Somerville Junk Removal Services

Understanding Somerville’s Waste Management Infrastructure & Municipal Disposal Requirements

Somerville’s solid waste management is coordinated by the Department of Public Works (DPW), which oversees weekly curbside trash collection, bulk item pickup, and special disposal events. Residents may place up to two bulk items (such as furniture or mattresses) curbside on their regular trash day, with prior notification to the DPW. The city’s transfer station, located at 9 Medford Street, accepts a range of materials including household waste, yard debris, and select recyclables. Tipping fees for non-residential users are assessed per ton, and hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Special collection events, such as household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronics recycling days, are held several times annually. For the most current schedules and accepted materials, consult the city’s official resources.

Department of Public Works
1 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: (617) 625-6600
Official Website: Department of Public Works

For additional guidance on state-level solid waste regulations, visit the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Solid Waste Master Plan.

• Weekly curbside trash and recycling collection
• Bulk item pickup (limit two per week, notification required)
• Transfer station at 9 Medford Street for drop-off
• Special events for hazardous waste and e-waste

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Somerville, MA?

Davis Square: A vibrant commercial and residential hub with high-density housing and limited street parking, requiring careful coordination for bulk pickups and right-of-way permits.

East Somerville: Characterized by older multi-family homes and narrow streets, this area often necessitates special access planning and may involve lead paint or asbestos considerations during cleanouts.

Winter Hill: Featuring a mix of historic properties and newer developments, Winter Hill’s diverse building stock can require both elevator access and historic district approvals for certain projects.

Union Square: A rapidly redeveloping district with ongoing construction and mixed-use properties, Union Square frequently sees increased waste volumes during move-in and move-out periods.

Magoun Square: Known for its compact lots and mature tree canopy, Magoun Square presents seasonal debris challenges and limited curbside space for large item removal.

Ten Hills: Suburban-style homes with driveways and garages make Ten Hills ideal for appliance and furniture removal, though proximity to the Mystic River may require flood zone compliance.

West Somerville: Home to Tufts University, this neighborhood experiences peak junk removal demand during student move-out in May and August, with additional coordination needed for multi-unit buildings.

Aligning Junk Removal with Somerville’s Zero Waste & Sustainability Programs

Somerville is committed to ambitious waste diversion and landfill reduction goals, aligning with the Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan. The city’s single-stream recycling program accepts paper, cardboard, glass, and certain plastics, while yard waste is collected seasonally. Electronics are banned from landfill disposal under state law; residents must use city e-waste events or approved drop-off sites. Mattress recycling is available through municipal bulk pickup or at the transfer station. Donation partnerships with local organizations, such as Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, support reuse and material recovery. For a full list of accepted recyclables and upcoming collection events, visit the Somerville Recycling Program.

• Single-stream recycling for most household materials
• State landfill ban on electronics and mattresses
• Annual e-waste and hazardous waste collection events
• Donation and reuse partnerships with local nonprofits

Navigating Somerville’s Unique Access Challenges for Waste Removal

Somerville’s urban layout presents several logistical challenges for junk removal. Many neighborhoods feature narrow, one-way streets and limited on-street parking, requiring advance planning for truck access and temporary dumpster placement. Winter weather can further complicate access, with snow and ice impacting collection schedules and safety. Flood-prone areas near the Mystic River may require compliance with additional environmental regulations. High-density housing and historic districts often necessitate coordination with building managers and city officials to ensure safe, legal removal of materials. Residents are encouraged to consult the DPW for guidance on access and scheduling.

