Christmas and New Year’s Trash Collection, Schedule Changes, Recycling Options
Audio By Carbonatix
West Hartford Town Hall sign. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Trash and recycling will be delayed for one day for those in the Thursday and Friday collection areas for the next two weeks, Town Hall and other Town of West Hartford facilities have adjusted hours due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and information about cardboard recycling and Christmas tree collection.
Submitted
The Town of West Hartford wishes you and your family a Happy Holiday season!
Due to the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, there are a few changes in hours of operation.
TRASH COLLECTION DELAY
Since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Thursday, trash, metal, and “A” week recycling collection will be delayed by one day after the holiday. Thursday’s area will be picked up on Friday, and Friday’s area will be picked up on Saturday. Please place barrels at the curb by 6 a.m.
Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
RECYCLING CENTER
The Yard Waste and Recycling Center will be closed in observance of the holidays on Dec. 25, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. The facility is now closed on Saturdays and will resume Saturday hours on April 4, 2026. The Recycling Center’s hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. (The last vehicle accepted is at 2:45 p.m.)
MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS
Municipal offices, libraries, and recreation facilities, including senior centers, the community center, pool, and MDC Reservoir, will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The collection of trash and recyclable materials will be delayed by one day after each holiday.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
West Hartford Public Schools will be on holiday break from Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Students will return to school on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
LIBRARIES
All three libraries will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
On Christmas Eve, the Noah Webster Library and the Bishop’s Corner Library will close at 2 p.m., and the Faxon Library will be closed all day. All three libraries will close at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
PUBLIC SKATING SESSIONS
The Veterans Memorial Skating Rink will be closed on Christmas Day, but will be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Looking for something fun to do? Public Skating sessions are offered all week, Dec. 26-Jan. 2. Check out the schedule.
Veterans Memorial Rink in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
CORNERSTONE AQUATICS CENTER
Dec. 24: 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec .31: 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jan. 1: Closed
ROCKLEDGE & BUENA VISTA GOLF COURSES
Rockledge Golf Club and Buena Vista Golf Course are open for recreational use during the winter months. For everyone’s safety, golfing is NOT allowed while the course is closed. The trails are available for jogging, walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing daily from dawn to dusk. Click here for a map.
Residents may bring their dogs on the course but must follow the rules for all parks and school grounds year-round.
The Rockledge Golf Shop is open for holiday gift shopping, including gift certificates, gift cards, golf clubs, apparel, and more. Holiday hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until Tuesday, Dec. 23.
MDC TRAILS
The Metropolitan District’s (MDC) recreational facilities will have limited hours for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
Hours at the West Hartford Reservoir, located at 1420 Farmington Avenue; Reservoir #6, located off Route 44/Albany Avenue in West Hartford, and the West Branch Reservoir in Hartland will be limited per the following schedule:
Dec. 24, Christmas Eve (closed at noon)
Dec. 25, Christmas Day (closed)
Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve (closed at noon)
Jan. 1, New Year’s Day (open)
SPECIAL CARDBOARD, E-WASTE DROP-OFF
The Department of Public Works is offering a post-holiday, two-day cardboard and electronics recycling collection on Monday, Dec. 29, and Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yard Waste and Recycling Center. Electronic waste is anything with a plug and no freon. This includes holiday string lights. Electronics and string lights are not allowed in curbside recycling. Please break down cardboard boxes before arriving. No permit is required to drop off cardboard and electronics. A permit is for all other items. No commercial waste is permitted.
This event is for cardboard and electronics only; all other disposal of recyclable items require an annual permit.
Please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Break down and fold cardboard boxes flat.
- Empty boxes of all Styrofoam, plastic bags, and plastic film. Discard at home. Styrofoam is trash.
- E-waste includes phones, cameras, electric cords, TVs, computers, hair dryers, toasters, and more.
- Holiday string lights are e-waste and will be collected (they are not allowed in curbside recycling barrels)
- No air conditioners, dehumidifiers, mini-refrigerators, or any product containing Freon.
Cardboard is recycled into new, much-needed products like boxes and tissue paper.
Thank you for helping the Town meet its goals to reduce trash and increase recycling!
Boxes should be broken down before being dropped off for cardboard recycling. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)
CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION
Public Works will make two town-wide sweeps to collect Christmas trees. The collection runs from Monday, Jan. 5, to Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Trees are picked up on your trash collection day.
Tress should be clear of all ornaments, garland, and lights, and placed at the curb but not in the street. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.
