No. Burning household trash is illegal statewide under Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations, with limited exceptions for agricultural or land-clearing debris. Local fire departments and municipal codes often impose additional restrictions, and penalties for violations can include fines up to $25,000 under the state’s Clean Air Act enforcement.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Massachusetts
- MassDEP Prohibition: 310 CMR 7.07(2) bans open burning of municipal solid waste, including household refuse, due to toxic emissions like dioxins and particulate matter.
- Local Variability: Municipal bylaws (e.g., Boston’s 2023 Open Burning Ordinance) may further restrict or prohibit all outdoor burning, including yard waste, unless permitted under narrow exceptions.
- Permitted Exceptions: Only agricultural, silvicultural, or land-clearing debris may be burned with a MassDEP-issued permit, subject to weather conditions and buffer zones to prevent smoke hazards.
Violations are enforced by local fire officials and MassDEP inspectors, with 2026 compliance shifts prioritizing electronic reporting of illegal burns via the state’s Air Quality Surveillance System. Residents must use licensed waste haulers or municipal transfer stations for trash disposal.