• Narrow streets and limited parking in Davis Square and East Somerville
• Seasonal weather impacts on collection and safety
• Flood zone compliance in Ten Hills and along the Mystic River
• Historic district permit requirements for demolition debris

Somerville Municipal Regulations & Permits for Junk Removal Services

All junk removal operations in Somerville must comply with municipal regulations governing waste hauling, right-of-way use, and code enforcement. Licensed waste haulers are required to register with the city and maintain appropriate insurance and bonding. Placement of dumpsters or containers on public streets necessitates a right-of-way permit, which costs $50 and typically requires 3–5 business days for processing through the Transportation and Infrastructure Division. Additional approvals may be needed in historic districts or for projects affecting public sidewalks. Code enforcement officers monitor compliance and may issue fines for violations. For permit applications and code inquiries, contact:

Code Enforcement Division
1 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: (617) 625-6600 ext. 4300
Official Website: Code Enforcement Division

• Waste hauler licensing and insurance requirements
• Right-of-way permits for street dumpster placement ($50 fee)
• 3–5 business day permit processing
• Code enforcement for illegal dumping and permit violations

Electronics Disposal & E-Waste Recycling Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts enforces a landfill ban on electronics, including televisions, monitors, computers, and printers. Residents and businesses in Somerville must utilize city-sponsored e-waste collection events or approved drop-off locations for proper disposal. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection provides a directory of electronics recycling sites and outlines penalties for illegal disposal, which can range from $50 to $500 per violation. Data security is a key concern for businesses; all devices must be wiped prior to recycling. For a list of upcoming e-waste events and accepted items, visit the Somerville DPW Recycling Program.

• Landfill ban on TVs, monitors, computers, and printers
• Free e-waste collection events for residents
• Penalties for illegal disposal ($50–$500 per violation)
• Data destruction required for business electronics

Appliance Removal & Refrigerant Recovery Requirements in Somerville

Disposal of appliances containing refrigerants, such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, is regulated under the federal Clean Air Act Section 608. All refrigerants must be recovered by EPA-certified technicians prior to disposal. The Somerville transfer station accepts white goods for a fee, provided certification of refrigerant removal is presented. Residents can schedule curbside pickup of appliances through the DPW, with a limit of two items per week. For more information on federal requirements, consult the EPA Region 1 New England Office.

• EPA-certified refrigerant recovery required for appliances
• Transfer station accepts white goods with proper documentation
• Curbside appliance pickup (limit two per week)
• Fees apply for certain items; check with DPW for current rates

Construction Debris Sorting & Material Separation Requirements in Somerville

Construction and demolition (C&D) debris generated in Somerville must be sorted to separate recyclable materials, including clean wood, metal, and concrete, in accordance with state and local regulations. The city’s transfer station accepts sorted C&D waste for a per-ton fee, while unsorted loads may be subject to higher charges or rejection. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection mandates recycling of certain materials and prohibits landfill disposal of asphalt, brick, and concrete. Contractors working in historic districts must also comply with the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting Rule for properties built before 1978.

• Mandatory sorting of C&D debris (wood, metal, concrete)
• Transfer station accepts sorted loads; higher fees for unsorted waste
• State landfill ban on asphalt, brick, and concrete
• Lead-safe work practices required in pre-1978 buildings

Commercial Waste Management Solutions for Somerville Businesses

Businesses in Somerville are responsible for arranging private waste and recycling services in compliance with city and state regulations. Commercial properties must ensure proper separation of recyclables and may be subject to additional requirements for hazardous or universal waste. Multi-unit buildings and property managers should coordinate with the DPW for bulk item removal and seasonal cleanouts. The city offers guidance on donation and reuse options for office furniture and equipment through partnerships with local nonprofits. For hazardous waste disposal, consult the Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Program for approved facilities and procedures.

• Private waste and recycling contracts required for businesses
• Mandatory recycling of cardboard, paper, and select plastics
• Special handling for hazardous and universal waste
• Donation options for office furniture and equipment

How Massachusetts Statewide Waste Reduction Goals Impact Somerville Services

Massachusetts has set ambitious waste reduction targets, aiming to reduce solid waste disposal by 30% by 2030. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection enforces landfill bans on materials such as electronics, mattresses, and commercial organics. Somerville aligns its local programs with these state goals, offering expanded recycling, composting, and hazardous waste collection events. Regional transfer stations and material recovery facilities serve both Somerville and neighboring communities, supporting efficient waste diversion. For questions about state regulations or to locate approved disposal sites, contact:

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

• State landfill bans on electronics, mattresses, and organics
• Regional transfer stations and recycling facilities
• City programs aligned with state waste reduction targets
• Expanded hazardous waste and composting events