What can be thrown into a dumpster? (in Massachusetts)

The question of what can and can not be thrown into a dumpster in Massachusetts is a very good one. Massachusetts has some very strict environmental laws and and not being aware of them can be a costly proposition. These already strict laws became a little more strict as of November 2022.

On November 1, 2022, The Baker-Polito Administration announced that new waste ban regulations that promote recycling and re-use, reduce trash disposal, and foster recycling business growth take effect starting immediately . The new regulations will ban the disposal of mattresses and textiles in the trash, as well as decrease food waste from businesses and institutions. Massachusetts currently has a food waste ban on businesses disposing one ton or more per week, and these regulations lower that threshold to a half-ton per week.

“In order to meet the important goals outlined in the 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan, the Baker-Polito Administration has focused on reducing waste disposal, while also increasing recycling, diversion, reuse, and composting measures,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “These regulations and the supporting strategies that are being implemented today will continue our nation-leading efforts and jump-start waste diversion work that is occurring across the Commonwealth.

https://www.mass.gov/news/new-waste-disposal-ban-regulations-take-effect-today

About the Waste Bans

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) introduced its first bans on landfilling and combustion of easy-to-recycle and toxic materials in 1990. Additional "waste bans" have been phased in over time.

Materials Currently Banned from Disposal or Transfer for Disposal in Massachusetts

Asphalt pavement, brick and concrete Cathode ray tubes Clean gypsum wallboard Commercial food material (lower threshold effective November 1, 2022) Ferrous and non-ferrous metals Glass and metal containers Lead acid batteries Leaves and yard waste Mattresses (effective November 1, 2022) Recyclable paper, cardboard and paperboard Single-resin narrow-necked plastic containers Textiles (effective November 1, 2022) Treated and untreated wood and wood waste (banned from landfills only) White goods (large appliances) Whole tires (banned from landfills only; shredded tires acceptable)

Materials Currently Banned from Disposal or Transfer for Disposal in Massachusetts

Since the first waste bans were introduced, Massachusetts municipalities and businesses - often supported by MassDEP grants and technical assistance - have developed new infrastructure to collect banned items and other discarded materials, and to divert them from disposal to reuse and recycling.

Waste Ban Enforcements

https://www.mass.gov/guides/massdep-waste-disposal-bans

See the guide below for items and materials that can and can not be thrown into a dumpster. (Source: altriservices.com

  What is Typically Allowed in a Dumpster?                         

• Construction Debris
  • Renovation & Remodeling waste
  • Floor, Wall & Ceiling tile
  • Wood flooring
  • Sheetrock or drywall
  • Vinyl siding
  • toilets
  • Bathroom Vanities
  • Countertops & Cabinets
  • Doors & Windows
  • Plaster
  • Paint cans (limited amounts, must be in a plastic bag)
  • Decking
  • Fencing
  • Carpeting
  • Ceramic Tile
• Furniture
  • Chairs (Dining Room, Kitchen, Living Room etc.)
  • Bedroom Bureaus & DressersEntertainment CentersCuriosHutchesTablesArmoiresPatio FurnitureBed FramesRugs
• Couches, Love Seats & Sectionals
• Toys
• Storage Bins
• Cat trees
• Picture frames

  What is Typically Not Allowed in a Dumpster?       

• Garbage (perishables)
• Mattresses or Box Springs
• Propane Tanks
• Large amounts of Paint
• Oil
• Hazardous Waste
• Acetylene Tanks
• Any gaseous or liquid filled tanks
• Gasoline
• Car or Truck Tires
• Asphalt
• Concrete
• Dirt
• Rocks