Trash Guidelines

Starting January 1, 2007, The City of Somerville has new rules about how residents should safely and properly store trash.

These changes are designed to increase the health and safety of our city, and protect your property and city property from rats and other rodents. The important changes are highlighted below. If you have more questions or concerns, please call 311.

• While stored on your property, all trash must now be held in a waterproof & airtight container with a lid.
• Trash put out for pickup must remain in a container, but does not need to be covered. We encourage residents to remove lids before bringing trash to the curb in order to prevent loss or damage.
• Trash storage containers may not exceed 50 lbs when full.
• Times you may put out your trash remain the same: trash may be placed out for pickup no earlier than 4:00 p.m. on the day before trash collection and no later than 7:00 a.m. the day of trash collection.

These new guidelines will be enforced starting January 1, 2007. Please note that recycling guidelines have not changed. Please call 311 (617-666-3311 from outside city limits) or e-mail TrashInfo@ci.somerville.ma.us for more information or if you have specific questions.