Business and residential properties must apply for and secure a license for bulk refuse container(s) and trash storage. You have two options to apply:
Before you get started by mail
The Site Cleanliness Ordinance regulates the overflow of all bulk refuse container(s), wind blown litter, and rodent activity that occurs as a result of poor trash practices. The ordinance applies to:
- every bulk refuse container 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 accept the following payments; 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 solid waste proposal that includes a updated waste disposal contract, if contract is older than one year you must submit an updated invoice
- a maintenance plan and schedule
- a solid waste proposal plan that includes a copy of the solid waste disposal contract
- 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 bulk refuse container(s), wind-blown litter, and rodent activity that occurs as a result of poor trash practices. The ordinance applies to:
- every bulk refuse container 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 maintenance plan and schedule
- a solid waste proposal must include an updated waste disposal contract. If the contract is more than one year old, a current invoice must also be provided..
- 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.
-
Contact:
Inspectional Services
-
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th FloorBoston, MA 02118
