Lexington Junk Removal Services

Understanding Lexington’s Waste Management Infrastructure & Municipal Disposal Requirements

Lexington’s solid waste management is coordinated by the Department of Public Works (DPW), which oversees curbside collection, bulk waste pickup, and the operation of the Hartwell Avenue Transfer Station. Residents can access the transfer station at 60 Hartwell Avenue, open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, for disposal of household waste, recyclables, and select bulky items. Bulk waste collection occurs on the first full week of each month, with a limit of two items per household. Tipping fees at the transfer station vary by material type; for example, mixed waste is $75 per ton, while clean wood is $45 per ton. Special collection events, such as household hazardous waste days and electronics recycling, are scheduled throughout the year and announced on the city’s website.

Department of Public Works
201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: (781) 274-8300
Official Website: Department of Public Works

For more information on accepted materials and event schedules, visit the Lexington Solid Waste & Recycling page.

• Hartwell Avenue Transfer Station: 60 Hartwell Ave, open Tues–Sat, 8am–3pm
• Bulk waste pickup: 1st full week monthly, 2 items per household
• Tipping fees: $75/ton (mixed waste), $45/ton (clean wood)

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lexington, MA?

Lexington Center: The historic downtown core features older commercial and residential buildings, often requiring coordination for parking permits and careful access for large trucks. Follen Heights: Suburban area with wide streets and single-family homes, ideal for large-scale cleanouts and appliance removal. Munroe Hill: Characterized by historic properties and preservation guidelines, where special permits may be needed for demolition debris. Liberty Heights: Dense residential neighborhood with narrow streets, presenting access challenges for oversized vehicles. Estabrook: Features newer developments and multi-unit properties, with higher waste volumes during move-in and move-out periods. Muzzy Corner: Known for mature landscaping and detached garages, making yard waste and bulky item removal common. Meriam Hill: Contains some of Lexington’s oldest homes, where lead paint and asbestos concerns may require compliance with federal renovation rules.

Partnering with Lexington’s Environmental & Recycling Initiatives

Lexington supports robust recycling and sustainability programs, including single-stream curbside recycling, composting initiatives, and annual e-waste collection events. The city’s diversion goals align with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Solid Waste Master Plan, which mandates landfill bans on electronics, mattresses, and yard waste. Residents can recycle electronics at designated drop-off events or through the Hartwell Avenue Transfer Station. Donation partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Goodwill are encouraged for reusable items. Scrap metal recycling is available at the transfer station, and the city promotes textile recycling through local collection bins.

• Curbside single-stream recycling: weekly collection
• Electronics recycling: drop-off at transfer station or special events
• Textile and scrap metal recycling: local drop-off locations

Navigating Lexington’s Unique Access Challenges for Waste Removal

Lexington’s geography and climate present specific challenges for junk removal. Winter snow and ice can limit access to driveways and curbside pickup points, especially in neighborhoods like Liberty Heights and Meriam Hill with narrow or steep streets. Spring and fall bring increased demand for yard waste and storm debris removal. Historic districts, such as Munroe Hill, may require additional coordination due to preservation guidelines and limited street parking. Residents are advised to clear access paths and confirm collection schedules during inclement weather.

• Winter: snow/ice may delay pickups, especially on steep or narrow streets
• Spring/fall: increased yard waste and storm debris
• Historic districts: permit and access considerations

Lexington Municipal Regulations & Permits for Junk Removal Services

Junk removal operations in Lexington must comply with municipal regulations, including business licensing, right-of-way permits for dumpster placement, and insurance requirements. Right-of-way permits for placing dumpsters or containers on public streets cost $50 and require 3–5 business days for processing through the DPW. In historic districts, additional approval from the Historic Districts Commission may be necessary. Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) may also have specific guidelines for waste removal activities. Code enforcement monitors compliance and issues penalties for violations, such as improper disposal or unpermitted dumpster placement.

Code Enforcement
201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: (781) 274-8300
Official Website: Code Enforcement

For permit applications and detailed requirements, visit the Lexington Permits & Licenses portal.

• Dumpster right-of-way permit: $50, 3–5 business days processing
• Business license required for waste haulers
• Additional approvals for historic districts and HOAs

Electronics Disposal & E-Waste Recycling Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts enforces a landfill ban on electronics, including TVs, monitors, computers, and printers, under state law. Residents and businesses in Lexington must utilize approved e-waste recycling programs, such as the city’s periodic collection events or the Hartwell Avenue Transfer Station. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection provides a directory of authorized e-waste drop-off locations. Businesses are responsible for ensuring data destruction prior to disposal. Illegal dumping of electronics can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500 per violation.

• Landfill ban: TVs, monitors, computers, printers
• E-waste drop-off: Hartwell Avenue Transfer Station, special events
• Fines: $50–$500 for improper disposal

Hazardous Waste Restrictions & Proper Disposal Channels in Lexington

Hazardous materials, including paints, solvents, pesticides, and automotive fluids, are strictly regulated in Lexington. The city hosts annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events, typically in the spring and fall, where residents can safely dispose of these items. The Hartwell Avenue Transfer Station does not accept hazardous waste outside of these events. For year-round disposal, residents may use regional HHW facilities listed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Prohibited materials include batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and chemicals, which must be handled according to the EPA Universal Waste Rule.

• HHW collection: annual city events (spring/fall)
• Prohibited at transfer station except during events
• Regional HHW facilities available for year-round disposal

Appliance Removal & Refrigerant Recovery Requirements in Lexington

Appliance disposal in Lexington, including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, must comply with EPA Section 608 regulations, which require certified technicians to recover refrigerants before disposal. The Hartwell Avenue Transfer Station accepts appliances only after proper refrigerant removal and documentation. Residents should contact the DPW for a list of approved contractors. Fees for appliance drop-off may apply, and illegal dumping of appliances is subject to enforcement by city code officials.

• Refrigerant recovery: required by federal law (EPA Section 608)
• Appliance drop-off: transfer station with documentation
• Fees may apply; contact DPW for approved contractors

Commercial Waste Management Solutions for Lexington Businesses

Lexington businesses must adhere to both municipal and state waste management regulations, including mandatory recycling and proper disposal of commercial waste streams. Multi-unit properties and commercial facilities may require private hauler contracts and must ensure compliance with the city’s recycling mandates. The DPW provides guidance for commercial bulk waste and coordinates with property managers for large-scale cleanouts. Construction and renovation projects must follow material separation requirements and obtain necessary permits from the Building Department.

Building Department
201 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420
Phone: (781) 274-8300
Official Website: Building Department

• Commercial recycling: mandatory for all businesses
• Private hauler contracts: required for large properties
• Construction debris: material separation and permits needed

How Massachusetts Statewide Waste Reduction Goals Impact Lexington Services

Lexington’s waste management programs are shaped by Massachusetts’ ambitious waste reduction targets, as outlined in the Solid Waste Master Plan. The state aims to reduce solid waste disposal by 30% by 2030, with strict landfill bans on materials such as mattresses, electronics, and commercial organics. Lexington participates in regional planning efforts and utilizes facilities that serve multiple communities. The city also coordinates with the EPA Region 1 New England Office for federal compliance and regulatory guidance.

• State landfill bans: electronics, mattresses, yard waste, commercial organics
• Regional transfer stations and landfills
• EPA Region 1: regulatory support for municipal programs

Lexington residents and businesses are encouraged to consult city and state resources to ensure compliance with all waste management, recycling, and environmental regulations.