Boston, of course, is known to be the city of champions, historic landmarks, Afflecks, Whalbergs, and…strict trash removal laws. If you’re a Bostonian—or a recent transplant—you’ve likely noticed that disposing of waste in the city proper isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. Breaking Boston’s disposal laws can leave you with more than dirty looks from your neighbors. City fines are real, and they’re no joke!



To help you stay on the right side of the law (and your landlord), here’s an informative look at Boston’s trash rules and the big No-Nos you should avoid.


Boston Trash Rules - The Big No-Nos

 #1: Curbside Furniture Dumping

Let’s start with a classic mistake. You might think leaving your old couch on the curb is a convenient way to "gift" it to someone else. Think again! In Boston, abandoning furniture on the sidewalk is a surefire way to rack up a hefty fine. The city has specific guidelines for bulk item disposal, and leaving your beloved-but-battered recliner out for "curb shopping" doesn’t qualify. Instead, contact furniture removal services and ensure your old couch is in the right place for processing. 


#2: Ignoring Electronics Recycling Rules

Do you have an old TV, computer, or other electronics you’re ready to part with? Don’t just toss them in the trash. Electronics, or "e-waste," require proper recycling due to the hazardous materials they contain. Boston has dedicated locations for electronic disposal; failing to use them can lead to fines and environmental harm. A professional junk pick up service will help ensure these items are handled responsibly and in compliance with city regulations.


#3: Plastic Bags in the Recycling Bin

One item that trips up even the most well-intentioned recyclers is plastic bags. They might seem harmless, but tossing them in your blue recycling bin is a big mistake. Plastic bags clog up the city’s recycling machinery and are strictly prohibited. Instead, recycle them at designated grocery store collection points, or better yet, ditch single-use bags altogether. Pro tip: Ensure your recyclables are clean and loose, not stuffed into a bag.


Why Work with Professionals?


Navigating Boston’s trash rules can feel like a full-time job, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the dos and don’ts. Partnering with a professional junk removal service is a smart way to avoid fines, save time, and ensure proper disposal. Professionals know the ins and outs of Greater Boston’s waste laws and can handle everything from bulk items to tricky electronics recycling.


Boston’s trash rules might seem strict, but they’re there for a reason: to keep the city clean, safe, and sustainable. By steering clear of the big No-Nos, you’ll stay in the city’s good graces (and out of its ticket book). 


When in doubt, always call the call the pros! The team at The Junk Removers is happy to answer any recycling/processing/collection questions you may have. 


Contact us today. 


