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Departments: Public Works

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the DPW Office Located?

• We are located at 25 Bare Cove Park Drive, Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043
• Location: The entrance to Bare Cove Park Drive is off of Fort Hill Street, directly across the street from the West Hingham train station and next to Thomas Auto Body (15 Fort Hill Street). As you follow Bare Cove Park Drive, take your first right and bear to the left up the hill.

When is the Hingham Transfer Station open?
Thursday through Sunday 7:00am – 4:00pm

Does a Hingham resident have to pay for a Residential Permit (sticker)?
There is a limit of one (1) Residential Permit per household at no charge. There is a $25.00 charge for any additional Residential Permits per Hingham address.

Does a Hingham resident have to pay for a Bulky Waste/Construction & Demolition (C&D) Permit?
No. Residential permit holder may dispose of up to three (3) cubic yards of Bulky/C&D waste per week at no charge. If they want to dispose of more that week they can go over the scale and pay by the ton.

Where and when do I go for a Permit?
25 Bare Cove Park Drive. Monday through Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm.

What information do I need to get a Permit?
A valid Massachusetts registration and proof of Hingham residency.

Why do we need to go to the DPW to show a license and registration?
The Hingham Transfer Station is permitted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP). This means the DEP allows the Town of Hingham to run a Transfer Station and accept refuse such as C&D. In order to have the Bulky/C&D area open, we must follow the Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP). They require the Town to inspect all loads of Bulky/C&D going to the Transfer Station. We also need to keep people that are non-residents from using the Transfer Station. The DEP has approved our inspection process, which entails residents coming to the DPW 1) showing proof of residency, and 2) inspecting the load of refuse.

Couldn't the Transfer Station inspect the loads of refuse?
The Transfer Station attendants do inspect the loads of refuse for waste ban (unacceptable) items. Unfortunately, the Transfer Station staff has many areas to manage and the time to give a permit and check identification would be inefficient use of their time and cause traffic issues.

Do I have to recycle?
Yes, recycling is mandatory at the Hingham Transfer Station. Please separate and recycle items as noted in What Do I Recycle.

Why would a Hingham Resident have to get a Commercial Vehicle Permit (CVP)?
All vehicles that have commercial license plates on their vehicle are required to have a CVP.

Is there a fee for a Commercial Vehicle Permit (CVP)?
Yes, the fee is $50.00 per year.

Who has to go over the scale at the Hingham Transfer Station?
All vehicles displaying a Commercial Vehicle Permit, except if they have "residential household rubbish", recyclables or one trip of Yard Waste per week. Also Residential permit holders that want to dispose of more than three (3) cubic yards of Bulky/C&D waste per week may be weighed and pay the per ton fee.

Why can't a resident borrow or use a vehicle with commercial plates?
A resident can borrow a commercial vehicle to use but may have to pay for such services as disposal of Construction and Demolition waste. We at the DPW have no idea where the refuse is actually coming from and we do not allow commercial entities to use the Transfer Station without paying their fair share.

How do I obtain a Bulky Waste/C & D permit?
Bulky Waste/C&D (C&D) permits may be obtained at the DPW office. These permits are issued for Thursday, Friday and the second Saturday of every month. If you would like to dispose of C&D on Thursday or Friday, you must bring the Bulky/C&D material, license and registration to the DPW office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. You will be issued a permit to dispose of the material that day.

If you want to dispose of your Bulky/ C&D on the second Saturday of the month, you must obtain a permit ahead of time at the DPW office Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please bring your license and registration of the vehicle you will be using to the DPW office at that time. You do not need to bring the Bulky/C&D with you as it will be inspected at the Transfer Station on Saturday morning. The second Saturday C & D collection is limited to 25 permits and disposal limited to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and Noon.

Why is the area (Bulky/ C&D) only open on Thursdays and Fridays and the second Saturday until noon?
The Bulky/C&D area is only open on Thursdays and Fridays and until noon on the second Saturday of the month because of manpower issues and the activity of the Transfer Station. The Transfer Station, at the present staffing level, would be unable to handle the volume of traffic and activity on the weekends that opening the Bulky/C&D area would generate. As it stands now, at times on the weekends there is traffic backed onto Hobart Street.

If I have a Commercial Vehicle Permit how much Bulky Waste/C&D can I take to the Transfer Station?
All CVP holders may dispose of up to 5 Cubic Yards of Bulky/C&D waste per visit to the Transfer Station.

If I have a Commercial Vehicle Permit how much will I be charged for the disposal of Bulky Waste/C&D at the Transfer Station?
All CVP holders will pay a per ton fee of $120.00 for disposal of all Bulky/C&D. A minimum charge of $15.00 will be collected for all weight under 250 lbs.

How do I pay?
All CVP Payments required by these Regulations and fees established by the Selectmen shall be made prior to disposal. All payments of the Transfer Station must be made with a debit or credit card (MasterCard or VISA) or check made payable to the Town of Hingham.

If I am a Part-Time Resident of Hingham what information do I need provide to get a Part-Time Resident sticker?
Proof of Residency is required, which is your name and address on License and Vehicle Registration, tax bill and utility bill. If vehicle not registered in Hingham you must also supply copies of your Hingham Tax Bill, year round residential lease in the Town of Hingham or vehicle lease agreement. A company vehicle will require an authorized letter on company letterhead.

Is there a charge for a Part-Time Resident sticker?
Yes, the fee is $25.00 per year?

What are the SWAP Shop policies?

• Hours of operation are Thursday - Sunday 7:00am until 3:00pm, weather permitting
• Good usable items only please
• No mattresses, bulky furniture, computers, paint or hazardous materials.
• No loitering, abusive language or unattended children. Respect for your neighbors and Town employees are expected and required.
• The SWAP area can be a dangerous place for young children. Please keep them in your car.

If you have not found your answer among these frequently asked questions, please feel free to email us at recycling@hingham-ma.com.