Recycling in Massachusetts
Where to recycle, donate or get rid of things in 55 cities and towns across Massachusetts. Pick your city, or search for your item. We also pick up anywhere in the state.
Find your city or county
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
Massachusetts rules
- MassDEP introduced its first bans on landfilling and combustion of easy-to-recycle and toxic materials in 1990 and has phased in more since. Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
- Materials banned from disposal or transfer for disposal in Massachusetts include cathode ray tubes, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, lead acid batteries, mattresses, recyclable paper and cardboard, textiles, white goods and whole tires (landfills only). Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
- The MassDEP waste disposal bans are in section 19.017 of the Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations, 310 CMR 19.000. Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
More Massachusetts rules (80)
- 310 CMR 19.017(3): no person may dispose, transfer for disposal, or contract for disposal or transport of a restricted material except as the regulation allows, and violators may face MassDEP enforcement. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- No landfill, transfer facility or combustion facility may accept a restricted material except to handle, recycle or compost it under a MassDEP-approved plan. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- For residents, most banned materials are collected through regular municipal collection or drop-off programs, while larger items such as CRTs or appliances may go through separate collections or drop-off events. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP notes that vehicle batteries, tires and cathode ray tubes may in some cases be collected by retailers. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- Residents with private (non-municipal) trash collection should ask their service provider for recycling options. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP generally does not issue waste-ban enforcement to individuals; it typically targets businesses, institutions (including municipalities) and haulers. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- For local recycling and household hazardous product collection days and hours, MassDEP tells residents to contact their community's recycling or solid waste coordinator or department. Source: Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP's Beyond the Bin directory lists outlets for items that can't go in the home recycling bin. MassDEP does not collect materials itself, listings are self-reported, and you should call ahead. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- Cathode ray tubes (older televisions and computer monitors) are banned from disposal in Massachusetts. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- Older CRT computer monitors are on the Massachusetts waste ban list. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017: CRTs have been banned from disposal, incineration or transfer for disposal at solid waste disposal facilities since April 1, 2000. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Since the CRT ban took effect, everyone must keep CRTs separate from the solid waste stream. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- A CRT is any intact, broken or processed glass tube used for the visual display in televisions, computer monitors and some scientific instruments. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Massachusetts has no statewide e-waste take-back law cited by MassDEP. MassDEP says many manufacturers and retailers of computers, phones, TVs and other electronics take used devices, often at no charge. Source: Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP points TV owners to manufacturers, retailers and the Consumer Technology Association. Many accept used devices for recycling, often at no charge. Source: Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab)
- Electronics, hoses, wires and chains do not belong in Massachusetts recycling bins. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Smart Recycling Guide (opens in new tab)
- Since November 1, 2022, mattresses are banned from disposal or transport for disposal in Massachusetts. Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017 bans mattresses from disposal, incineration or transfer for disposal at solid waste disposal facilities as of November 1, 2022. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- A regulated mattress is any resilient material enclosed by ticking and intended for sleeping on, except mattresses contaminated with mold, bodily fluids, insects, oil or hazardous substances. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Box springs and foundations count as mattresses under the Massachusetts waste ban. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Mattress pads and toppers are not "mattresses" under the waste ban. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Mattress pads or toppers, which don't meet the regulatory definition of a mattress, can go for disposal without extra documentation. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- All mattress sizes are covered, from crib to California king, including full-foam, latex and "mattress in a box" products. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- Mattresses in futons and sofa beds are excluded from the mattress definition under the ban. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- There is no acceptable amount of mattresses in trash: a load with even one mattress is a failed load. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- A mattress that cannot be recycled because it is contaminated (mold, bodily fluids, insects, oil or hazardous substances) is not subject to the ban and can be disposed of as solid waste. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- Residents should start with their municipal recycling program, since many municipalities accept or collect mattresses, then try Beyond the Bin for donation and reuse outlets. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- Most furniture and mattress sellers take old mattresses for recycling and disposal when they deliver a new one. Source: MassDEP: Mattress Recycling (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP suggests donating mattresses in good condition and using Beyond the Bin to find organizations that accept them. Source: MassDEP: Mattress Recycling (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP tells residents to find out whether their city or town has a mattress collection program. Source: MassDEP: Mattress Recycling (opens in new tab)
- Municipalities may use MassDEP Recycling Dividends Program payments for collecting, transporting and processing mattresses. Source: MassDEP: Mattress Recycling (opens in new tab)
- Municipalities and certain public entities may use the FAC90 statewide carpet and mattress recycling contract. Source: MassDEP: Mattress Recycling (opens in new tab)
- Before the ban, MassDEP gave $2.7 million in grants to 128 municipalities and 34 regional participants for mattress collection and recycling, and the state has contracted with four vendors. Source: Extended Producer Responsibility Commission Final Report (January 15, 2026) (opens in new tab)
- Massachusetts has no Mattress Recycling Council (Bye Bye Mattress) program: MRC operates statewide only in California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island. Source: Mattress Recycling Council: home page (program states) (opens in new tab)
- The state EPR Commission (January 2026) recommended that the Legislature create a mattress EPR program. Bills H.1023, H.3985 and S.614 were pending. Source: Extended Producer Responsibility Commission Final Report (January 15, 2026) (opens in new tab)
- Mattress EPR bill H.1023 has not passed. Its status is "Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means". Source: Bill H.1023 (194th General Court): An Act to establish a mattress recycling program (opens in new tab)
- Senate mattress recycling bill S.614 has not passed; on 11/3/2025 it was sent to a study order (S2687). Source: Bill S.614 (194th General Court): An Act to promote the future success of mattress recycling (opens in new tab)
- Since November 2022, textiles (clothing, footwear, bedding, curtains, fabric) are banned from disposal in Massachusetts, even worn, torn or stained items. Source: MassDEP: Clothing and Textile Recovery (opens in new tab)
- Pillows, cushions and rugs are not "textiles" under the ban and may go in the trash. Source: MassDEP: Waste Ban on Mattresses and Textiles, Frequently Asked Questions (opens in new tab)
- Large appliances such as refrigerators and freezers are banned from disposal in Massachusetts. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- Washers and dryers are among the large appliances banned from disposal in Massachusetts. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017 has banned white goods from disposal, incineration or transfer for disposal since December 31, 1991 (landfills/combustors) and April 1, 2000 (transfer facilities). Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- White goods, which by definition include appliances that preserve food or cool air, have been banned from disposal since 1991 (landfills/combustors) and 2000 (transfer facilities). Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- White goods are appliances using electricity, oil, natural gas or LP gas to preserve or cook food, wash or dry clothing or kitchen items, or cool or heat air or water. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP's Beyond the Bin directory classes microwaves as small appliances, separate from large appliances (white goods). Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- Beyond the Bin lists outlets for large appliances (white goods): refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017 has banned metal from disposal, incineration or transfer for disposal at solid waste disposal facilities since July 1, 2006. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- For the ban, metal means ferrous and non-ferrous metals from used appliances, building materials, industrial equipment, vehicles and manufacturing. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Beyond the Bin's scrap metal category covers pots and pans, metal bed frames, grills, vehicle wheels, wheelbarrows, aluminum siding, light iron, steel and cast aluminum. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- Beyond the Bin lists reuse outlets for exercise equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, weights) in working condition. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017 has banned recyclable paper from disposal, incineration or transfer for disposal since December 31, 1994 (landfills/combustors) and April 1, 2000 (transfer facilities). Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Paper, paperboard and cardboard are banned from disposal in Massachusetts. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- Every recycling program in Massachusetts accepts paper and cardboard. Empty and flatten boxes, and don't bag recyclables. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Smart Recycling Guide (opens in new tab)
