Waste Reduction & Recycling

Waste Bans

In Massachusetts, certain materials are banned by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) from being disposed of in landfills and waste-to-energy facilities.

Recyclable paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, jugs and jars are banned from the trash. Those must be placed in recycling carts. Leaves, grass, mattresses, clothing, cathode ray tubes (old boxy TVs and monitors) and whole tires are also banned from the landfill. For a complete list, visit MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans. To learn what to do with these items, please see the resources below.

Dartmouth Residents

The Town of Dartmouth offers a wide variety of programs and services that help residents manage their waste. These programs are overseen by the Town’s Department of Public Works (DPW). DPW staff collect recycling and trash weekly from residents participating in the Town’s Save Money and Reduce Trash (SMART) program. Bulky items are collected by appointment and yard waste is collected on specific days in the spring and fall. The DPW operates the Dartmouth Transfer Station where residents can drop off recyclables, food waste, mattresses, TVs, tires, construction waste, and other items to divert them from the landfill.

Please contact the DPW for questions about curbside collection of recycling, trash, bulky items, and yard waste, or about dropping off yard waste at the Water Pollution Control Facility and dropping off items at the Dartmouth Transfer Station.

The Dartmouth DPW is located at 759 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth. The phone number is (508) 999-0740. Solid waste and recycling information can be found on the Town’s website. 

The Dartmouth Transfer Station is located at 976 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth (Get Directions). A transfer station permit is required to drop off items at the facility. Contact the DPW for more information about the transfer station and the required permit. Click here for a list of items accepted at the transfer station.

New Bedford Residents

The City of New Bedford offers a wide variety of programs and services that help residents manage their waste. These programs are overseen by the City’s Department of Facilities and Fleet Management (DFFM). As part of the City’s program, Capitol Waste Services collects recycling, trash, and yard waste (seasonal) curbside weekly from residents. Capitol Waste Services picks up bulky items, such as furniture and appliances, and brush (seasonal) by appointment. DFFM operates the Recycling Center where residents can drop off a variety of items to divert them from the trash.

Please contact Capitol Waste Services for questions about missed pickups, bulky item appointments, brush appointments (seasonal), and trash, recycling, and yard waste collection. The phone number for Capitol Waste Services is (617) 569-1718; they are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Click here for information about the City’s solid waste and recycling programs.

The Recycling Center is located at 1103 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford (Get Directions). For a list of items accepted at the Recycling Center, please visit Recycling Center – Facilities & Fleet Management – City of New Bedford Official Website.

The Department of Facilities and Fleet Management is located at 294 Liberty Street and can be reached at (508) 979-1520 or by email at trashandrecycling@newbedford-ma.gov. To learn more about programs in New Bedford, visit NewBedfordRecycling.org. 

Recycle Smart MA Recyclopedia

Wondering which items can be recycled, or which items are considered too hazardous to put in your trash? Type the name of the item in the Recyclopedia from Recycle Smart MA and find out!