What to Do With Your Car — and Your Trash
When Boston declares a snow emergency, the regular rules around parking and trash collection change quickly. Knowing what to do ahead of time can save drivers from tickets and tows — and help crews keep streets clear and services running.
Parking During a Snow Emergency
Once a snow emergency is declared, the City of Boston restricts parking on main roads and snow emergency arteries so plows and emergency vehicles can get through.
If a vehicle is parked on a posted snow emergency street during a declared emergency, it will be ticketed and towed.
How to know where parking is banned:
Look for posted snow emergency signs on the street.
Use the City's snow emergency parking map to check restrictions before leaving a car.
Important South End note:
Space savers are not allowed in the South End or Bay Village. Ever.
Discounted Parking Options
During declared snow emergencies, the City works with garages and lots to offer discounted parking for Boston residents. These options are intended for drivers who cannot find legal on-street parking once bans are in effect.
Residents with Boston parking stickers can find current participating garages and rates here:
boston.gov/departments/311/snow-emergency-parking#parking-at-garages
Trash and Recycling During Snowstorms
Snowstorms make routine trash pickup more challenging. Snowbanks can block access to barrels and carts, slowing or preventing collection.
To help crews:
Clear a space at the curb when possible, or place trash and recycling next to or directly in front of snowbanks, where crews can reach them safely. A small adjustment can prevent missed pickups and reduce cleanup delays after storms.
Stay Informed
Snow emergencies can be declared — and lifted — quickly. The best way to stay current is to:
Visit boston.gov/winter-boston for official updates
Sign up for City of Boston alerts to receive notifications about snow emergencies, parking bans, and service changes
A few minutes of preparation can make winter storms far less stressful — for residents, plow drivers, and sanitation crews alike.
Information from the City of Boston