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Trash Billing Info
Automated Trash Collection
In the HPAYT Automated Waste Collection Program, waste carts are collected by a vehicle equipped with an automated arm. The arm lifts the waste cart from the ground and dumps the contents into the vehicle. Subscribers to Town Refuse Collection choose a black waste cart, from a variety of available sizes, that accommodates their weekly trash output. The DPW then delivers the cart to the customer. If a customer has more trash than their waste cart can hold in any given week, they may put any additional garbage in a purple plastic overflow bag imprinted with the Town seal. The overflow bag is placed next to the black trash cart.
For help with your refuse bill or to make changes to your refuse account, please contact [email protected]
Pricing Structure
Sanitation Fee Changes - Effective July 1, 2023
In order to support program costs, the Town of Brookline announces an increase in sanitation fees effective July 1, 2023.
Cart Size | Old Rate | New FY24 Rate |
---|---|---|
35 gallon | $230 / year | $250 / year |
65 gallon | $310 / year | $336 / year |
95 gallon | $392 / year | $425 / year |
PAYT Overflow Bags | $18.50 / Roll of 5 Bags | $20.00 / Roll of 5 Bags |
Cart Swap | Disinfection/Repair/Delivery | $40.00 / swap |
In an effort to minimize the base fees for municipal trash service and to support new DEP regulations, the Town will implement a Pay-As-You-Throw fee for Bulky and Special Waste pickups as follows:
- Special Bulky Item: $10 / each
- White Goods / Electronics: $20 / each
- Mattresses: $55 / each
Rather than billing all customers at the same flat rate, each account is billed at a tiered rate, where the size of the waste cart they choose determines their annual refuse costs. Subscribers will continue to receive quarterly bills.
The DPW recognizes that the needs of our customers will change over time. If the size of your trash or recycling cart does not work for your household, you may request a cart swap, or exchange, at any time. Customers may also request additional carts. Making changes to your cart size may impact your annual refuse fee. Requests for the purposes of exchanging or ordering carts will be addressed in the order they are received.
Trash Collection Fees
Residents may choose from three cart sizes:
Size | Annual cost | Quarterly Cost |
---|---|---|
35 gallon (~3 kitchen bags) | $250 annually | $62.50 quarterly |
65 gallon (~6 kitchen bags) | $336 annually | $84.00 quarterly |
95 gallon (~10 kitchen bags) | $425 annually | $106.25 quarterly |
The annual refuse fee (billed quarterly) is based on one (1) trash cart per residential unit, and are invoiced based on the carts chosen, with two exceptions*:
- If there are more carts than residential units at a property, the customer will be invoiced according to the annual rate of the selected carts.
- If there are fewer carts than residential units at a property, the customer will be invoiced at the annual rate of the selected carts, or $250.00 per unit, whichever is higher.
*Changes made to cart size will be reflected in the next quarterly bill.
Purple Overflow Bags:
- 30 gallon; $20.00 for 5 bags
- Sold in local stores
Recycling Collection Fees
Recycling carts are included in the annual refuse fee at no extra charge.
- Recycling carts are available in three (3) sizes: 35 gallon, 65 gallon (standard), 95 gallon
- Customers may request an additional recycling cart without impacting their annual refuse fee.
Cart Request
If you need a trash or recycling cart, please email: [email protected]
- What is the Hybrid Pay-As-You-Throw (HPAYT) Automated Curbside Collection Program?
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HPAYT is a system where customers are billed based on their household’s trash output. Trash carts are collected by a vehicle equipped with an automated arm, which lifts the trash cart from the ground, and dumps the contents into the vehicle. If a customer has more trash than their cart can hold, plastic overflow bags, imprinted with the Town seal, are available for purchase at local retail establishments.
- When and how will my bill change?
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The first refuse bills under the new rate structure are generated on July 1, 2017. Rather than billing all customers at a flat rate of $200 per year (as Brookline residents are accustomed), each subscriber is billed in a tiered system, where the size of the trash cart they choose determines their annual refuse costs.
To change carts or see prices, check our Trash Billing Info page.
- I am a Town Refuse Collection subscriber, but I did not choose a cart before the deadline. What happens now?
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If a cart was not chosen by March 10, 2017, one (1) 35 gallon cart will be delivered to each unit at the residential address on file.
- I am unable to roll a cart to my curb. What are my options?
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A: In extenuating circumstances, residents who subscribe to Town refuse collection may qualify for a Trash Cart Waiver. Waivers will be considered for residents who are unable to physically maneuver a wheeled trash cart curbside on collection day, and for residents with geographic obstacles such as multiple flights of stairs. Applications will only be considered after a required inspection by a Sanitation Division supervisor.
- My cart is usually spacious enough, but I have more trash than usual this week. What are my options?
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A: Subscribers may purchase plastic overflow bags (30 gallon/25 lbs. capacity) imprinted with the Town seal at local retail establishments. This is the only bag permissible for trash collection. Overflow bags are sold in a roll containing 5 bags for $20.00.
