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Trash and Recycling

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Learn about the free services Public Works provides, find your weekly collection schedule, check out our zero waste programs, and more!

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Services

Contact: Public Works
Trash Collection
Metal, Glass, Paper, and Plastic Recycling
Food Waste Composting
Leaf and Yard Waste Composting
Clothing and Textile Recycling
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-offs
Mattress Recycling
Household Electronics Recycling

Collection Schedule and Recycling Sorting Tool

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Programs

Programs
Contact: Public Works

Project Oscar

Project Oscar is Boston’s 24-hour community compost pilot program.

Farmers Market Food Waste Drop-off

We are partnering with local Boston farmers markets to bring community food waste drop-off locations to more Boston...

Community Garden Compost Requests

The City of Boston’s Public Works Department provides compost to community gardens at no cost.

Community Garden Compost Drop-off

The City of Boston is partnering with local community gardens as neighborhood food scrap drop-off sites. We're providing...

Boston Compost Certification Program

Do you want to keep food out of the trash and live more sustainably? Join the Boston Compost Certification Program to...

Learn More

Contact: Public Works
Trash Day App Recycling Sorting Tool
Questions about what you can, and can’t recycle in Boston? Click here to find out.
Zero Waste Boston Plan
The City of Boston is dedicated to becoming a zero waste city. Click here to read the Zero Waste Plan, learn about the City’s plastic bag ban, and how you can help Boston reach its zero waste goals.
Zero Waste Educational Materials
Find and print educational materials and translated documents.
Boston Reuse and Donation Directory
Find where to donate, resell, buy responsibly, rent, and repair items, all while supporting Boston’s local reuse economy.

Events

Events
Leaf and yard waste drop-off
On Apr 1

Apr 1
Leaf and yard waste drop-off
On Apr 8

Apr 8
Leaf and yard waste drop-off
On Apr 15

Apr 15
Household hazardous waste, paper shredding, textiles, and electronics drop-off
On May 20

May 20
Paint and motor oil drop-off
On Jun 17

Jun 17
Household hazardous waste, paper shredding, textiles, and electronics drop-off
On Jun 24

Jun 24

Trash service requests

Requests
All BOS:311 requests Improper storage of trash barrels Overflowing or Unkempt Dumpster Report Rodent Activity (Outdoors) Report Trash on a Vacant Lot Request recycling and yard waste stickers Schedule a special collection item for pickup Report a missed trash collection

Code Violations

Code Violations
Contact: Public Works
How Code Enforcement Works
How To Pay The Fine For A Code VIolation
How To Appeal Code Violations

Meet the team

Contact us
Contact: Public Works

Departments You May Need

Public Works
617-635-4900
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