Everything Meriden residents need to know about trash collection, recycling, and disposal
Overview
Meriden provides municipal curbside trash and recycling collection for residents within the Inner Tax District. Outer Tax District residents and commercial properties must arrange private hauler service. The city also operates a Transfer Station for bulky waste and brush disposal.
Curbside Trash Collection
The City of Meriden Department of Public Works provides weekly curbside trash collection for Inner Tax District residential properties with 4 or fewer dwelling units.
- Containers: Green/orange carts provided by the city
- Placement: Containers must be placed curbside by 5:00 AM on collection day
- Start time: Haulers may begin collection at 5:00 AM
- Commercial properties and buildings with 5+ units must arrange private trash collection
- Outer Tax District residents must use private haulers
Verify your specific pickup day with Meriden Public Works at 203-630-4018.
Curbside Recycling
Recycling is collected every other week on the same day as trash pickup. A 2026 Recycling Calendar is available on the city website.
- Containers: Blue carts provided by the city
- Accepted: Cans, bottles, plastic, paper cartons, food containers (except styrofoam and black plastic), newspapers, magazines, pizza boxes (remove food residue)
- NOT accepted: Clothing, fabric, plastic bags (take to supermarket), batteries (bring to Transfer Station), styrofoam, black plastic
- All materials must be placed loose in the bin — no plastic bags
Bulk & Large Item Pickup
Bulky waste curbside collection is available by appointment only on Wednesdays for qualified residential properties.
- Cost: $50 non-refundable fee
- Limit: 8 items per application
- Scheduling: Apply in person at the Parks and Recreation office, 460 Liberty Street, Meriden
- Accepted items: Mattresses and box springs (counted as two items), up to four tires without rims, stuffed chairs and other bulky items too large for trash carts
- NOT accepted: Garbage or trash bags, propane tanks, automobile parts, lawnmower parts, motorcycles
Transfer Station / Drop-Off
Meriden Transfer Station
- Address: 226 Evansville Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451 (opposite Meriden Markham Municipal Airport)
- Hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM; First & Third Saturdays: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Closed during inclement weather, emergency conditions, and designated holidays
- Proof of residency: Valid Connecticut driver's license with Meriden address, CT DMV Change of Address label, or paid tax bill showing Meriden residency
- Restrictions: Residential waste only — commercial/industrial waste and contractor materials are not permitted
- Note: DPW personnel are not permitted to assist with unloading. Bring help to minimize wait times.
Accepted at Transfer Station
- General residential waste, bulky waste and brush
- Mattresses and box springs (good condition only — no moisture, damage, or bed bug infestation)
- Free compost available to residents for personal use
NOT Accepted
- Commercial/industrial waste, contractor materials
- Damaged, wet, frozen, or soiled mattresses
- Paint (use PaintCare program at paintcare.org)
- Recycling is not collected at the facility — recycle through your curbside service
Hazardous Waste
- Waste oil: Accepted at TRADEBE, 136 Gracey Avenue, Meriden
- Hazardous waste: Regional Water Authority HazWaste Central (rwater.com/hazwaste)
Yard Waste
Verify yard waste collection details with Meriden Public Works at 203-630-4018. Brush can be brought to the Transfer Station during operating hours.
Holiday Schedule
The city observes standard holidays. Verify specific 2026 holiday closure dates on the city website or by calling Public Works. The Transfer Station publishes annual holiday closure schedules.
Tips & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What day is my trash picked up?
Pickup days vary by district. Inner Tax District residents can check the city website or call Public Works at 203-630-4018 for their specific collection day.
Q: What happens if I miss my pickup day?
Wait until your next scheduled collection day, or bring waste to the Transfer Station during operating hours.
Q: How do I get a new trash cart / recycling bin?
Contact the Meriden Department of Public Works at 203-630-4018 to request a replacement cart.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
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