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Thanksgiving trash & recycling in Boston, MA

Holiday pickup

Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2026. City offices, Boston Public Libraries and BCYF Community Centers are closed. Parking meters are free with no time limit. Trash and recycling pickups are delayed in some neighborhoods during the holiday week — check your address in the free Trash Day app or the City's schedule search for the make-up day.

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Pickup changes
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2026. City offices, Boston Public Libraries and BCYF Community Centers are closed. Parking meters are free with no time limit. Trash and recycling pickups are delayed in some neighborhoods during the holiday week — check your address in the free Trash Day app or the City's schedule search for the make-up day.
Turkey fryer oil & grease
Never pour fats, oils or grease (FOG) down a sink, toilet or garbage disposal. Boston Water and Sewer Commission says FOG hardens in pipes and can cause sewer overflows. Let grease cool, pour or scoop it into a covered disposable container, then put it in the trash. Residents can request a free reusable BWSC grease lid online or at 617-989-7599.
Extra trash
Use the Trash Day app for your exact set-out day that week; the City's holidays page notes delays vary by neighborhood. Bags and barrels still need to follow normal Public Works trash rules on your make-up day.
Boxes & wrapping
Flatten cardboard. Follow your normal recycling set-out; check the Trash Day app if recycling is also shifted that week.
Tip
Questions go to Boston 311. FOG tips and free grease lids: bwsc.org (Boston Water and Sewer Commission).

Official sources (checked 2026-11-03): www.boston.gov · www.boston.gov · www.bwsc.org

FAQ

Is there trash pickup on Thanksgiving in Boston?

Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2026. City offices, Boston Public Libraries and BCYF Community Centers are closed. Parking meters are free with no time limit. Trash and recycling pickups are delayed in some neighborhoods during the holiday week — check your address in the free Trash Day app or the City's schedule search for the make-up day.

How do I get rid of turkey fryer oil in Boston?

Never pour fats, oils or grease (FOG) down a sink, toilet or garbage disposal. Boston Water and Sewer Commission says FOG hardens in pipes and can cause sewer overflows. Let grease cool, pour or scoop it into a covered disposable container, then put it in the trash. Residents can request a free reusable BWSC grease lid online or at 617-989-7599.

What do I do with extra trash after Thanksgiving in Boston?

Use the Trash Day app for your exact set-out day that week; the City's holidays page notes delays vary by neighborhood. Bags and barrels still need to follow normal Public Works trash rules on your make-up day.

Can I recycle boxes and wrapping paper in Boston?

Flatten cardboard. Follow your normal recycling set-out; check the Trash Day app if recycling is also shifted that week.

Other items in Boston

Thanksgiving trash in other cities