Beginning July 1, 2014, the Back Bay will have residential trash and recycling collected on both Mondays and Thursdays. Please note the added recycling day.

Residents are urged to place trash out on the morning of pick-up. This will significantly reduce the opportunity for spillage and scavenging. Properly and securely containing your trash and recycling is a critical component of keeping your neighborhood clean. Trash must be placed in a container with a lid or a sturdy trash bag.
The Back Bay has single-stream recycling and all eligible recycling materials can be co-mingled and placed out for curbside collection in a clear plastic bag. These are available at most retail supermarkets. Those with alley collection can utilize the clear plastic bags or the large 64 gallon carts (pictured below) for recycling. The City has formally discontinued distribution of the small, open recycling blue bins and residents are urged to use only the clear plastic bags for their recycling, instead of the small bins. Small plastic and paper bags from market/convenience stores are not acceptable for trash/recycling placement.
It is illegal to utilize City sidewalk litter barrels or solar-powered compactors for the disposal of residential or commercial trash and carries a fine of up to $1,000 per day.
Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in fines issued by the Code Enforcement Division. Offenses may be reported to the Mayor’s Hotline at 617-635-4500.
Comprehensive trash and recycling guidelines, including a listing of recyclables can be found at www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks.