostats / thermometers
- Motor oil
- Oil filters
- Antifreeze
HHW-event materials
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Bug sprays and rodent poisons
- Paint thinner
- Oil-based / enamel / lead-based paint
- Pool and spa chemicals
- Cleaning solvents and caustic cleaners
- Old gasoline and kerosene
Items Framingham says are not accepted at HHW Day
- Latex paint
- Radioactive waste
- Explosives
- Gunpowder
- Flares and ammunition
- PCB oils
- Bulk chemicals or bulk oil
- Asbestos
- Medical/biological waste including sharps
- Fire extinguishers
Latex paint is handled differently
The City classifies latex paint as non-hazardous. Its guidance says latex paint can be dried out and then disposed of with regular trash rather than brought to Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Related guide: household hazardous waste drop-off preparation.
Yard Waste Uses the Separate Dudley Road Facility
Brush, leaves, grass and plant waste do not use the normal Mount Wayte RDC unloading areas. Framingham operates a separate seasonal Yard Waste Facility on Dudley Road.
2026 yard-waste season
The City opened the Dudley Road facility for the 2026 season on Friday, April 3, 2026. The published seasonal schedule is Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
| Yard-waste material | Preparation rule |
|---|---|
| Leaves, grass, plant waste, light trimmings | Transport in bags or containers; only paper bags may be left. Plastic bags and reusable containers must be emptied and removed. |
| Brush | Branches, sticks, twigs and shrubs must generally be 4 inches or less in diameter and 4 feet or shorter. |
| Logs / stumps | Not accepted under the published yard-waste preparation rules. |
Residential yard waste only
The Dudley Road Yard Waste Facility requires a valid Recycling Center permit and is for residential use. The City states that commercial yard-waste loads are not allowed.
Textile Recycling and Reuse
Framingham accepts clothing and household textiles through the Bay State Textiles collection area at the Recycling Drop-Off Center.
Textiles for recycling
Clothing, linens, pillows, cloth, shoes and similar textiles that are not suitable for donation can still go into the textile collection stream when clean and dry.
Reusable items
The City also identifies clothes, linens, blankets, belts, shoes, books and eyeglasses as possible reuse/donation items at the RDC.
The City’s textile guidance says textile material placed in the Bay State Textiles trailer should be bagged.
What You Should Not Bring as Ordinary RDC Trash
Some of the most important trip-saving information is what the facility does not accept through normal trash disposal.
Construction & demolition debris
The RDC does not accept materials such as lumber, tile, concrete, windows and similar construction or demolition waste.
Massachusetts Waste Ban material
State Waste Ban materials must be separated and managed through their proper recovery or recycling routes rather than placed into RDC trash.
Commercial trash
Commercial vehicles are not permitted to dispose of trash through the normal RDC service.
Common recycling-stream exclusions
- Soiled or waxed cardboard
- Paper towels, tissues and napkins
- Food-soiled paper
- Ceramics and dishes in bottle-glass collection
- Drinking glasses, windows and mirrors in bottle-glass collection
- Aerosol, paint and chemical cans with metal food containers
- Tarps, PVC, vinyl and fiberglass in rigid-plastic collection
Framingham Business Permit Rules
The City offers a $50 annual business permit for eligible Framingham businesses, but a business permit does not provide the same disposal privileges as a residential permit.
Commercial vehicles cannot dispose of trash
The City’s facility policy specifically states that commercial vehicles are not permitted to dispose of trash. Businesses should confirm the precise recycling material and vehicle rule before traveling.
Business-generated hazardous waste, construction material and other commercial wastes can fall under rules that are different from household programs. Do not assume a household RDC or HHW rule applies to business waste.
Framingham Curbside Recycling vs Drop-Off Center
The RDC is a supplement to normal curbside service, not a replacement for it. Eligible households should generally use their City carts for routine weekly material and the drop-off center for overflow or special accepted items.
| Situation | Best starting route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Normal weekly recycling | Curbside cart | Designed for routine single-stream recycling. |
| Overflow recycling | Recycling Drop-Off Center | City directs overflow material to the RDC rather than beside the curbside cart. |
| Mattress / CRT / Freon appliance | RDC or scheduled bulky collection | These items use fee-based bulky disposal routes. |
| Brush / leaves / grass | Dudley Road Yard Waste Facility | Separate seasonal facility. |
| Household chemicals | HHW Day when applicable | Many chemicals are not routine RDC material. |
Overflow recycling should not sit beside the curbside cart
Framingham says curbside recycling must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Recycling placed on top of or beside the cart is not the normal collection route; overflow can instead be brought to the RDC.
