Boston provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection for residential properties with 1-6 units. Collection days vary by neighborhood. Trash must be in city-issued 64-gallon carts or approved bags. Recycling is single-stream in blue carts. Bulk item pickup requires scheduling through 311.
The Boston Department of Public Works provides weekly curbside collection of trash and recycling for residential properties with 1 to 6 units. Properties with 7 or more units must arrange private hauling. Collection days are assigned by neighborhood and can be looked up on boston.gov or the city's Trash Day app. Trash must be placed in city-issued 64-gallon rolling carts; overflow trash must be in approved 32-gallon bags. Recycling is single-stream and collected in blue carts — acceptable materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics #1-7. Food waste composting is available in select neighborhoods. Yard waste is collected separately during spring and fall on designated weeks. Bulk items (furniture, mattresses, large appliances) require scheduling through 311 for special pickup. Holiday collection schedules are posted on boston.gov with delayed pickup after major holidays. Extreme weather may delay collection by one day.
Contaminated recycling (food waste in recycling, non-recyclable items) may result in the bin being left uncollected with a tag explaining the issue. Repeated contamination can result in service warnings. Using non-approved containers for trash may result in non-collection.
Boston, MA
Boston has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within proper...
Boston, MA
Boston has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must not encroach on sidewalks, block pu...
Boston, MA
Boston does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating holiday lighting on private residential property. General nuisance, electrical safety, and historic dis...
Boston, MA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Boston require Inspectional Services Department permits when they include gas, plumbing, electrical, or structural work. Built-...
Boston, MA
Boston treats smokers and solid-fuel grills (wood, pellet, charcoal) the same as charcoal grills under Massachusetts Fire Code 527 CMR 1.00. Use on balconies...
Boston, MA
Boston's Fire Prevention Code (527 CMR 1.00, Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code) prohibits the use or storage of LP-gas grills and propane cylinder...
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