trash bag and can

Trash Regulations

Set trash out neatly at the curb by 7am on your trash day(s) or after 5pm the night before. Remember to separate trash from recycling on the curb.

Acceptable Containers

trash barrel

Barrels

  • Made of metal or durable plastic
  • Lid required
  • No larger than 32 gallons in capacity
  • When full, no heavier than 50 pounds
  • All garbage must be contained in tied black trash bags  

black trash bag

Bags

  • Black trash bags
  • Made of 1.5 mil thick plastic
  • 32 gallons or less
  • Setting trash out for pickup in kitchen bags, grocery store bags, paper bags, cartons, or boxes is not acceptable.

Acceptable Items for Regular Trash

  • household trash
  • food waste
  • household appliances
  • electronics
  • mattress/box spring
  • furniture
  • carpet (must be no longer than 3 feet and tied)
  • washer or dryer*
  • stove*
  • dishwasher*
  • hot water heater*

Acceptable Items Needing Special Pickup

Call 617-635-4500 or place an online service request to schedule pickup of these items:

  • computer monitors*
  • televisions*
  • water coolers*
  • dehumidifiers*
  • refrigerators*
  • air conditioners*

*after being picked up, portions of these items are recycled!

Unacceptable Items for Regular Trash

If these items are reusable, you can donate them. Or, you must hire a commercial rubbish hauler to collect them; search the yellow pages for listings.
  • bricks
  • automotive components
  • dirt, rocks, stones
  • fire debris
  • construction and demolition material
  • fences
  • oil drums
  • plumbing fixtures
  • more than a gallon of liquid waste (including cooking oil)
  • syringes and needles (for information about safe disposal, contact the Boston Needle Exchange Program at 617-592-7828)

Unacceptable Items for Regular Trash, but Acceptable by Other Means

  • tires
  • recyclable material 
  • yard waste 
  • hazardous material

Announcements

  • Waste Reduction E-Newsletter

    Receive email updates about curbside recycling, compost bin sales, yard waste collection, hazardous waste drop-offs, and trash regulations.

    Subscribe Here

    View Past Newsletters

  • Missed Pickup

    If your trash or recycling was not picked up, please call the Mayor's Office (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) at 617-635-4500 or place an online service request by following the link below.

    Report Missed Trash/Recycling/Yard Waste/Bulk Item Pickup

Video

  • Single Stream Recycling

    Mayor Menino announces citywide expansion of the program.

    Watch Video

Related Links