Before-You-Go Checklist
Check your permit date
For trips after July 1, 2026, make sure the vehicle displays the FY2027 permit valid through June 30, 2027.
Check the day of the week
Thursday is recycling only. Plan trash and paid bulky disposal for Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Sort the vehicle before leaving
Separate cardboard, paper, glass, metal, rigid plastic, textiles, universal waste and bulky items.
Bring cash or check
The current RDC page states that facility transactions are processed using cash or check.
Know the bulky-item charge
Check the fee table for tires, propane tanks, Freon appliances, CRT screens, mattresses, sleeper sofas and carpeting.
Keep yard waste separate
Use the Dudley Road seasonal facility rather than unloading yard waste at the normal RDC route.
Do not bring C&D debris
Lumber, tile, concrete, windows and similar construction/demolition material are not accepted at the RDC.
Check hazardous material carefully
Universal waste can use the RDC, while many household chemicals belong at a scheduled Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Stop at the information shack
Every customer must check in before unloading.
Framingham Recycling Center Map and Directions
The Recycling Drop-Off Center is at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue, Framingham, Massachusetts. The City’s directions place the entrance off Mount Wayte Avenue near Franklin Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Framingham Recycling Center?
The City of Framingham Recycling Drop-Off Center is at 255 Mount Wayte Avenue, Framingham, Massachusetts.
What are the Framingham Recycling Center hours?
Thursday is 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for recycling only. Friday and Saturday are 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and Sunday is 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Is the Framingham Recycling Center open on Thursday?
Yes, but Thursday is specifically designated for recycling only. Do not plan normal trash or bulky disposal on Thursday.
Do I need a permit to use the Framingham Recycling Center?
Yes. The City requires every vehicle entering the Recycling Drop-Off Center to display a valid permit.
How much is a Framingham recycling permit?
The current residential permit costs $20 per fiscal year. The business permit costs $50 per fiscal year.
How long is the current FY2027 permit valid?
The FY2027 permit is valid from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
Can I pay by credit card at the Recycling Drop-Off Center?
The City’s current RDC page says transactions at the facility are processed by cash or check. Bring one of those payment methods for in-person permit or disposal charges.
Does Framingham Recycling Center accept mattresses?
Yes. The current published mattress disposal fee is $20 per mattress, in addition to the permit requirement.
How much does Framingham charge for a TV or computer monitor?
The current City fee for a cathode-ray-tube television or computer monitor is $15.
Does Framingham Recycling Center accept tires?
Yes. The current published charge is $2 per tire, with or without a rim.
Does Framingham Recycling Center accept refrigerators and air conditioners?
Yes. Freon-containing refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers currently have a $15 disposal fee.
Can I recycle batteries at Framingham Recycling Center?
Yes. The City’s universal-waste list includes lead-acid, rechargeable, Ni-Cd, lithium-ion and mercury button batteries for free recycling or disposal during open hours with a valid permit.
Can I take motor oil to the Framingham Recycling Center?
Yes. Used motor oil is listed as accepted universal waste when brought in a bottle with a screw cap. Oil filters are also accepted.
Can I bring medical sharps to the Recycling Drop-Off Center?
Yes, for residents with a valid permit, but sharps must be in the City’s specified official biohazard sharps container. Loose needles must never go into trash or recycling.
Does the Recycling Center accept construction debris?
No. Framingham specifically excludes construction and demolition waste such as lumber, tile, concrete and windows.
Where should I take leaves and brush?
Use the separate seasonal Dudley Road Yard Waste Facility. A valid Recycling Center permit is required, and the facility is for residential use only.
Does Framingham accept household hazardous waste every week?
No. The RDC routinely accepts certain universal wastes, but many household chemicals such as pesticides, solvents and oil-based paint use the City’s scheduled Household Hazardous Waste Day program.
What is the Framingham Sanitation Division phone number?
The City currently lists the Sanitation Division at 508-532-6001.
Official sources checked for this update
This independent guide was rebuilt using current City of Framingham Department of Public Works and Sanitation Division information.
- City of Framingham — Recycling Drop-Off Center
- City of Framingham — Acceptable Recycling, Bulky & Universal Waste Items
- City of Framingham — Sanitation Division
- City of Framingham — Bulky Item Disposal
- City of Framingham — Hazardous Waste Disposal
- City of Framingham — Yard Waste Facility
- City of Framingham — Sharps Disposal Locations
- City of Framingham — Curbside Recycling
- City of Framingham — 2026 Sanitation Holiday Schedule