Business and residential properties must apply for and secure a license for dumpsters and trash storage. You have two options to apply:
Before you get started by mail
The Site Cleanliness Ordinance regulates the overflow of all dumpsters, wind-blown litter, and rodent activity that occurs as a result of poor trash practices. The ordinance applies to:
- every bulk refuse container (dumpster) or grease trap, whether commercial or residential (not limited to food and beverage establishments)
- all automotive establishments, and
- all bulk refuse container storage lots.
The fee for a Site Cleanliness License is $50. We take a check or money order made payable to the City of Boston.
Get your info together
Your application for the license needs to include:
- a completed Site Cleanliness Application and your payment
- a site plan indicating the location of the dumpster and how close it is to neighboring properties or public ways
- the location of any required fencing or screening
- a maintenance plan and schedule
- a solid waste proposal plan that includes a copy of the solid waste disposal contract
- a rodent or pest control contract, and
- a license from Public Works only if the dumpster is on a public way. Learn how to get a street occupancy permit.
Mail your application to us
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor
Before you get started in person
The Site Cleanliness Ordinance regulates the overflow of all dumpsters, wind-blown litter, and rodent activity that occurs as a result of poor trash practices. The ordinance applies to:
- every bulk refuse container (dumpster) or grease trap, whether commercial or residential (not limited to food and beverage establishments)
- all automotive establishments, and
- all bulk refuse container storage lots.
The fee for a Site Cleanliness License is $50. We take a check or money order made payable to the City of Boston.
Get your info together
Your application for the license needs to include:
- a completed Site Cleanliness Application and your payment
- a site plan indicating the location of the dumpster and how close it is to neighboring properties or public ways
- the location of any required fencing or screening
- a maintenance plan and schedule
- a solid waste proposal plan that includes a copy of the solid waste disposal contract
- a rodent or pest control contract, and
- a license from Public Works only if the dumpster is on a public way. Learn how to get a street occupancy permit.
Give us your application
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor
Keep in mind
If you operate or maintain a bulk refuse container without a license, or fail to operate or maintain a licensed dumpster or site based on the terms of your license, it's a violation of the Site Cleanliness Ordinance.
PenaltyPenalties for violating the Site Cleanliness Ordinance may result in fines of up to $1000 per day. We may also close your business for repeated violations.
We only issue fines after the third notice of a violation. We use the first two notices to educate people on proper compliance.
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Contact:
Inspectional Services
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th FloorBoston, MA 02118
