MassDEP Fines Geraghty Associates for Illegal Dumping
Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Geraghty Associates, Inc. $17,400 for violating solid waste disposal regulations by illegally dumping mattresses. The company, which manages hundreds of apartment units, was caught on surveillance cameras dumping mattresses on city-owned property.
What changed
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a $17,400 penalty against Geraghty Associates, Inc., a property management company overseeing numerous Boston-area apartment units. This enforcement action stems from violations of solid waste disposal regulations, specifically the illegal dumping of mattresses on city-owned property in Mattapan. The violations were confirmed by hidden camera surveillance deployed by MassDEP's Environmental Strike Force, which captured multiple instances of vehicles registered to Geraghty Associates dumping mattresses.
As part of an administrative consent order, Geraghty Associates is required to not only pay the $17,400 fine but also to conduct a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP). This SEP involves cleaning up the affected area and managing the collection, transportation, and disposal of mattresses and solid waste from the site on a monthly basis for eleven months. This action underscores MassDEP's commitment to deterring illegal dumping and ensuring compliance with waste management regulations, with potential implications for other property management firms operating in the state.
What to do next
- Review solid waste disposal regulations and company policies regarding mattress disposal.
- Ensure all waste disposal practices comply with state and local environmental laws.
- Implement enhanced monitoring or training to prevent future illegal dumping incidents.
Penalties
$17,400 fine and a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) requiring monthly cleanup and disposal of waste for eleven months.
Source document (simplified)
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Press Release
Press Release MassDEP Cracks Down on Illegal Mattress Dumping in Mattapan
Hidden Surveillance Camera Captures Numerous Incidents of Mattresses Being Dumped in Boston Neighborhood
For immediate release: 2/06/2026
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Media Contact
Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP
Phone
Call Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at 857-274-7522
Online
Email Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at fabienne.alexis@mass.gov
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a $17,400 penalty to Geraghty Associates, Inc., which owns and manages hundreds of apartment units in the Boston area, for violating solid waste disposal regulations.
MassDEP’s Environmental Strike Force deployed camera surveillance along Livermore Street in Mattapan, where mattresses had been illegally dumped. The Strike Force placed the cameras after learning from the City of Boston’s Department of Public Works that it had recovered and disposed of approximately 150 mattresses from the same area on Livermore Street over the past year. The cameras captured multiple vehicles, registered to Geraghty Associates, dumping mattresses on adjacent City-owned property on at least three separate occasions.
“We appreciate the efforts of the City of Boston and Mattapan residents in reporting this illegal dumping,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “When communities and local and state governments work together to address environmental harms, we get cleaner and safer streets for residents.”
Among the agreed terms of the administrative consent order, Geraghty Associates must conduct a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) to clean up the area and pay for the collection, transportation and disposal of mattresses and solid waste collected from the site once a month for a period of eleven months.
MassDEP’s Environmental Strike Force operates a hidden-camera surveillance program in conjunction with local police and public works departments to deter illegal dumping, protect the environment, and improve the quality of life in communities across Massachusetts. To report environmental violations to the Environmental Strike Force, visit our webpage. Or visit our website to learn more about the waste ban on mattresses and how and where to recycle your mattress.
Media Contact
Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP
+
Phone
Call Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at 857-274-7522
Online
Email Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at fabienne.alexis@mass.gov
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Media Contact
Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP
Phone
Call Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at 857-274-7522
Online
Email Fabienne Alexis, Public Affairs Assistant Director / MassDEP at fabienne.alexis@mass.gov
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