New to Brookline and wondering what those purple bags are all about? Or maybe you are planning a move and need a fast plan for bulky items and mattresses. You are not alone. Brookline’s Hybrid Pay As You Throw system is straightforward once you know the basics. In this guide, you will learn how carts, overflow bags, bulky pickups, and composting work, plus simple steps to stay on schedule. Let’s dive in.
HPAYT basics in Brookline
Brookline uses a Hybrid Pay As You Throw curbside program that ties your annual trash charge to the size of your Town‑issued cart. You choose a 35, 65, or 95 gallon cart and pay an annual fee billed quarterly. The Town requires you to use its cart for curbside trash. Learn more on the Town’s overview of Trash and HPAYT.
Brookline has published example annual rates by cart size. A Town notice announcing FY24 changes listed examples and explained new fee structures. Because rates can change, always confirm current amounts on the Town’s pages or the DPW News Flash about sanitation fee changes.
Setout rules and holidays
- Put carts at the curb after 3:30 p.m. the night before or by 7 a.m. on pickup day.
- Remove empty carts from the curb by midnight after collection.
- Weekday holidays delay pickup by one day. You can check your pickup day and get how‑to guidance on the Town’s Trash and HPAYT page. The Town also promotes the “We Recycle Brookline” app for schedules and disposal info.
Overflow bags
If you have more trash than your cart can hold, use Town‑approved purple overflow bags. These 30 gallon bags are the only extra bags accepted at the curb. Town materials have listed them in rolls of five with a per‑roll price; confirm current pricing and where to buy through DPW. Details appear in the Town’s sanitation fee update.
Bulky items and special pickups
Brookline collects bulky items by appointment only. This includes furniture, rugs, white goods, electronics, and mattresses. You must schedule and prepay through the Town’s online permit portal, accessed from the DPW page for Bulky Items and Overflow Waste.
How to schedule and weekly limits
- Book at least one week before your regular trash day.
- Pay per item during scheduling.
- Limit is up to four bulky or metal items per week per account.
- Some items that require recycling, such as electronics or mattresses, are collected on specific days, often Tuesday. Your confirmation email will state the correct day. See the instructions and portal link on Bulky Items and Overflow Waste.
Fees and why they vary
Brookline implemented per‑item bulky fees along with cart fees, first announced for FY24. Some Town pages show different numbers as updates roll out. To avoid surprises, check the current table on the Bulky Items page and the Town’s sanitation fee changes post before you schedule.
Items not accepted curbside
Construction or remodeling debris, auto parts, exercise equipment, pianos, and similar items are generally not accepted for bulky pickup. For these, use a licensed private hauler. Review exclusions and options on Bulky Items and Overflow Waste.
Mattress rules after the state ban
Massachusetts banned disposal of mattresses and box springs in the trash statewide on November 1, 2022. Mattresses must be recycled or reused, which is why towns now handle them differently and charge separate fees. See the state’s guidance on mattress recycling for background and tips.
What to do with a mattress
- Schedule a bulky pickup through Brookline’s portal and pay the mattress fee.
- Keep the mattress dry and free of contamination to ensure recycling.
- If the mattress is wet, infested, or otherwise contaminated, different handling may apply. Check details when you schedule and follow DPW instructions.
Hazardous waste and the Transfer Station
Brookline’s Transfer Station and Household Hazardous Waste facility is at 815 Newton Street. The Town typically runs Tuesday hazardous‑waste drop‑offs during a seasonal window. Some electronics and small appliances may be accepted there or during special collections. Before you drive over, confirm dates, hours, and accepted materials on Bulky Items and Overflow Waste.
Composting that cuts trash and cost
Composting reduces what goes into your trash cart, which can help you choose a smaller cart and lower your annual fee. It also supports Brookline’s Zero Waste goals and reduces greenhouse gases.
Curbside organics with Black Earth
Brookline partners with Black Earth Compost for residential curbside organics service, with weekly or every‑other‑week options. The Town has offered incentives and starter kits at times to encourage participation. See program details and how to subscribe on Curbside Composting.
Food waste drop‑off pilot
In addition to subscriptions, Brookline launched a food‑waste drop‑off pilot with free, public, rodent‑resistant drop boxes at select locations. Review the pilot overview and updates in the local coverage of the food‑waste drop‑off program, and confirm current sites with DPW.
Moving day checklist for Brookline
- Choose your Town cart size and set up billing through DPW.
- Review setout rules and holiday delays on the Town’s Trash and HPAYT page.
- Order purple overflow bags in advance for occasional extra trash.
- Schedule bulky pickups at least one week ahead using the Bulky Items portal.
- Plan for mattress recycling if you are replacing a bed.
- Separate hazardous items and check Transfer Station hours before you go.
- Consider Black Earth curbside organics or the drop‑off pilot to reduce trash volume.
Contacts and quick tools
- Brookline DPW Sanitation: 617‑730‑2156 or [email protected]
- Trash rules, carts, schedules: Trash and HPAYT
- Bulky pickup scheduling and fees: Bulky Items and Overflow Waste
- Composting options: Curbside Composting
If you are planning a move in or out of Brookline and want a smooth, well‑timed transition, reach out to the Muncey Group. Our neighborhood‑focused team can help you plan next steps that fit your timeline.
FAQs
How does Brookline’s HPAYT trash system work?
- You select a Town‑issued cart size and pay an annual fee tied to that cart, then use purple overflow bags or schedule bulky pickups for anything beyond the cart; see Trash and HPAYT.
How do I schedule a bulky pickup in Brookline?
- Go to the Town’s Bulky Items and Overflow Waste page, use the portal link, choose item types, pay the per‑item fee, and place items out on the date in your confirmation.
What does Brookline charge to pick up a mattress?
- Fees change over time; check the current table on Bulky Items and Overflow Waste and the Town’s sanitation fee changes post.
Where do I take hazardous waste in Brookline?
- Bring eligible materials to the Transfer Station at 815 Newton Street during seasonal Tuesday drop‑offs; confirm dates, hours, and accepted items on Bulky Items and Overflow Waste.
What are Brookline’s rules for overflow trash bags?
- Only Town‑approved purple 30 gallon overflow bags are accepted curbside for extra trash that does not fit in your cart; see the Town’s Trash and HPAYT page for details.
How can I compost food scraps in Brookline?
- Subscribe to Black Earth curbside service via Curbside Composting or use the Town’s food‑waste drop‑off pilot at designated public sites detailed in the pilot program announcement.
