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How to apply for a Site Cleanliness license

Last updated:

Business and residential properties must apply for and secure a license for dumpsters and trash storage. You have two options to apply:

Step
1

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.

Step
2

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.
Step
3

Mail your application to us

Inspectional Services
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Step
1

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.

Step
2

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.
Step
3

Give us your application

Inspectional Services
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
icon-time
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Keep in mind

Violations

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.

Penalty

Penalties 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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