Boston Commercial Trash Regulations
“No rules or regulations shall restrict the hours of the day when garbage, offal, or other offensive substances may be collected in areas zoned for business, commercial or industrial use.”
No rubbish will be placed out for collections on a public street, sidewalk or alley between 7 am and 6 pm.
- Rubbish may be picked up during these hours but it must be transported directly from your premises where it is stored.
- Rubbish must be stored in durable containers, dumpsters or tightly secured plastic bags.
- Dumpsters must be placed on private property; have lids which are closed at all times; and be picked up regularly to avoid a health hazard.
- Rubbish shall not be placed out in cartons or paper bags.
- Receptacles must be returned to their normal place of storage as soon as possible. When pickup occurs between the hours of 7 am and 6 pm receptacles must be returned to their place of storage immediately.
- Storage containers, dumpsters and storage areas must be thoroughly cleaned following removal of garbage and rubbish.
- The business owner is responsible for cleaning up the loose trash from the sidewalk following collection.
These regulations will be strictly enforced and violators fined.
To report trash violations, please call Boston’s Code Enforcement division at 617-635-4885.
Maintaining Dumpsters
Maintaining a residential dumpster without a permit can result in a fine of $50 not to exceed $1000. All residential dwellings with six or more units must obtain a Site Cleanliness Permit from Inspectional Services Department. Click here for a Site Cleanliness Permit. Click here for the city ordinance on residential dumpsters.
Snow Removal Regulations
Click here to see a citywide map of parking restrictions during snow emergencies. Vehicles may be ticketed and towed if parked on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared snow emergency.
When you shovel, make sure to:
- Clear sidewalks within three hours of snowfall ending or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight.
- Remove ice to bare pavement or make as level as possible.
- Clear at least a 42 inch wide path for wheelchairs and strollers.
Don’t shovel or plow snow into the street: Violators caught shoveling snow from private property into the street will be fined. Each day that a violation exists is considered a separate and distinct violation.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING VEHICULAR REGULATIONS
The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) regulates the Downtown Crossing Pedestrian Zone. For additional information about BTD policies and procedures, please visit here or contact 617-635-4500.
