Let's just say that without the DPW, life in Somerville would be a very frustrating thing. The DPW functions like a maintenance department for the entire city. Among other tasks, they maintain our parks, streets and streetlights. They also handle trash and recycling pickup, maintain our public buildings including the schools and fix potholes. So, no, they can't leap over a building in a single bound, but they can keep a city's worth of buildings running.

Recycling bins and appliance disposal permits are available at their customer service counter in the DPW building on Franey Road. Residents can sign up for street sweeping alerts on their web page (click Frequently Asked Questions). Many questions regarding water bills and all manner of waste disposal (hazardous, yard waste, batteries, etc.) are also answered on their web page.