Bins must be placed curbside between 5 PM the night before and 5 AM on collection day. All bins must be retrieved by 7 PM on collection day. Bins must not block sidewalks, driveways, or handicap ramps. Between collection days, bins must be stored on private property.
Boston requires trash and recycling bins to be placed at the curb no earlier than 5 PM the evening before the scheduled collection day, or by 5 AM on collection day. Bins must be placed at the curb edge, not in the street or blocking the sidewalk. A clear path of at least 42 inches must be maintained on the sidewalk for pedestrian and wheelchair access. Bins should not block driveways, fire hydrants, or handicap ramps. All bins must be retrieved and stored on private property by 7 PM on collection day. During winter, residents must ensure bins are accessible and not buried in snowbanks. In dense neighborhoods where private storage space is limited, the city still requires bins to be kept off the public way between collection periods. Bins left on the sidewalk are subject to code enforcement. Damaged or missing carts can be replaced by contacting Public Works through 311.
Bins left out past 7 PM on collection day are subject to a $50 fine. Bins placed out too early (before 5 PM) face the same penalty. Bins obstructing sidewalks or handicap ramps may result in a $100 fine. Repeat violations carry escalating penalties.
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