I also thought that barrels were the rule; based on my reading the
current City trash/recycling booklet:
http://www.cityofboston.gov/TridionImages/RECYCLINGDIRECTORYweb_tcm1-4107.pdf
This booklet specifies bags must be black, 2-ply. I dont think that
goes far enough. Rats will chew right through those.
The building around the corner from my house always has pile of
garbage bags (almost always the thin white garbage bags, ripped open).
They never recylcle either. So I've started reporting them to
Inspectional Services. They seem to have improved slightly, but call
and report and keep calling.
(617-635-4986- tell them the address of the violoation).
But I agree, there should be a barrell rule. Almost everyone on our
street uses barrells. Its the apartment buildings that make a huge
disgusting mess.