- How do I schedule an appointment for Bulky Item Collection?
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Bulky items (furniture, mattresses, TVs, appliances, etc.) are collected on the regular trash day, by appointment only. Customers must register online and schedule a pick-up through the resident Accela portal with a fee for each item (limit 4 items per week). Any item that is not scheduled will be left curbside, and the resident will be issued a violation notice. For further information, see our Bulky Items page.
- How do I sign up for Town refuse collection?
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A: Residents of, and commercial businesses operation in, Brookline may sign up for Town refuse collection at any time. The application procedure follows:
- Obtain a Refuse Agreement Application:
- Email Refuse Billing at [email protected] and include New Refuse Account Request in the subject line.
- Visit the DPW Administration Office located on the 4th floor of the Brookline Town Hall, at 333 Washington Street.
- Download an Application from the Public Works page.
- Fill out a Refuse Agreement Application, and return it to the DPW office on the 4th floor, at the Brookline Town Hall either in person, by mail, or via email. See application for details.
- Include a letter from current trash collection company indicating cancellation of service, and the date of cancellation.
- Processing of the application may take up to 30 days. The DPW will deliver, to the residential address, the recycling and trash carts chosen on the application by the customer.
- Obtain a Refuse Agreement Application:
- How do I choose a recycling and/or trash cart?
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A: New subscribers to Town Refuse Collection choose carts on the Refuse Agreement Application.
Existing subscribers should visit our Trash Billing Info page for more on swapping carts.
- When will I receive my first bill?
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A: Town refuse collection customers are assessed at an annual rate, broken down into four (4) quarterly payments. Billing invoices are generate on the first day of the following months: July, October, January, April.
- How do I know which trash cart is the best choice?
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A: This question is difficult to answer, as each resident has their own habits to consider. DPW suggests keeping track of the number of trash bags placed at the curb each week, and using the following chart above as a decision-making guide.
Barrel size Price Rough Size Dimensions Notes 35 Gallon $250 per year Will hold an average of three (3) kitchen garbage bags. 20.20" wide,
39.13" high60% of Brookline residents produce 35 gallons, or less, of solid waste per week. 65 Gallon $336 per year Will hold an average of six (6) kitchen garbage bags. 26.70" wide,
40.58" highThis cart is the same size as the standard Town-issued recycling toter. 95 Gallon $425 per year Will hold an average of ten (10) kitchen garbage bags. 26.70" wide,
43.13" highThe largest waste cart offered. Those selecting this size should evaluate their recycling practices. Price chart for different sizes of trash cans - How do I dispose of my old trash bin or barrel?
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Call 617-730-2156 or email Department of Public Works at [email protected] to coordinate pickup of your old waste bin or barrel.
- May I exchange my current cart for another size, or add an additional cart to my account?
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Yes. Subscribers may make changes to their recycling and/or trash cart(s) once a year. Any changes to trash cart sizing, or additional carts ordered, will be reflected in the quarterly bill immediately following the change to the account. Subscribers may add an additional recycling cart to their refuse account without increasing their annual refuse costs.
Please email [email protected] to request trash or recycling carts.
Questions and concerns regarding the status of a cart order should be directed to (617) 730-2156 or [email protected].
- I am worried someone will steal my recycling or trash cart. How is the DPW addressing my concern?
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The DPW understands these concerns, and has taken steps to alleviate them:
- All black trash carts have a serial number printed on the front panel of the container. Records are kept concerning which serial numbers are connected to each Town Refuse account.
- The Sanitation department will perform periodic spot checks to ensure that customers are using the trash cart they ordered.
- If a cart goes missing, the Sanitation Department will investigate, and attempt to locate the cart.
- What can I do, as a subscriber, to prevent cart theft?
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Whenever possible, subscribers should secure their trash and recycling carts inside a garage, behind a fence, or in another location on their property. Subscribers may choose to apply stickers (such as those used on mailboxes) indicating their address on the top of their recycling and trash carts.
- What should I do if I discover my cart is missing?
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Contact the DPW Admin Office at (617) 730-2156 to report missing carts.
- I live in, or maintain, a multi-unit dwelling. What is my responsibility?
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A: Brookline condo associations, property owners, landlords, and property managers are responsible for placing recycling and trash cart orders.
- The minimum rate for each unit at any given property is $250 per year. Multi-unit properties must select a minimum of one (1) trash cart per account. These properties may choose any combination of trash carts to contain refuse for the building, but will not pay less than the sum of $250 multiplied by the number of units at the property.
For example: A 3-unit property may choose a 95 gallon trash cart to cover their building. Their annual rate is ($250) x (3 units) = $750. - Any applicable Cart Service Fees will be billed to the refuse account, not to the residential unit.
- The minimum rate for each unit at any given property is $250 per year. Multi-unit properties must select a minimum of one (1) trash cart per account. These properties may choose any combination of trash carts to contain refuse for the building, but will not pay less than the sum of $250 multiplied by the number of units at the property.
Town of Brookline Website