Boston, MA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Code § 23-2 bars maintaining a dumpster "so-called", any device for storing one cubic yard or more of trash, rubbish, or construction debris, anywhere in the city, public or private, unless it is maintained under Commissioner of Public Works regulations and bears an annually issued permit number, at a $10 filing fee plus $2 per dumpster. Section 23-11 spells out what the permit application needs: proof a licensed refuse contractor will provide periodic pickup and pest treatment at intervals not exceeding one week, plus evidence the surrounding area is free of rodent and insect infestation; missing either requirement gets the permit revoked.

Sections 23-9 and 23-10 separately bar letting a dumpster sit in an overflowing condition on a sidewalk-abutting business property or anywhere refuse could blow into the street, on top of the general duty under § 23-1 to keep containers off the sidewalk except for scheduled collection. Refuse haulers who service these containers must themselves be licensed annually by the Environmental Health Services Division of the Health and Hospitals Department under § 23-12, and licensed haulers who store containers must clean and disinfect them before storage under § 23-13.