Are there discounts from the fee?

Yes. The City will grant a twenty-five per cent (25%) discount from the annual fee for owner-occupied dwelling units who are:

• Veterans with a war-service connected disability.  Veterans will be required to provide a copy of the award letter issued by the federal Veterans Administration
• Blind.  Blind individuals will be required to provide a copy of the current visual impairment certification, issued by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.
• Indigent. Indigent persons will be required to provide written proof, annually, of current gross annual income for their household, at or below 100% of federal poverty level.  A copy of current federal tax return, letter of non-filing [IRS 1722]; transcript of income [IRS 4506T]; or any other acceptable statement of income; is considered a sufficient proof by the City.  A cross-reference match with the Assessor’s current abatement list is also an acceptable proof of indigent status.
• Receiving a 41C or 17C property tax statutory exemption. 

These discounts will be granted in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Chief Administrative & Financial Officer.   

Discounts will only apply to the owner-occupied primary residence, and do not apply to other trash services, such as bulky item stickers or extra trash bags.  For example, if a property owner eligible for a discount owns a multi-family residential building, only the unit occupied by that owner as a primary residence will qualify for the discount, and all other units would be charged the trash fee at the full, non-discounted rate.   

Property owners can apply for and receive only one type of discount, even if he or she might qualify for more than one discount listed.  

Discounts will only be available to the property owner of record, or current owner whose name appears on the deed. 

The City will provide an application for such discount (available in print and for download), which must be completed by the owner and returned to the City within forty-five (45) days of the trash bill date, and then reviewed and approved by the City.  Property owners aggrieved by the denial of a discount may appeal such determination under a process to be described in rules and regulations established by the Chief Administrative & Financial Officer. 

Trash Fee FAQ:

1. I thought the trash fee was invalidated by the court.
2. I thought the trash fee was invalidated by State legislation.
3. Is this a permanent fee?
4. How much is the trash fee?
5. Will this fee increase in the future?
6. Are there discounts from the fee?
7. When will I get the new bill?
8. When are the bills due?
9. What happens if I pay late?
10. What happens if I don’t pay the fee?
11. Why did the City take my trash bin away?
12. How can I pay for this fee?
13. Can I pay the trash fee quarterly or set up a payment plan?
14. Can I re-join the city trash program after I leave it?
15. The number of containers on my trash fee bill is incorrect.
16. I did not receive credit for the return of additional container(s).
17. I only received the discount on one (1) container.
18. I do not have city trash service at my property.
19. The name of the owner on the bill is incorrect.
20. Can I have the trash bill sent to a third party, who is not the primary owner?
21. The service location on the bill is incorrect.
22. The mailing address on the bill is incorrect.
23. When will my bill be adjusted?
24. My payment did not show on the bill.
25. Can I schedule the trash fee payment through an automated debit to my bank?
26. Can I add the trash fee payment to my bank’s existing real estate escrow account?
27. Do I have to pay the trash fee if my property is vacant?
28. Can I return any unwanted or unused containers?
29. Can I get a prorated bill?
30. Do I have to pay the trash fee if I live in a condominium or mobile home?
31. Will I be billed for containers assigned to my property, even if they are missing?
32. Can I deduct this fee from my taxes?
33. Who is responsible for paying the trash fee?
34. Do I have to pay if I have private trash collection?
35. Do I have to pay the fee if I rent?
36. How much do I pay if I have a 60-gallon container?
37. Do I have to pay for recycled items?
38. Does the fee include disposal of bulky items?
39. Will this fee change the way the trash is collected?
40. How can I report a problem with my bill?
41. How can I get more information?
42. Why did the City take my trash bin away?

Trash Fee:

• Trash Fee Info
• Trash Lien Information
• Single Stream Pilot Program
• Trash Fee FAQ
• Mayor Sarno's Message
• First Waste Reduction Action Plan (WRAP) Award Bestowed
• Ask a Trash Fee Question