In 1990, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) introduced its first bans on landfilling and combustion of easy-to-recycle and toxic materials.  Additional "waste bans" were phased in over the next several years.  The following materials and items are currently prohibited from disposal and/or transfer for disposal in Massachusetts:

• Asphalt pavement, brick & concrete
• Cathode ray tubes
• Ferrous & non-ferrous metals
• Glass & metal containers
• Lead acid batteries
• Leaves & yard waste
• Recyclable paper, cardboard & paperboard
• Single resin narrow-necked plastics
• Treated & untreated wood & wood waste
• White goods (large appliances)
• Whole tires (banned from landfills only; shredded tires acceptable)

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. 

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Massachusetts Waste Ban Regulations: 310 CMR 19.017

Web page 

MassDEP Waste & Recycling Policies & Guidance

Web page

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Your Business & the Waste Bans: What You Need to Know

MS Word 67 KB | PDF 36 KB

Also Available: Printer-Friendly Brochure Format: PDF 142 KB

Your Municipality & the Waste Bans: Compliance Guide for Towns & Cities

MS Word 173 KB | PDF 126 KB

Electronics Recycling

Including the ban on disposal of cathod ray tubes (CRTs) in Massachusetts.
Web page

Frequently Asked Questions: Construction & Demolition Materials Waste Bans

MS Word 53 KB | PDF 34 KB

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Guidance Brief: Haulers & Waste Ban Compliance

MS Word 83 KB | PDF 35 KB

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Waste Ban Guidance for Operators of Solid Waste Facilities

Attachments include inspection sheet, sample letters, suggested signage and compliance plan form.  December 2005
Web page

Training for Solid Waste Facility Operators on Waste Ban Regulations & Guidance

January 2006
MS Powerpoint 3.1 MB | PDF 1.5 MB

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If you want to learn more about the waste bans or have questions about complying with them, please contact Jordan Macy at 617-292-5805 or jordan.macy@state.ma.us.

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