Waste Bans?

The Facts About the Massachusetts Waste Bans

What are waste bans?
"Waste bans" are restrictions on the disposal and transfer of certain hazardous and recyclable items at solid waste facilities in Massachusetts.

The waste bans are designed to:

• Conserve capacity at existing disposal facilities.
• Minimize the need for new facility construction.
• Signal recycling markets that large volumes of material are available on a consistent basis.
• Keep certain toxic substances or materials from adversely affecting our environment when land filled or incinerated.
• Promote business and residential recycling efforts.

What do I need to do?

Remove & Recycle!

Business managers should remove and recycle any banned materials they generate or run the risk that waste loads will be rejected at a disposal site or charged an additional handling fee.  Recycling at businesses can be easier and more economical than recycling at home, because the materials are generated in larger quantities and are easier to keep separate from the rest of the trash.  Recycling prevents unnecessary disposal of usable raw materials, saves energy and reduces air and water pollution.  As recycling reduces disposal costs, businesses can save money by diverting materials from the trash dumpster to the recycling bin.

Your waste hauler may be able to help you establish a recycling program.  Also, WasteCap publishes an extensive Recycling Service Directory listing over 400 companies that collect or process recyclable materials.  Contact WasteCap at 617-236-7715 or www.wastecap.org.

What is banned?

Recyclable Paper:  All paper, cardboard, and paperboard products (EXCEPT tissue paper, toweling, paper plates and cups, was-coated cardboard and other low-grade paper products).

Glass Containers:  Glass bottles and jars (EXCEPT light bulbs, Pyrex cookware, plate glass, drinking glasses, windows, windshields and ceramics).

Metal Containers:  Aluminum, steel or bi-metal beverage and food containers.

Single Resin Narrow-Necked Plastics:  A soda bottle is narrow necked but a yogurt container is not.

Leaves & Yard Waste:  Leaves, grass clippings, weeds, garden materials, shrub trimmings, and brush one-inch or less in diameter (Excluding diseased plants).

Batteries:  Lead-acid batteries used in motor vehicles or stationary applications.

White Goods:  Appliances employing electricity, oil, natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas.  These include refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, gas or electric ovens and ranges, and hot water heaters.

Whole Tires:  Motor vehicle tires of all types (incinerators and transfer stations can accept whole tires.  Shredded tires are not restricted).

Cathode Ray Tubes:  Any Intact, broken or processed glass tube used to provide the visual display in televisions, computer monitors and certain scientific instruments.