Happy America Recycles Day♻ on November 15!! Let’s talk trash in New Bedford and Dartmouth!
After being picked up at the curb, residential waste is brought to the Crapo Hill Landfill, operated by the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District. Crapo Hill is a valuable resource for Dartmouth and New Bedford that safely handles trash and saved these communities an estimated $3.2 million last year. Landfill space is limited, as are other options for disposal, and costs are likely to increase significantly when the landfill reaches capacity.
That’s why the District, New Bedford, and Dartmouth are working together to reduce waste and keep reusable and recyclable materials out of the landfill. It’s a community effort — small steps by many lead to big change. Waste reduction starts with everyday actions. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Reuse and repair items instead of replacing them.
- Reduce food waste through meal planning and proper storage.
- Compost food scraps and yard waste.
- Donate clothing and household items.
- Recycle bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard.
Recycling
Empty bottles, cans, jugs, paper, and cardboard — including greasy pizza boxes — can all be recycled! Recycling is simple and easy and transforms these materials into new products instead of taking up landfill space and missing their second life. In 2024, New Bedford and Dartmouth recycled 12,050 tons of bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. That’s a huge impact — and the next step is simple: place empty bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard in your recycling cart, not the trash.
Not sure if an item can be recycled? Use the Recyclopedia at RecycleSmartMA.org to find out! Find more information: New Bedford residents, Dartmouth residents.
Food Waste
Join your neighbors in reducing food waste with these local options:
- Waste less food. Eating leftovers, meal planning, proper storage, and freezing can all help! Follow USDA guidelines for freezing and thawing foods. Contact us or visit https://gnbrrmdistrict.org/food-waste-composting/ for more ideas and resources.
- Backyard compost at home. Turn fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil amendment! Low-cost compost bins are available year-round to Dartmouth and New Bedford residents at the Crapo Hill Landfill. Find more information at https://gnbrrmdistrict.org/food-waste-composting/backyard-composting/.
- Sign up for curbside pickup with Black Earth Compost. Weekly and every other week pickup is available for a fee. Learn more at https://blackearthcompost.com/.
- Purchase a FoodCycler. Reduce food waste volume by up to 90% with this kitchen appliance! Details here: https://gnbrrmdistrict.org/foodcycler/.
- Drop off food waste at your transfer station or recycling center. The program accepts unpackaged food waste – even bones and seafood shells. Learn more at https://gnbrrmdistrict.org/food-waste-composting/food-waste-drop-off/.
Clothing, Shoes, & Linens
There are many options for clothing, shoes, and linens including home pickup, clothing bins, thrift stores, GiftstoGive, and more.
- Schedule a free home pickup with BBBS/CMRK. This program accepts gently used clothing, sheets, towels, shoes, small household items, bicycles, and musical instruments! Appointment is required. Call (508) 466-4590. Website link: Dartmouth residents, New Bedford residents.
- Drop off clothing in a clothing bin. Most clothing bins accept clean & dry clothing, shoes, sheets, towels, comforters, pillows, and more! Bins located at schools help raise funds for those schools. Last year, residents dropped off 381,369 pounds of clothing in bins at the New Bedford and Dartmouth schools, earning the schools a total of $21,653. That’s right, your old clothes = funds for the schools! View this map to find a clothing bin near you!
More Waste Reduction
- Events. The Refuse District organizes various events each year for New Bedford and Dartmouth residents including Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day, Paper Shredding Day, and the new Reuse, Repair, & Shred Day.
- Drop off centers. New Bedford residents have access (with proof of residency) to the Recycling Center which accepts a wide variety of items, including a swap shop for books, tableware (such as dishes and silverware), cookware, and bakeware (like pots, pans, and baking sheets) and a seasonal paint swap shed for usable latex paint. View this list of items accepted at the Recycling Center. Dartmouth residents can drop off many items at the Dartmouth Transfer Station with a transfer station sticker. View this list of items accepted at the Dartmouth Transfer Station.
- Library of Things. Borrow musical instruments, games, and more from your local library for free!
- Presentations and tours. If your group, business, or school is interested in learning more, contact us to arrange a presentation or a tour of the Crapo Hill Landfill.
- Stay connected. New Bedford Recycling – Instagram, Facebook, Nextdoor; Dartmouth Recycling – Facebook and Nextdoor.
- Questions? Email marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org, call (508) 979-1493, or text (774) 503-0254.