Amherst Transfer Station & Recycling Center

About
The Town of Amherst operates a Transfer Station and Recycling Center, which serves as a collection point for trash and recyclable items for authorized residents of Amherst, Pelham, and Shutesbury. All items accumulated at the Transfer Station are moved to other locations such as the materials recycling facility in Springfield, a local landfill, or a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility. 

Operating Schedule


The Amherst Transfer Station and Recycling Center is open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Station is closed on all major holidays. On rare occasions, the station will close the day immediately prior to, or following, a major holiday. When this occurs, closure notices will be posted under News and Announcements on the front page of the town website, on the entry page of the town's recycling website, in Town Hall, at the Department of Public Works office and at the Transfer Station, for at least a week prior to the closing date.

Vehicle Sticker


Use of the Transfer Station requires the purchase of an annual Vehicle Sticker. The Vehicle Sticker fee contributes to the costs of transporting recycling and waste and the many Transfer Station services. 

Sticker Exemption for Residents


There are a number of special situations under which the sticker requirement is waived for all Amherst residents. 

Sticker Exemption for Students


UMass, Amherst College, and Hampshire College students temporarily residing in Amherst have access to trash and recycling services via their educational institutions or as renters/property owners via the Board of Health Regulations for Refuse Collection and Mandatory Recycling. Students may bring periodic bulky waste (e.g. furniture) or an excess of trash beyond what can be accepted via normal routes to the Transfer Station without a Vehicle Sticker by presenting valid student identification. Disposal fees will apply. Students planning to use the Transfer Station on a regular basis for trash disposal must purchase a Vehicle Sticker. 

Disposal / Recycling Fees


Certain materials require an additional fee to cover a portion of the disposal or recycling cost. Fees are payable by cash or check at the Transfer Station Office at the time of drop-off. A complete list of fees can be found at the Transfer Station or at the Department of Public Works.