City of Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Analysis of City of Cambridge Recycling and Refuse Collection System

DSM was contracted by the City of Cambridge, Department of Public Works to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the potential to increase recycling and reduce costs for the City.

Cambridge had an existing comprehensive curbside collection program for recyclables provided under contract by a private vendor. The City was collecting refuse using City employees and trucks. DSM was contracted to conduct capture rate studies to determine the potential for increasing recycling in various neighborhoods throughout the City. In addition, DSM was responsible for conducting an analysis of the cost effectiveness of the existing collection system, when compared against benchmark communities, and to provide advice on revisions to the recycling collection contract.

Analysis of the Potential to Increase Commercial Recycling

Subsequent to the residential recycling analysis, the City of Cambridge contracted with DSM to work with businesses and institutions in Cambridge to increase recycling of materials and organic wastes. DSM surveyed businesses throughout the City in an attempt to generate interest in participating in the City's curbside collection program or to contract with the private sector to increase collection of corrugated containers and food wastes.

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