Boston

1. Trash Disposal

Trash disposal in Boston is managed by the city for residential buildings with six or fewer units. Larger buildings and commercial properties must arrange for private waste disposal services.

Key Guidelines:

• Trash Bags/Barrels: Trash must be placed in heavy-duty plastic bags or covered barrels (maximum 32 gallons and 50 pounds). Barrels must have a lid to prevent pests and littering.
• Curbside Pickup: Trash should be placed on the curb no earlier than 5:00 PM the night before your scheduled pickup day and no later than 6:00 AM on the day of collection.
• Prohibited Items: Hazardous materials, construction debris, and electronics are not accepted in regular trash. These require special disposal (see below for details).

Financial Implications:

• Trash collection is free for eligible residential properties (six units or fewer). However, residents must purchase their own trash bags or barrels.
• Improper disposal (e.g., leaving trash out on the wrong day or in an unapproved container) can result in fines ranging from $25 to $100.

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2. Recycling

Boston has a single-stream recycling system, meaning all recyclable materials can be placed in the same bin. Recycling is mandatory for all residents.

Accepted Materials:

• Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, cereal boxes, and flattened cardboard.
• Plastics: Bottles, containers, and jugs labeled with recycling symbols #1, #2, or #5.
• Glass: Bottles and jars (rinsed and free of food residue).
• Metal: Aluminum cans, tin cans, and foil (cleaned).

Non-Recyclable Items:

• Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food waste, and items contaminated with grease (e.g., pizza boxes).

Recycling Bins:

• Residents must use a blue recycling bin or a clearly labeled container for recyclables. These bins can be purchased at local hardware stores or online.
• The city occasionally offers free recycling bins during special events or promotions.

Pickup Schedule:

• Recycling is collected curbside on the same day as trash pickup. Check the City of Boston's website or use the "Trash Day App" to confirm your schedule.

Financial Implications:

• Recycling services are free for eligible residential properties.

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3. Composting

Boston has been expanding its composting initiatives to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

Curbside Composting Pilot Program:

• The city offers a free curbside composting program for food scraps and organic waste. As of 2023, this program is available to a limited number of residents who sign up online.
• Accepted items include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste (leaves, grass clippings).

Drop-Off Composting:

• Residents can also drop off food scraps at designated composting sites across the city. Locations include farmers' markets and community centers.

Private Composting Services:

• Several private companies in Boston offer subscription-based composting services for a fee (e.g., Bootstrap Compost). These services typically provide a bin and collect food waste weekly or biweekly.

Financial Implications:

• The city's curbside composting program and drop-off sites are free. Private services typically cost $8–$15 per week, depending on the provider.

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4. Pickup Schedules

Trash, recycling, and composting pickups are scheduled weekly. The specific day depends on your address.

How to Find Your Schedule:

• Use the City of Boston's online tool: Trash Day Lookup.
• Download the "Trash Day App" for reminders and updates about holiday delays or weather-related changes.

Holiday Schedule:

• Trash and recycling collection are delayed by one day following major holidays (e.g., New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas).

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5. Special Waste Disposal

Certain items require special handling and cannot be disposed of with regular trash or recycling.

Hazardous Waste:

• Items like paint, motor oil, and cleaning chemicals must be taken to designated hazardous waste drop-off events hosted by the city several times a year. These events are free for residents.

Electronics and Appliances:

• TVs, computers, and other electronics can be dropped off at designated collection sites or scheduled for curbside pickup (fees may apply for some items).
• Small appliances (e.g., toasters, microwaves) can often be recycled for free at drop-off locations.

Yard Waste:

• Yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, and small branches) is collected seasonally. It must be placed in paper yard waste bags or labeled barrels.

Bulky Items:

• Large items like furniture and mattresses can be scheduled for curbside pickup. Some items, like mattresses, require a $10 recycling fee.

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6. Local Considerations

• Rodent Control: Boston has a significant rodent population, so proper trash storage is critical. Always use covered barrels and avoid leaving food waste exposed.
• Snow Removal: During winter, ensure that trash and recycling bins are accessible and not buried under snow.
• Community Cleanups: The city organizes neighborhood cleanups and provides free supplies (e.g., gloves, trash bags) to encourage residents to keep their areas clean.

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7. Financial Summary

• Free Services: Trash and recycling collection, curbside composting (pilot program), hazardous waste drop-off events, and yard waste collection.
• Paid Services: Private composting services ($8–$15/week), bulky item pickup (varies), and mattress recycling ($10/item).
• Fines: Improper trash disposal can result in fines ranging from $25 to $100.

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8. Resources and Contacts

• City of Boston Public Works Department: Website
• Trash Day Lookup Tool: Find Your Schedule
• Trash Day App: Available for iOS and Android.
• Customer Service: Call 311 (Boston’s non-emergency hotline) for questions or to report missed pickups.

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By following these guidelines and utilizing the city’s resources, you can effectively manage your waste while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Boston. Let me know if you need further assistance!