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Implementing Mandatory Recycling & Private Hauler Regulations

Helpful information for cities and towns from MassDEP.

Local mandatory recycling bylaws or ordinances, limits on the number of trash barrels collected per household, and private hauler recycling regulations can all be effective tools in reducing solid waste tonnage and municipal disposal costs.

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Municipal Recycling Rules & Regulations

M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section H: Recycling Programs 
M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 31A: Permits for Removal or Transportation of Garbage 
M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 31B: Rules & Regulations for Removal of Garbage 
Open XLSX file, 40.31 KB,  Hauler Recycling Rules Database, February 2025 (English, XLSX 40.31 KB)
Open XLSX file, 46.16 KB,  Mandatory Recycling Rules Database, February 2025 (English, XLSX 46.16 KB)

Developing Private Hauler Regulations

Open PDF file, 4.92 MB,  MassDEP Best Practices for Municipalities Developing Private Hauler Regulations (English, PDF 4.92 MB)
Open DOCX file, 39.83 KB,  Template for Private Hauler Regulation Best Practices (English, DOCX 39.83 KB)

Mandatory Recycling in Practice

Open PDF file, 60.8 KB,  Mandatory Recycling Policy Example: Town of Abington (English, PDF 60.8 KB)
Open PDF file, 14.8 KB,  Mandatory Recycling Policy Example: City of Attleboro (English, PDF 14.8 KB)
Open PDF file, 30.5 KB,  Mandatory Recycling Case Study: City of Haverhill (English, PDF 30.5 KB)
Open PDF file, 29.93 KB,  Mandatory Recycling Case Study: City of Lowell (English, PDF 29.93 KB)
Open PDF file, 40.54 KB,  Mandatory Recycling Case Study: City of Springfield (English, PDF 40.54 KB)

Mandatory Recycling Outreach & Education

Open PDF file, 4.33 MB,  MassDEP Municipal Waste Reduction Toolkit Module 2: Using Mandatory Recycling to Reduce Disposal Costs (English, PDF 4.33 MB)
Open PDF file, 1.01 MB,  Mandatory Recycling Mailer: City of Amesbury (English, PDF 1.01 MB)
Open PDF file, 800.23 KB,  Mandatory Recycling Mailer: City of Haverhill (English, PDF 800.23 KB)
Open PDF file, 325.24 KB,  Example Warning Doorhanger & Letter: City of Salem (English, PDF 325.24 KB)
Open PDF file, 101.22 KB,  Example Warning Sticker & Fine/Non-Collection Notices: City of Springfield (English, PDF 101.22 KB)

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