Recycling has been picked up on schedule
UPDATED, July 27: The town’s trash hauler, WM, reported collection of trash, recycling, and yard waste is back on schedule. “[WM] thank[s] residents for their patience while they wrestle with delays due to equipment and staffing issues,” the town wrote in its emailed announcement.
To report a missed collection go to: ArlingtonMA.gov/Recycle.
On July 21, WM, the town’s trash hauler, announced that some of previous day’s trash collection routes were missed and that there are delays in yard waste pickup, according to a town notice.
“WM plans to finish Tuesday’s trash collection tomorrow, July 22, along with the regular Wednesday route. As the week progresses, WM may continue to be delayed in yard waste collection,” according to the town announcement. “Please put your yard waste out on your regularly scheduled day and keep it at the curb until collected. WM is experiencing delays due to equipment and staffing issues. We apologize for the inconvenience.
This summer’s weather and other issues have prompted delays in trash and yard waste collection. On July 13, crews WM were out in the morning picking up yard waste that wasn’t collected last week.
Areas of the town, including Precinct 12 — the area around Robbins Farm Park, that did not have the yard waste collected on July 10 are slated to have it collected this week. WM, the town’s trash and recycling vendor, said in an announcement that it will have crews out this week, starting Monday, July 13, and work until the yard waste is collected.
Town officials asked residents to send word when their yard waste is collected to [email protected] so that it can be tracked.
On July 6 WM reported that yard waste collection trucks were not dispatched, according to a announcement from the town.
“WM plans to dispatch an extra truck tomorrow to collect Monday’s route and start on the Tuesday route,” the announcement said. “WM may stay behind as the week progresses. Please put yard waste out on your regularly scheduled day and keep it at the curb until collected. We apologize for the delays.”
The semiquincentennial is finally here, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and a nationwide celebration of America’s founding. In Arlington—a town with deep roots in the American Revolution—holiday celebrations include outdoor concerts and the closure of town offices in observance of the holiday.
The town released the following information on the morning of July 4:
Reservoir Beach & North Union Spray Park Open Reservoir Beach will be open July 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get Res info and passes. North Union Spray Park open 9 a.m. to dusk.
Robbins Farm: Independence Day concert and picnic at 6 p.m.
Once again, the Robbins Farm Park hosted its Fourth of July outdoor concert and picnic, featuring a live performance from The Reminisants, a local oldies cover band. A fast-moving storm brought waves of rain that delayed and then prompted the cancellation of the live music
This is a free and public event; guests are encouraged to bring outdoor blankets and a picnic dinner. The event served both pizza and apple pie for purchase, along with beverages. Following the live music performance, The Friends of Robbins Farm had hoped to livestream the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular show on a big screen. However, an equipment issue meant that the show was not broadcast on the big screen. The fireworks, which were visable from Robbins Farm, were delayed because of the earlier storm.
Additional event details are available here.
Office closures
The town announced this week that holiday hours were put in place starting July 2. Both Town Hall (730 Mass. Ave.) and the Community Center (27 Maple St.) were open from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m.
The buildings was closed Friday, July 3, along with the following administrative offices;
The Arlington libraries, Robbins and the Fox Branch, remained open on Friday, July 3, but closed on Independence Day, Saturday. The Reservoir Beach was open to the public Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While Independence Day is often marked by backyard barbecues and other summer traditions, Arlington officials are urging residents to take precautions as excessive heat is expected to grip the area throughout the holiday week.
The town issued the following reminder on July 4:
Unhealthy Heat Alert Town Officials Offer Safety Tips Don’t overexert, drink plenty of water, and check in on family, neighbors. As high temperatures continue through the weekend, Town Officials want to remind residents not to overexert, drink plenty of water, and to check in on family and neighbors. Residents are also reminded to water new street trees and be mindful of times when your air conditioners are on. Cooling in the morning and evening can keep you cool and save you money. Read these and other tips during prolonged periods of heat at ArlingtonMA.gov/Health.
Temperatures are anticipated to hit above 90 degrees for the rest of the week, with a high of 99 degrees on July 2.
In a community-wide announcement, Town Officials encouraged residents to cool off at the Arlington Reservoir or the North Union Spray Park.
Alternatively, residents can enjoy public air conditioning at a local coffee shop, or the Fox or Robbins library.
Residents 60 years and older can visit the Community Center during regular business hours to attend Council on Aging programming.
Residents were also reminded to water new street trees and be mindful of times when air conditioners are on.
Additional tips during prolonged periods of heat are available at ArlingtonMA.gov/Health.
This news summary was published on June 30, 2026, and updated.