Due to an increase in rodent sightings, all trash MUST be placed in watertight barrels with tight fitting lids and no holes, or property owners are subject to fines.

Trash cannot be left at the curb for pick-up in plastic bags where it is easily accessible. 

How is this being enforced? The City of Waltham Health Department has inspectors out daily on trash routes. If they see any properties placing trash bags directly on city streets, they flag the associated address and the following will be issued to the property owner:

• 1st offenses will receive a written warning
• 2nd offenses will receive a citation of $50.00
• 3 offenses or more will result in a $100.00 citation until the issue is corrected.

Restaurants, stores, and apartments are also being issued warnings and citations – there are no exceptions.

Inspectors have also been passing out and posting flyers in areas and neighborhoods where there are frequent trash issues/rat sightings. If you’d like to report improper storage of trash, you can contact the Health Department at 781-314-3305 or the Public Works Department at 781-314-3855.

New to Waltham? The city provides each household with one blue wheeled recycling cart. Trash barrels are the responsibility of the property owner to provide. Here’s a quick overview of how trash & recycling operates in our city.

See attached below for flyers and public health advisory, and more on Rodent Control in Waltham here