Lowell provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection. Residents must use approved barrels or city-issued purple bags and set out containers by 7 a.m. on their collection day.
Lowell operates a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) trash program through its Solid Waste and Recycling Division. Regular household trash must be placed in the official city purple bags (sold at local retailers), while recyclables and yard waste have separate rules. Collection occurs weekly on a designated day that varies by neighborhood and shifts one day later during weeks with certain holidays. Containers must be placed curbside by 7:00 a.m. on collection day and removed by the end of the day. Trash outside of a city purple bag will not be collected. Overflow trash requires additional purple bags.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lowell, MA
Lowell applies the Massachusetts DEP 10-dB-above-ambient standard for objective measurement and uses a plainly-audible test for subjective enforcement.
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and...
Lowell, MA
Amplified music from homes, vehicles, or outdoor events in Lowell must not be plainly audible beyond 50 feet and is subject to permit rules for public venues.
Lowell, MA
Industrial operations in Lowell must keep noise within Massachusetts DEP guidelines and the local ordinance, with stricter limits at residential property lines.
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