Trash & Recycling

The City of Boston manages residential trash and recycling collection. Use the official resources below to find your collection schedule, review disposal rules, and report service issues.

Trash and recycling pick-up is every Tuesday and Friday. To mitigate rodents and loose trash in the street, both should be placed neatly at curbside by 6 AM on collection day. If same day is not possible, Trash and recycling can be put out no earlier than 5PM the evening prior. Recycling can be placed in CLEAR or BLUE TINTED  trash bags or in a labeled recycling bin.

Compost pick-up occurs on Friday mornings, unless holiday pick-ups are in effect. To join the Boston Curbside food waste collection program, visit https://www.bostoncomposts.com/.  This is a FREE service and helps to mitigate the rat issue in the neighborhood.

Alternatively, self-service compost drop-off bins are located at the South End Library on Tremont Street.

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. 

  • Trash must be placed in an appropriate black or gray trash barrel with a secure lid.

    • Using a City-issued recycling barrel for trash could result in a code enforcement violation. The barrel may not be collected and may be subject to removal. 

Bulky Items & Special Disposal

Furniture, mattresses, appliances, electronics, yard waste, and other items may have special collection or disposal requirements. Do not assume these items can be left out with regular trash.

Consult the City's current guidance for accepted items, collection requirements, and any required appointments.

  • 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. 

PICKUP OF APPLIANCES: REFRIGERATORS, TVS, AND AIR CONDITIONERS, MUST BE REQUESTED THROUGH 311 

PICKUP OF Mattresses

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 

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.

View the city’s website for detailed information: www.boston.gov/trash-and-recycling

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