Outdoor Burning: Somerville vs Waltham
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Somerville and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville is designated a no-burn community under 310 CMR 7.07. Open burning of brush, leaves, or yard waste is prohibited year round with no seasonal permit available.
View full Somerville rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Open burning of brush in Waltham is allowed only January 15 through May 1 under 310 CMR 7.07 with a daily permit from the Fire Department. Burning household trash or leaves is prohibited year-round.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| State rule | 310 CMR 7.07 | - |
| Somerville status | No-burn community | - |
| Burning season | None permitted | - |
| Allowed use | Cooking fires meeting code | - |
| Disposal | Yard waste bags for curbside | - |
| Burn season | - | January 15 through May 1 only |
| Governing regulation | - | 310 CMR 7.07 MassDEP |
| Permit required | - | Daily from Waltham Fire Dept |
| Setback | - | 75 feet from dwellings |
| Prohibited materials | - | Leaves, trash, tires, construction debris |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerville FAQ
Can I get a burn permit in Somerville?
No. Somerville is excluded from the 310 CMR 7.07 open burning community list.
How do I dispose of leaves and brush?
Use paper yard-waste bags for curbside pickup or drop off at the DPW yard. Composting is also allowed.
Waltham FAQ
Can I burn leaves in the fall in Waltham?
No. Leaf burning is prohibited year-round in Massachusetts under 310 CMR 7.07. Use curbside yard waste collection instead.
Do I need a new permit each day I burn?
Yes. Daily burning permits must be obtained from the Waltham Fire Department, and permission can be suspended based on weather.
Compare other topics
See how Somerville and Waltham compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool