Skip to Content

Recycling Guide

Translate this page with Google Translate

In The Bin

Every recycling program in Massachusetts accepts the items below.
Make sure they are empty and clean.

  • Metal Food & Beverage Cans – Empty and rinse
  • Plastic Bottles, Jars, Jugs & Tubs – Empty and replace cap
  • Glass Bottles & Jars – Empty and rinse
  • Paper & Cardboard – Empty and flatten

Not In The Bin

Many items you’d think belong in your recycling bin don’t. Putting them in does more harm than good. Not sure? Check the Smart Recycling Guide.

  • Do Not Bag Recyclables – No garbage
  • No Plastic Bags or Plastic Wrap – Return to retail store collection bins
  • No Food or Liquid – Empty all containers
  • No Clothing or Linens – Use donation programs
  • No Tanglers – No hoses, wires, chains or electronics

ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS:

  • Food & Beverage cans
  • Plastic bottles, jars, jugs and tubs (NO OTHER SHAPES unless listed on www.RecycleSmartMA.org)
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Paper & Cardboard

Have a burning “Is it recyclable?” question?

The Recycle Smart MA program was created by the Massachusetts DEP to provide residents with up to date information about what items should and shouldn’t be recycled. The Town and other communities have joined the initiative whose website includes a downloadable Smart Recycling Guide and a searchable Recyclopedia that allows residents to search on hundreds of individual items about how they should be properly managed.

Visit www.RecycleSmartMA.org to learn how to deal with your item for proper disposal.

Get a downloadable Smart Recycling guide in your language:

Have something else to recycle?

Search the MassDEP Beyond the Bin Recycling Directory for opportunities to recycle difficult-to-manage materials.

Other Resources