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Automated Collection
Automated curbside collection for trash and recycling is coming to Concord!
What is Automated Collection?
Automated collection uses Automated Side Loading (ASL) trucks with a mechanical arm to grab, lift, and empty trash and recycling toters. Automated curbside collection requires standardized carts (trash barrels with wheels and a lid).
The City of Concord currently utilizes manual collection, in which workers physically grab materials at the curb and place them into the truck. Manual collection is being phased out of the solid waste industry as automated collection becomes the standard service from haulers.
When Will Concord Transition?
The City of Concord will transition to automated trash and recycling collection in two phases. A 2-year pilot program for trial routes will begin the week of June 29, 2026. City-wide implementation will occur in July 2028.
Pilot Program
For the pilot program, one ASL truck will be deployed out of the four trucks in service to perform automated collection in selected neighborhoods for each weekday route. One collection route per day will be included in the pilot program. The pilot program will allow for a gradual transition and time to address any concerns before rolling out the change to all collection stops, creating a more efficient city-wide transition. Carts and educational materials will be provided to residents in advance in preparation for the change.
Collection Route Maps with Pilot Routes
View the new collection route maps below to see designated collection days and pilot program routes (highlighted in yellow):
- Trash Collection Route Map with Pilot Routes - PDF
- Interactive Trash Collection Route Map with Pilot Routes
(Click the image above to open the interactive map.)
What Will Change?
Residential properties presently receiving curbside trash and recycling collection will be provided carts from Casella at no additional charge. Carts must be used for automated collection. All carts must remain with the property and should not be moved to another location. Each cart will have a serial number associated with the property address. The City's current recycling bins will no longer be usable for automated collection. Trash bags will not be collected if placed at the curb outside of the new trash carts. All materials, including cardboard, must be placed inside carts for collection.
(Click the image above to open the container placement guide.)
Standard Cart Sizes & Quantities
Residents will receive one 95-gallon cart for recycling and one 65-gallon cart for trash. Multi-family parcels with more than one dwelling unit will receive a set of carts for every unit, up to a maximum of 4 sets (8 containers total; 4 trash and 4 recycling). Property owners of multi-units may contact us to request fewer carts. Commercial properties and any property with a dumpster will not receive carts. Reference page 7 of our resource guide below to see cart dimensions and more information.
Cart Accommodations
Different cart sizes will be available to residents based on availability and eligibility. Different cart sizes are available to senior citizens (ages 65+), households with more than 5 people, and residents requiring ADA or other accommodations. Residents in the pilot program may request to change the default cart sizing for both carts, or keep the default size of one cart and change the other. Residents can also opt out of receiving any carts and choose not to participate in curbside trash collection, but can arrange other options, or go to the Concord Transfer Station. Reference pages 8-9 of our resource guide below to see alternative cart dimensions and more information.
Opt Out / Different Cart Size Requests:
Participants in the pilot program may submit a request by March 31, 2026, to receive different cart sizes, based on availability and eligibility, or to opt out of collection entirely. Call Concord General Services at 603-228-2737 or fill out the online request form below. Please DO NOT submit this form if your household is not in the pilot program. At this time, we are only accepting requests for the pilot program.
Requests will be reviewed for eligibility. Requests will be locked for the pilot routes by March 31, 2026. Requests received after the deadline for different cart sizes will be placed on a waitlist if eligible, and exchanged based on available inventory. Please note, if you request to opt out or for a different cart size and then later wish to opt back in or change to another cart size, there may be a waiting period based on inventory.
What Will Remain the Same?
Scheduled collection days will remain the same and continue once per week. Time of collection may vary. Carts should be placed by 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Single-stream recycling will continue and the City's Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Program will remain. PAYT trash bags will still be required for automated curbside collection. Audits will be performed to ensure compliance. The value of keeping the PAYT Program is to keep waste volumes down, which will curb overall disposal costs with reduced tonnage.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
A postcard will be mailed city-wide in mid-December 2025 to notify Concord residents of the upcoming transition. In January 2026, residents participating in the pilot program will receive an additional postcard, alerting them of their inclusion within the pilot program with more information.
More information will be provided as it becomes available. Check the City website for updates.
Resource Guide
Review our comprehensive resource guide below for full program details, including information on the pilot program, new cart sizes and accommodations, old bin disposal, cart placement, acceptable trash and recycling materials, and guidance for residents on private roads, one-way streets, and narrow roads.
(Click the image above to open the resource guide.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our FAQs to learn more about the City's new solid waste contracts, automated collection, trash and recycling services, and more: https://bit.ly/SolidWasteFAQs.