Quincy, MA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Commercial and 8+ unit buildings
- Duty
- Keep dumpster area rodent-free
- Enforcer
- Health Commissioner
- Fine
- Up to $50 per day
- Maintenance
- Sanitize as often as required
Summary
Quincy, Massachusetts (Norfolk County) requires owners of dumpsters at commercial businesses and larger residential buildings to keep the dumpster and surrounding area free of rodents, flies, and insects.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner to maintain the dumpster and the surrounding area so that it is free of odors, rodents, flies, insects, scattered debris and any overflow on the boundaries of the owner's property lines. The contractor or owner shall deodorize, wash, steam and sanitize the dumpster and surrounding area as often as needed or as required by the Health Commissioner.
(3) The contractor or owner shall conspicuously display its name and telephone number on the dumpster.
E. Violation of provisions; penalties.
(1) Whoever violates any provision of this section may be fined up to the maximum provided for in § 1-1 of this Code. Each day that the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
(2) In addition to the enforcement as described above, the provisions of this section may also be enforced by noncriminal complaint pursuant to the provisions of MGL c. 40, § 21D, and such penalty shall be $50 for each violation. Each day that the violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4608810; v7 updated 2025-10-06; through 10-06-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under Quincy's Solid Waste chapter, owners of dumpsters, required for commercial businesses and residential buildings with eight or more units, must maintain the dumpster and its surrounding area so it stays free of odors, rodents, flies, insects, scattered debris, and overflow beyond the property line. The Health Commissioner can require deodorizing, washing, steaming, or sanitizing as often as needed. Violations carry fines up to the Code's general maximum, or $50 per day under the noncriminal complaint track, with each day a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Failing to keep a dumpster and its surrounding area free of rodents, flies, insects, and debris exposes the owner to daily fines enforceable by the Health Commissioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to keep dumpsters rodent-free in Quincy?
What if my dumpster attracts rodents?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Quincy
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