2022 City of Cambridge Waste Survey

2022 City of Cambridge Waste Survey

Thank you for taking this survey to help Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW) understand how you use City services to manage waste at home. This survey should take 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Do you live in Cambridge, Massachusetts?*

Yes

We apologize, this survey is for Cambridge residents only.

Recycling helps the environment by saving valuable resources. Blue recycling carts are provided to most residential buildings. Accepted items include clean cans and foil, plastic containers, glass bottles and jars, cardboard, and paper (office paper, mail, newspaper, magazines, etc.). Recycling is mandatory in Cambridge.

I would recycle more if…*

I knew what items are accepted.

I felt I had time to recycle.

I had space in my home to keep my recyclables.

There were blue recycling carts at my building.

There was enough space in the cart for my recycling.

It was easier to get my materials to the recycling cart.

I was confident that everything gets recycled.

Other

Composting is the separation of food scraps from trash. Composting reduces trash in landfills, protects the climate (food in landfills gives off greenhouse gases), and keeps rodents away (curbside carts have locks to keep rodents out). Together we composted 9.5 million pounds of food scraps since 2018! Compost collection is available to most residential buildings. There are also five compost drop-off locations.

Have you tried composting at home?*

Yes, I compost food scraps at my building with the City.

Yes, I compost food scraps at my building with a private collection service.

Yes, I compost in my yard.

Yes, I compost at a City drop-off location.

Yes, but I no longer compost at home.

No, I haven’t tried composting yet.

No, I am not interested in composting right now.

If other, please specify:

What motivates you to continue composting?*

Select up to 3 answers

I have less trash.

I don’t have to take out my trash as often.

My trash doesn’t smell anymore.

My food is not creating greenhouse gases in the landfill.

My food scraps are creating energy.

I am helping keep rodents away.

I am helping the City reduce waste disposal costs.

It is easier than composting in my yard.

Other reason

Other reason for continuing to compost

How far do you go to drop off food scraps?*

Less than 1/4 mile (less than 5-minute walk)

1/4 mile (5-minute walk)

1/2 mile (10-minute walk)

3/4 mile (15-minute walk)

1 mile (20-minute walk)

More than 1 mile (more than 20 minute-walk)

If other reason, please specify:

If other, please specify:

If curbside composting is not yet available at your building, how far would you go to drop off food scraps?*

Composting and recycling are both important, but reducing waste is even better. When we buy and use less, we protect the environment and save money.

Which of the following services have you heard about or used?

Get Rid of It Right Tool*

The search tool on the City webpage or available in the Zero Waste Cambridge app

Select or enter value

Clothing and Textiles (Fabric) Collection or Drop-off*

Select or enter value

TV/Appliance/Scrap Metal Collection (requires a permit)*

Select or enter value

Household Hazardous Waste Day*

Select or enter value

Recycle Center*

Select or enter value

If other, please specify:

If other, please specify

If other, please specify:

What can the City do to help you reduce trash?

How long have you lived in your current residence?

Less than 1 year

1 to 2 years

3 to 5 years

6 + years

Do you rent or own your home?

Rent

Own

Other

If other, please specify:

Please describe here:

What is your highest level of education?

Are you currently a student?

Select or enter value

Check here if you live in a multifamily building and would like to help promote composting at your building.

Would you like supplies to start composting?

Select or enter value

If other, please specify:

What is your email address?

What is your building address (and phone number if you don't prefer email)?

Check here if you would like to receive the monthly Recycle, Compost, and Trash e-newsletter

Please enter your email address

Which of the following services have you heard about or used?

About You