RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts

Free, expert support to help Massachusetts businesses reduce wasted food, improve recycling, and meet state waste requirements.

Get Assistance
talk to an expert
  • MassDEP
  • CET
  • WasteWise logo
RecyclingWorks in massachusetts

Your state-funded partner in wasted food reduction and recycling efforts.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) is a state-funded program that helps businesses and institutions reduce waste by improving recycling, increasing reuse, and exploring food recovery options.

The program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and delivered under contract by CET.

About us
RW Waste Consultant Speaking at a Forum
Play
Play
Our Metrics

Tanglible Success. Real Impact

Beyond metrics, this year focused on impactful initiatives
supporting reuse, food donation, and environmental justice (EJ).

300+
Businesses Served
800 tons
Recyclables Diverted
730 tons
Wasted Food Diverted
who we help

RecyclingWorks supports Massachusetts commercial entities that generate waste:

Businesses & Institutions

Restaurants, groceries, hospitals, schools, manufacturers, offices, living facilities, hotels, etc.

Get Assistance

Haulers & Recycling Facilities

Guidance to align processes, materials, and customer needs, including support to reduce contamination.

Get Assistance

Municipalities & Organizations

We work with you to encourage waste reduction efforts in your community through education, outreach, and direct assistance. 

Get Assistance
how we help

RecyclingWorks makes recycling, waste reduction, and food recovery easier for busy owners, managers, and staff with clear, tailored recommendations you can act on.

Waste Ban Compliance Support

Know which regulations apply to you and what steps to take. We’ll walk you through requirements, timelines, and practical solutions aligned with Massachusetts waste bans. While we don’t assess or verify compliance, we can help you understand the guidance and put workable systems in place.

Waste Reduction & Recycling Consulting

Improve operations, simplify sorting, and uncover potential cost savings with customized, actionable guidance.

Wasted Food Prevention & Donation Assistance

Reduce waste at the source, set up efficient collection, and connect with donation or processing partners.

On-Site Assessments

Hands-on help to evaluate materials, recommend signage, and strengthen your process.

Get Assistance
talk to an expert
examples of assistance

Real Stories from Real Businesses.

See how Massachusetts businesses are reducing waste and recovering food with our help. 
A Broad Commitment to Sustainability: Hyannis Yacht Club Case Study by RecyclingWorks Massachusetts
See how Hyannis Yacht Club reduced waste with waste separation techniques in this detailed case study by RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts …
Read More
Ocean-Friendly Waste Reduction: Gorton’s Seafood Case Study by RecyclingWorks Massachusetts
Learn how Gorton’s Seafood reduced waste with sustainable practices in this detailed case study by RecyclingWorks Massachusetts. Explore innovative strategies …
Read More
Ecos Properties & Worleybeds
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts presents case studies featuring Ecos Properties, a commercial real estate company that transformed a large-scale renovation project …
Read More

  • 4.9

    It’s not like you’re doing anything that different. Instead of tossing it into one bin, they’re just tossing it into another. Honestly, it was easier than I thought it was gonna be, which is wonderful because not every change is like that.
    Kay Masterson
    CustomCo-Owner, Johnny’s Luncheonette 
resource library

Explore Our Resources 

Access practical tools and guidance designed to help your business effectively reduce waste and recover food. 

Find a Recycler or Donation Partner

Use our searchable tool to locate recyclers and donation outlets across Massachusetts.  

List your business

Frequently Asked Questions

Reducing waste lowers disposal costs, supports local donation and recycling partners, preserves disposal space, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many businesses find opportunities to streamline operations and improve efficiency when waste is measured and managed intentionally. In 2023, Massachusetts exported 3,040,000 tons of waste for disposal out of state while importing just 340,000 tons — making the state a net exporter of about 2,710,000 tons. Sending such a large portion of waste out of state increases transportation-related costs and emissions. 

Any Massachusetts business or institution. 

Yes. Our consultive services and guidance are funded by the MassDEP so there is no cost to you.

No. We offer independent, customized guidance and connections, so you feel confident choosing solutions that work for you. 

Commercial food material diversion means keeping food scraps and other organic materials out of the trash and managing them through approved pathways such as food donation (for edible food), animal feed, composting, anaerobic digestion (AD), or other licensed processing. Businesses can reduce, donate, and divert material to help comply with the Massachusetts Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban. 

RecyclingWorks is a non-regulatory program. MassDEP developed it to help businesses and institutions reduce waste and comply with Massachusetts waste bans. MassDEP (not RecyclingWorks) conducts inspections and enforces the regulations at disposal sites. Failing to recycle or separate banned materials can pose operational and compliance risks. Our role is to provide neutral, no-cost guidance to help businesses understand requirements and put practical, cost-effective solutions in place. Whether you’re planning ahead, responding to a notice, or improving existing systems, we’re here to help. 

Waste Ban Materials 
Wasted Food 
Recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass) 
Construction & demolition materials 
Reusable items & donation materials 
Textiles 
Mattresses 
Organics and compost site operations 
And more! Let us know what you have and we’ll tell you how we can help!

Many businesses find they can streamline operations, train staff more effectively, and reduce disposal costs when waste is measured and managed intentionally. Improved systems also make it easier to meet compliance requirements and reduce confusion for employees. Separating food scraps from trash can also improve the cleanliness and overall condition of the waste handling area. 

Massachusetts first implemented disposal bans in the 1990s to keep valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators—such as paper, cardboard, glass and plastic bottles, jars, jugs, tubs, metal, electronics, major appliances, wood, and certain construction and demolition materials. Over time, the list of banned materials has expanded to include items like mattresses, textiles, and commercial food material. 
 
Waste bans have been added gradually as statewide infrastructure and viable end markets became available. The goal is to ensure materials are diverted only when a practical pathway exists and to reduce pressure on Massachusetts’ limited disposal capacity. 
 
As of November 2022, businesses and institutions that generate ½ ton or more of food waste per week must divert those materials from disposal. The Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan outlines future goals to expand banned materials and reduce reliance on disposal.

Source separation means keeping recyclable or recoverable materials (like food scraps, cardboard, textiles, or reusable items) separate from trash at the point where they are generated. This improves recycling efficiency, reduces contamination, and helps ensure materials can be donated, recycled, composted, or otherwise recovered. 

Reducing waste lowers disposal costs, supports local donation and recycling partners, preserves disposal space, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many businesses find opportunities to streamline operations and improve efficiency when waste is measured and managed intentionally. Massachusetts currently exports nearly half of the waste generated in-state, which is not a cost-effective long-term solution. 

Ready to take action on waste reduction? 

Contact our team for free, customized assistance. 

Get Assistance
talk to an expert