- Whole tires are banned from Massachusetts landfills. Shredded tires are acceptable. Source: MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017 bans disposal of whole tires at landfills (since December 31, 1991, and transfer for landfill disposal since April 1, 2000). Tires must be shredded before landfilling. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- For the ban, tires means a solid or pneumatic rubber covering for use on a motor vehicle. Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Tires are on the MassDEP waste ban list. MassDEP says tires may be collected by retailers in some cases. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- Vehicle batteries are banned from disposal in Massachusetts. Source: MassDEP Fact Sheet: What are Massachusetts Waste Bans? (opens in new tab)
- 310 CMR 19.017 has banned lead batteries from disposal, incineration or transfer for disposal since December 31, 1990 (landfills/combustors) and April 1, 2000 (transfer facilities). Source: 310 CMR 19.000: Solid Waste Management Facility Regulations (incl. 19.017 Waste Bans) (opens in new tab)
- Massachusetts' first waste ban took effect December 31, 1990 and kept lead acid batteries out of landfills and incinerators. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Waste Bans 101 newsletter (August 2022) (opens in new tab)
- Lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium (often rechargeable) batteries should not go in the trash: compressed in a truck they can cause fires. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- For all battery types, MassDEP says to tape both ends and find a battery collection. Beyond the Bin lists disposal locations. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Bulging, leaking or recalled batteries need disposal right away. Put each in a plastic bag so it can't touch metal. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Batteries do not belong in Massachusetts recycling bins. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Smart Recycling Guide (opens in new tab)
- Massachusetts has no battery stewardship law yet: lithium-ion battery stewardship bill H.968 is "Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means". Source: Bill H.968 (194th General Court): An Act establishing a lithium-ion battery stewardship program (opens in new tab)
- The EPR Commission (January 2026) recommended the Legislature create an EPR program for batteries, citing pending bills H.968 and S.556. Source: Extended Producer Responsibility Commission Final Report (January 15, 2026) (opens in new tab)
- PaintCare does not operate in Massachusetts: its states list (California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington) omits Massachusetts. Source: PaintCare: Paint recycling and drop-off locations (states list) (opens in new tab)
- Massachusetts paint stewardship bill S.647 has not passed. It was reported favorably on 7/3/2025 and is "Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means". Source: Bill S.647 (194th General Court): An Act relative to paint recycling (opens in new tab)
- House paint recycling bill H.886 has not passed. Its status is "Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means". Source: Bill H.886 (194th General Court): An Act relative to paint recycling (opens in new tab)
- The EPR Commission recommended the Legislature create a paint EPR program (e.g., PaintCare) by July 1, 2026. Source: Extended Producer Responsibility Commission Final Report (January 15, 2026) (opens in new tab)
- Per the EPR Commission report, only 23% of Massachusetts residents have access to year-round paint collection, and a third have no municipal HHW collection. Source: Extended Producer Responsibility Commission Final Report (January 15, 2026) (opens in new tab)
- Latex paint may go in the regular trash only when completely dry: it must not leak when turned upside down. Kitty litter or cardboard pieces speed drying. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Wet paint should not go in the trash because it clogs and can break trash compaction equipment. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Beyond the Bin lists some latex paint drop-off spots. Residents should check whether their town collects latex paint at HHW days. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Oil-based paint, stains and varnishes go to household hazardous waste collections. Check your municipality's website for events. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- Household hazardous products (old chemicals, cleaners, paint, pesticides) don't belong in the recycling bin, the trash or the drain. Store them until a community HHW collection or take them to a local, regional or commercial facility. Source: Mass.gov: How & Where to Recycle (opens in new tab)
- MassDEP lists approved household hazardous product collection facilities. Call or check each facility's website for items, fees and hours. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Questions about household hazardous products can go to MassDEP at 866-963-7287 or massdep.hhp@mass.gov. Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (opens in new tab)
- Beyond the Bin lists outlets for furniture in reusable condition: tables, couches, sofas, bed frames, dressers, chairs and more. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)
- Couches and sofas in reusable condition can be listed for reuse through MassDEP's Beyond the Bin directory. Furniture is not on the waste ban list. Source: Recycle Smart MA (a MassDEP service): Beyond the Bin Search Directory (opens in new tab)