Resources for Businesses & Institutions

Find sector-specific guidance

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program designed to help businesses and institutions maximize recycling, reuse, and composting opportunities. Funded by Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and administered by Center for EcoTechnology (CET).

A recycling mandate was passed in Newton in March 2023. Refer to Chapter 11, Section 11-5 of Newton Ordinances. 

Effective July 1, 2023, all properties in Newton must separate and recycle cardboard. 

Effective July 1, 2024, all properties in Newton must separate and recycle all recyclable materials (plastic/metal/glass containers, mixed paper, cardboard), commonly known as single stream recycling. 

Waste haulers that are permitted to collect trash must also provide recycling service unless the property owner can provide proof to the permitted hauler that separate recycling services are provided by another permitted hauler. 

The goal of this ordinance is to ensure that all businesses, multi-family properties, and institutions are recycling, which diverts valuable materials from the trash. 

On March 1, 2024, the Sustainable Food and Beverage Serviceware, Packaging, and Single Use Ordinance went into effect. This ordinance aims to reduce the use of single-use takeout containers that cannot be reused, composted, or recycled. Examples of these includes black plastic containers and plastic lined paper containers. Non-container items such as plastic utensils and condiments will only be offered at the customer’s request. 

For more details, click here to go to Newton's Health and Human Services page.