storm prep cleanouts
By Lu Annatone August 30, 2025
Leaves, debris, and household clutter can block drainage systems or create hazards if flooding occurs. Basements stuffed with old furniture or boxes are especially vulnerable, as water can quickly damage belongings and make cleanup more complicated.
summer junk removal
By Lu Annatone August 23, 2025
Summer Junk Removal | Worn or broken summer gear isn’t just an eyesore; it wastes valuable storage space and can even create problems down the road.
mattress removal services
By Lu Annatone August 16, 2025
Proper disposal is a challenge for DIYers, so using professional mattress removal services is the key! Skip the DIY hassle and enjoy your new purchase worry-free.
business junk removal
By Lu Annatone July 31, 2025
Business junk removal/office cleanout services make this process fast, efficient, and stress-free for all parties involved- Junk removal crews handle everything
moving cleanouts
By Lu Annatone July 24, 2025
The beginning and end of Summer often bring major life changes, such as college graduates returning home to regroup or (hopefully) moving into their first apartments. Either way, these shifts present a valuable opportunity for a thorough and strategic moving cleanout.
shed cleanout services
July 17, 2025
Shed Cleanout Services. When your shed is clean and organized, it becomes a functional asset rather than a storage headache.
basement cleanouts
By Lu Annatone June 30, 2025
Basement Cleanouts | If your basement is cluttered, now is the perfect time to clear it out. Our professional basement cleanout services can help you.
Furniture pick-up service - Tax-Free weekend
By Lu Annatone June 23, 2025
Furniture pick-up service | For homeowners eyeing big-ticket items like sofas, dining sets, or mattresses, this is the time to score major savings.
Residential Junk Removal
By Lu Annatone June 16, 2025
Residential Junk Removal | With the school year wrapped up and summer camps (hopefully) in full swing, this season offers a golden opportunity for parents to declutter and reclaim their homes from the mountains of no-longer-wanted items.
summer junk removal
By Lu Annatone May 31, 2025
Summer junk removal | When summer arrives, along with it comes the heat and humidity the Boston area is notorious for, not to mention the inevitable skyrocketing of your energy bills. But here’s a question you might not have considered: could all that junk in your home actually be making it hotter?
Junk Removal Stories
By Lu Annatone May 24, 2025
Junk Removal Stories | Here’s a glimpse into some of the more unusual discoveries our crews have made over the years, and some thoughts on why these forgotten objects might have been left behind in the first place.
Office move junk removal
By Lu Annatone May 17, 2025
Regardless, for businesses of all sizes, whether relocating to a new building or simply downsizing, there is likely a lot of unnecessary equipment and junk they can leave behind. That’s where professional office move-out junk removal comes in.
attic cleanout services
By Lu Annatone April 29, 2025
Professional attic cleanout services. At The Junk Removers, our teams come equipped with proper safety gear, tools for lifting and hauling, and the know-how to sort, dispose of, and donate items responsibly.
how to dispose of office furniture
By Lu Annatone April 22, 2025
How to dispose of office furniture | The attic is often the final frontier of home organization. It’s where holiday decorations go to hibernate, childhood mementos collect dust, and old furniture is stashed with the hope it might be useful "someday." Learn how to clear that space out-finally!
commercial property cleanout services
By Lu Annatone April 15, 2025
When a tenant moves out or gets evicted, landlords and property managers are often left with a mess to deal with, some worse than others, but it’s never a pleasant part of the process. Old furniture, broken electronics, piles of trash, and even partially dismantled cubicles can turn a commercial space from ready-to-show into a renovation headache. Luckily for Greater Boston, that’s where our commercial property cleanout services come in!
Garage cleanout services
By Lu Annatone March 31, 2025
If your garage has become a cluttered mess, it’s time to take back your space with our professional garage cleanout services!
Seasonal Junk Removal
By Lu Annatone March 22, 2025
If spring cleaning has you feeling overwhelmed, don’t go at it alone. Our seasonal junk removal services help you take the first (and most important) step toward a cleaner, more organized home!
By Lu Annatone March 15, 2025
We all know the one massive, clunky 36” CRT television from the early 2000s that weighs more than a small refrigerator. It’s been sitting in the basement, the garage, or maybe even shoved in a spare room, untouched for years. You may have fond memories of it; perhaps you watched your first DVD on the things back in the day or enjoyed some N64 Mario Kart on the big old beauty, but its time has come and gone. You’d love to get rid of it, but the question remains: where does it actually go? Where to dispose of a big old TV!? The Challenges of Disposing of Old TVs Unlike modern flat-screen TVs, older cathode-ray tube ( CRT ) televisions contain hazardous materials such as leaded glass and mercury, making them a disposal nightmare. Simply tossing them in the trash isn’t an option, and many states, including Massachusetts, have strict laws against it due to environmental risks. CRT TVs have to be properly recycled according to state guidelines . Professional Junk Removal: The Hassle-Free Solution Instead of breaking your back trying to move one of these behemoths or searching for a proper recycling site, our professional junk removal services make the process easy. We’ll take your old TV to an appropriate electronics recycling facility, where harmful materials are properly handled. Environmental Surcharges: Why TV Disposal Isn’t Free Because old CRT TVs contain hazardous materials, recycling facilities often charge an environmental disposal fee. These surcharges help cover the costs of safely extracting and disposing of the lead, phosphor coatings, and other toxic substances inside the tubes. While it’s an extra cost, it’s a small price to pay to prevent dangerous materials from leaching into the environment. Feel Like DIY-ing Your Old TVs Disposal? If you prefer a DIY approach, you can check with: Local Electronics Recycling Centers – Some towns and cities offer drop-off locations for a fee. Retail Trade-In or Recycling Programs – Stores like Best Buy or Staples occasionally offer take-back programs for old electronics. But chances are, with a 20+-year-old TV, they won’t want to deal with it either. Community Cleanup Events – Many municipalities hold special hazardous waste collection days for items like CRT TVs. Resale Market —Funny enough, some CRT TV models have found new life on the secondary resale market because they’re much better for retrogaming on older consoles. Your big old TV may be worth some cash! Say Goodbye to the Big Old Box, Make Room & Move On! If your old Sony, JVC, or Mitsubishi (throwback) TV isn’t doing anything but taking up space, whether it’s in your garage, basement, or attic, it’s time to clear it out! Our junk removal team can take it off your hands quickly and recycle it responsibly so you can finally reclaim that corner of your home. Don’t let outdated electronics clutter your space any longer. Contact us today to schedule a trash removal / junk pick-up and say goodbye to your ancient TV for good! While you’re at it, why not get rid of some old furniture to accompany it? Learn about our furniture removal services .
real estate junk removal
By Lu Annatone February 28, 2025
If walls could talk, foreclosed and abandoned properties would have some wild stories. Unfortunately, they also tend to have piles of junk, outdated appliances, and questionable furniture that no one wants to deal with. That’s where professional real estate junk removal services step in!
Basement cleanout services
By Lu Annatone February 21, 2025
Selling or renovating? A basement cleanout saves valuable time, allowing you to focus on listing and selling the property while we handle the mess. Many Boston-area homeowners are converting basements into income-generating rental units, making a cleanout an essential first step in getting the best returns.
More Posts