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

Chapter 16, Article III, Division 2 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, governs dumpsters, and Section 16-85 applies it to all dumpsters used anywhere in the city. The Board of Health and Fire Department enforce it. Section 16-73 requires each dumpster to sit far enough from the lot line not to interfere with the safety of the curb and sidewalk or the convenience or health of abutters, subject to Board of Health and Fire Department approval. Section 16-74 requires dumpsters in residential areas to be covered with a screen, and an enforcing agency can require the site to be enclosed or screened. Section 16-77(a) bars blocking the view of flowing traffic and bars placing or parking a dumpster on a public way.

Permits come from the Board of Health. Section 16-79 requires a plot plan and a permit for each dumpster; permits expire at the end of the calendar year and are renewable. The fee is $100.00 per dumpster per year for properties of less than eight units, $125.00 for eight units or more, and $150.00 for commercial properties. A contractor supplying dumpster service needs its own permit at $100.00 for the year (Section 16-80). Temporary roll-off or gondola permits under Section 16-81 run up to thirty days for construction, demolition, fairs or carnivals, renewable for another thirty days, at $50.00 plus $50.00 per renewal.

Operating rules are specific. Residential dumpsters cannot be filled between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Commercial dumpsters must be filled before the close of the working day, but not later than 6:00 p.m. Dumpsters must be covered and secured except during filling, and emptying cannot begin before 7:00 a.m. or continue after 6:00 p.m. Owners must clean and disinfect at least three times a year on April 30th, July 30th and October 30th, and must cure a notified violation within 12 hours.