Waste Bans and Compliance

Understand Massachusetts waste bans, how they affect your business, and how to receive support.

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Waste Bans and Your Business

To reduce the volume of trash disposed in the state, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) bans certain toxic, recyclable, and food materials from the trash.

Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban: Effective November 1, 2022 the MassDEP lowered the threshold for the commecial food material disposal ban so that it applies to businesses and institutions generating one-half ton or more food waste per week.

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Wasted Food Estimation Guide

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For guidance on how to estimate food waste amounts at a facility, see our Wasted Food Estimation Guide

Discussion for proposed Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban Change

As part of the Solid Waste Master Plan 2030 midterm review process, MassDEP is proposing changes to the Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban. Food material is still a large portion of the waste stream. Massachusetts goals for waste reduction are 50% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. To reach these goals, additional effort is needed  Food material is a readily recoverable material that is processed locally.

The proposed change is that by 2028, the threshold will be eliminated for businesses and institutions.

Waste Reduction Goal
By 2030
Waste Reduction Goal
By 2050
MassDEP Conversation & Updates Learn more

Current Waste Ban Materials

Materials currently banned from disposal or transfer for disposal in Massachusetts

Organics
  • Commercial food material
  • Leaves and yard waste
recyclables
  • Recyclable paper, cardboard and paperboard
  • Glass, metal, and plastic containers
Bulky materials
  • Mattresses
  • Box Springs
  • Textiles
Construction & demolition
  • Alphalt pavement, brick and concrete
  • Clean gypsum wallboard
  • Treated and untreated wood and wood waste (From landfill only)
  • Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
appliances
  • White goods (Large appliances)
electronics
  • Old tv or computer monitor (Cathode ray tubes)
Hazardous materials
  • Lead acid batteries
tires
  • Whole tires (From landfill only)

Sector-specific Tip Sheets

To help businesses comply with MassDEP Waste Bans, RecyclingWorks MA developed the following sector-specific tip sheets, available in both English and Spanish. Tip sheets for additional business sectors will be posted below as they are available.

If you are interested in having any of these materials translated into another language, please contact RecyclingWorks MA at (888) 254-5525 or info@recyclingworksma.com.

pdf resource

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Retailers

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Restaurants

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Restaurants

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Food Manufacturers and Distributors

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Food Manufacturers and Distributors

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Colleges and Universities

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Colleges and Universities

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Property Managers

Waste Ban Compliance Tips for Property Managers

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ESPAÑOL

Frequently Asked Questions

All Massachusetts waste disposal facilities must file a Waste Ban Compliance Plan with MassDEP. This plan outlines how the facility will monitor and inspect waste it receives and how they will handle any banned materials received. These facilities are required to issue a failed load notification to the hauler and generator, if known, and may charge a handling fee to remove and recycle the banned material.

MassDEP also has inspectors that perform unannounced waste ban inspections at disposal facilities to review records and monitor incoming waste loads. If MassDEP inspectors find waste ban violations at a facility, they can take enforcement action.

After a load fails, it is important to determine why it happened. It could have been a mistake, a more systemic failure within an existing recycling system, or a complete lack of a recycling system in place to deal with these banned items.

The generator and hauler can work together to resolve the issue by adjusting or adding  services and providing trainings to employees to maximize participation. Clear signage using pictures or images can bridge language barriers for proper materials handling around the facility and at the dumpsters. It is also important to make sure that the dumpster is secure from unauthorized access. Consider locking it or enclosing the area with fencing.

You should request that your hauler provide ongoing feedback including notification of any failed loads and additional opportunities to divert banned materials from disposal. If your current hauler is not able to help you, you can find additional service providers through RecyclingWorks MA searchable database. (Listings are self-reported and do not imply a recommendation or endorsement by CET or MassDEP).

Additional Resources

  • For more information about Massachusetts waste bans and regulations, see MassDEP’s website.
  • For best management practices on contracting for trash, recycling, and food waste hauling services, see Hauler Contracting Guidance
  • For more information on recycling specific materials, go to our Materials Guidance page.
  • For answers to frequently asked questions about the commercial food material disposal ban, see MassDEP’s guidance.
  • For more regulatory information on the waste bans and how to comply with them, please contact John Fischer (MassDEP) at 617-292-5632 or john.fischer@state.ma.us.
  • For information on diverting banned materials and assistance in complying with the waste bans, please contact the RecyclingWorks MA Hotline at (888) 254-5525 or info@recyclingworksma.com.

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