Boston requires trash and recycling bins to be placed curbside by 6 PM the evening before collection or by 5 AM on collection day. Bins must be removed from the curb by 7 PM on collection day. The city provides 64-gallon carts and prohibits leaving bins on sidewalks outside of collection periods.
Boston's Department of Public Works manages curbside trash and recycling collection. Residents may place trash and recycling bins on the curb no earlier than 5 PM the evening before their scheduled collection day, or by 5 AM on collection day. All bins must be removed from the curb and public way by 7 PM on collection day. Boston provides 64-gallon rolling trash and recycling carts to residential properties. Overflow trash must be in city-approved bags or containers. Bins stored outside of collection days must be kept on private property and not visible from the street where possible. Commercial properties must use private waste haulers and store dumpsters in approved enclosures. Rat-resistant containers are required in areas designated by the Public Works Department. During winter, residents must clear snow from around bins and ensure they are accessible to collection crews.
Early placement or late retrieval of bins is subject to a $50 fine. Leaving bins on the sidewalk outside collection periods can result in a $100 fine per occurrence. Failure to use rat-resistant containers in designated areas carries additional fines. Repeat violations escalate in penalty.
Boston, MA
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See how Boston's trash bin storage rules stack up against other locations.
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