Chelsea, MA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 22-29 requires every residence in an area served by the city or its approved contractors to maintain 'sufficient container capacity' to hold its normal volume of solid waste between collections, and to keep containers covered at all times. Any container that fails to meet prescribed standards, or that has defects likely to hamper collection or injure a collector, must be replaced within five days of written notice from the department of public works, or the owner or user is in violation. Excess loose material from circumstances like holidays must be bundled and tied securely next to the containers rather than left loose.

Section 22-62(b) ties collection itself to a fixed schedule: acceptable solid waste 'shall be collected in accordance with a schedule published by the department of public works,' meaning the city, not individual residents, sets pickup days and any changes to them. It is unlawful under section 22-29(g) for anyone who does not reside in the city, or a corporation or organization not located in the city, to place waste out for city or contractor removal, keeping mandatory service tied to city residency or location. Commercial establishments are covered separately by section 22-30 with parallel container and coverage requirements.

Fees for the collection service itself are set annually by the director of public works with city manager approval under sections 22-63 and 22-64, following at least one public hearing before any fee change, and unpaid fees can be liened to a property's real estate tax bill.