Trash
Explore this page to find your trash collection schedule, learn about your responsibilities, file trash service requests, download the Trash Day App, and more!
The City of Boston is dedicated to reducing our waste. You can help by participating in our waste reduction programs and by managing your waste responsibly. Remember to think about if an item can be reused, recycled, or donated before you throw it in the trash. Learn more about how to reduce your waste on our Zero Waste page.
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To submit a 311 request, contact:
Trash Responsibilities in Boston
ResponsibilitiesTHINK BEFORE YOU TRASH
- Before you throw something in the trash, use the Waste Sorting Tool on the Trash Day App to find out if it can be recycled, reused, or donated. Download the app on Google Play or the App Store.
- To learn more about the City’s waste reduction programs, visit our Zero Waste page.
- For the safety of our employees, please do not place medical waste in your trash. Click here to learn where to safely dispose of syringes and needles.
- The City of Boston does not collect construction debris, automotive parts, plumbing fixtures, fences, water heaters, or fire debris. Please find a local private hauler to collect these items.
PLACE TRASH CURBSIDE NO LATER THAN 6 A.M. ON YOUR COLLECTION DAY
- To view your collection schedule, download the Trash Day App.
- Wait until after 5 p.m. the evening before your collection day to bring containers curbside to avoid spillage and code violations.
ALL TRASH MUST BE PLACED IN A CONTAINER WITH A LID
- Residents are responsible for purchasing their own trash containers and replacing damaged containers. Containers must meet City requirements.
- If you use a barrel that’s bigger than 32 gallons, there must be a grab bar on the barrel.
- All trash must fit inside the barrels and have a lid. Having an overflowing barrel or unkempt trash can result in a code enforcement violation.
- If trash bags are being used, they should be 2 ply or .9 millimeter or greater plastic material
- Kitchen bags, grocery bags, or cardboard boxes can not be used as trash bags.
PICKUP OF APPLIANCES: REFRIGERATORS, TVS, AND AIR CONDITIONERS, MUST BE REQUESTED THROUGH 311
- To schedule pickup of an appliance, call 311 or file a request through the app.
PICKUP OF FURNITURE
- Furniture can be put out with your normal curbside trash and recycling on your scheduled collection day.
DISPOSE OF HAZARDOUS WASTE AT OUR Zero waste days
- View our schedule of Zero Waste Day drop-off events.
- Please note: Building or construction debris will not be collected curbside.
CODE VIOLATION TICKETS
- If you don’t comply with our regulations, you may receive a ticket from our Code Enforcement Division.
- Residents can report offenses to Boston 311.
NEED HELP? FILL OUT A SERVICE REQUEST
You can fill out a service request with Boston 311.
EDUCATE YOUR TENANTS
- As a Boston landlord, it is your job to educate your tenants on their responsibilities as residents.
- Tell new tenants to download the Trash Day app for collection day reminders.
CHECK IN WITH TENANTS
- Create a waste management plan with your tenants.
- Make sure trash is being taken out each week. Trash not collected regularly will attract critters and insects.
LANDLORDS OF 3+ UNIT BUILDINGS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING TRASH CONTAINERS TO TENANTS
- All trash containers must have lids.
NEED HELP? FILL OUT A SERVICE REQUEST
- You can fill out a Boston 311 service request.
CODE VIOLATION TICKETS
- If you don’t comply with our regulations, you may receive a ticket from our Code Enforcement Division.
- Residents can report offenses to Boston 311.
Recycle Before You Trash
Before you toss something in the trash, think about if it can be recycled. If you need help, you can search what's recyclable in Boston by using our recycling search tool. When in doubt, find out!
Download the Trash Day App
Search how to recycle right on your phone.
With our free Trash Day app you can view a calendar for your home's collection dates, set reminders, and get notifications of schedule changes. You can also search a directory of hundreds of household items to find out if they're recyclable.
Special Item Collection
To schedule a special item collection, please dial 3-1-1 or fill out this form. We accept televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, water coolers, dehumidifiers, and computer monitors.
What can't go in the trash?
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) introduced its first bans on landfilling and combustion of easy-to-recycle and toxic materials in 1990. Additional "waste bans" have been phased in over time. Materials currently banned from trash disposal include:
- Asphalt pavement, brick and concrete
- Cathode ray tubes
- Clean gypsum wallboard
- Commercial food material (lower threshold effective November 1, 2022)
- Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Glass and metal containers
- Lead acid batteries
- Leaves and yard waste
- Mattresses (effective November 1, 2022)
- Recyclable paper, cardboard and paperboard
- Single-resin narrow-necked plastic containers
- Textiles (effective November 1, 2022)
- Treated and untreated wood and wood waste (banned from landfills only)
- White goods (large appliances)
- Whole tires (banned from landfills only; shredded tires acceptable)
BOS:311 service requests
BOS:311-
To submit a 311 request, contact:
