Boston requires trash be stored in covered containers and placed at the curb after 5 PM the day before collection per Boston Code Β§7-1.3 and the Rodent Control Ordinance Β§16-26. Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop have similar collection rules. Containers must be retrieved by the end of collection day. Overflowing containers or loose bags attract rats β Boston fines up to $300 per occurrence.
Trash and recycling bin regulation in Suffolk County focuses on rodent prevention and public-way cleanliness. Boston Code of Ordinances Β§7-1.3 (Collection of Refuse) and Β§16-26 (Rodent Control) require all trash to be stored in covered rigid containers with tight-fitting lids, or in city-issued Big Belly-style containers in commercial areas. Containers may be placed at the curb no earlier than 5 PM the evening before pickup and must be retrieved by midnight of collection day. Loose bags, overflowing containers, and uncovered bins are violations β fines range from $75 (first offense) to $300 (chronic). Commercial properties must use screened dumpsters behind sight-shielding enclosures and contract with a licensed hauler. Chelsea Code Chapter 10 requires similar covered-container use; Board of Health may order a specific container for chronic violators. Revere Municipal Code Β§8.04 mandates covered containers and fines for uncollected or overflowing trash. Winthrop Department of Public Works requires trash to be in DPW-issued 64-gallon wheeled carts and placed at the curb after 4 PM the day prior to pickup, retrieved by 8 AM the day after. Recycling: all four cities operate single-stream recycling with separate bins. Yard waste: seasonal DPW collection. Bulk items require scheduled pickup or private hauler. Hazardous waste must go to designated collection events. Multi-family buildings often have shared dumpsters; HOAs and owners are jointly responsible for compliance. Illegal dumping under MGL c. 270, Β§16 is subject to fines up to $5,500.
Boston uncovered/overflowing: $75-$300 per Boston Code Β§16-26. Not retrieving bins: $75-$150. Illegal dumping: up to $5,500 under MGL c. 270, Β§16. Rat-attracting conditions: up to $500 and mandatory abatement.
Suffolk County, MA
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Suffolk County, MA
Driveway rules in Suffolk County are set by each city. Boston requires a curb-cut permit from the Public Improvement Commission, and blocking a Boston sidewa...
Suffolk County, MA
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Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-ba...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 Β§157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 Β§155). Rabies vaccination...
Suffolk County, MA
MA prohibits intentional feeding of black bears (MGL c. 131, Β§75A) and regulates feeding of white-tailed deer. Boston Health Code Β§2-2.8 prohibits feeding of...
See how Suffolk County's trash bin storage rules stack up against other locations.
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