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What are the “Waste Bans”?
The “Waste Bans” are restrictions on the disposal
and transfer for disposal of certain hazardous and recyclable items at
solid waste facilities in Massachusetts.
The bans are located in the state’s solid waste facility
management regulations, 310 CMR 19.017.
View the online waste ban documentation on the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s website at:
http://www.mass.gov/dep/bwp/dswm/dswmpubs.htm#ban
What is the Purpose of the Waste Bans?
The waste bans are designed to:
- Conserve
capacity at existing disposal facilities
- Minimize
the need for new facility construction
- Keep
certain toxic substances or materials from adversely affect our
environment when landfilled or incinerated.
- Signal
recyclables markets that large volumes of material are available on a
consistent basis. Promote
business and residential recycling efforts.
What is Banned?
Cathode Ray Tubes: Any intact, broken or
processed glass tube used to provide the visual display in televisions,
computer monitors and certain scientific instruments.
Whole Tires:
Motor vehicle tires of all types are banned from land fills.
Incinerators and transfer stations can accept whole tires.
Shredded tires are not restricted.
Batteries: Lead-acid batteries used in motor
vehicles or stationary applications.
Recyclable Paper:
All paper, cardboard, and paperboard products. EXCEPT tissue paper,
toweling, paper plates and cups, wax-coated cardboard and other low-grade
paper products.
White Goods:
Appliances employing electricity, oil, natural gas or liquefied petroleum
gas. These include refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers,
clothes dryers, gas or electric ovens and ranges, and hot water heaters.
Glass Containers:
Glass bottles and jars. EXCEPT light bulbs, Pyrex cookware, plate glass,
drinking glasses, windows, windshields and ceramics.
Metal Containers:
Aluminum, steel or bi-metal beverage and food containers.
Single Resin Narrow-Necked Plastics:
Includes most plastic soda and juice bottles.
Leaves & Yard Waste:
Leaves, grass clippings, weeds, garden materials, shrub trimmings, and
brush one-inch or less in diameter. Excluding diseased plants.
How Can Businesses Comply with the Waste Ban Regulations?
Segregate and Recycle
Banned Materials: Recycling
prevents unnecessary disposal of usable raw materials, saves energy and
reduces air and water pollution. Because recycling reduces disposal costs,
businesses often save money by diverting materials from the trash dumpster
to the recycling bin.
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Your waste hauler may be able to help
you establish a recycling program.
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WasteCap can give you advice about
establishing a recycling program or improving your current one. Call today
at 617-236-7715.
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WasteCap publishes the Recycling
Services Directory, a listing of over 400 companies that collect or
process recyclable materials. To the view online go to the: Recycling
Services Directory or call WasteCap at 617-236-7715 for a hard copy.
Why Should I Comply with Waste Ban Regulation?
It is the Law: Waste bans are a state
regulation that began in 1990. It
is illegal to throw out banned commodities.
Your Business May
be Refused Trash Collection or Fined: Waste facilities are inspected by state officials for waste
ban violations. Loads that
reach waste facilities via haulers can be rejected
or penalized. The
haulers will ultimately have to communicate with their customers and
potentially refuse pick-up of waste that violates regulation and face
possible fines.
For more information on how the Waste Bans can affect
your business read the following two articles:
Improve Your Organization’s Image: By using
fewer resources and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and
incinerators, a company may enhance its customer and community image.
Potentially
Save Money: Depending on
the material and quantity of waste a business can potentially decrease
their waste disposal costs by recycling.
Recycling can be cheaper haul on a per-ton/pound basis and certain
materials can be resold depending on demand and condition.
Additional
information is available from the
Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection:
Your Business and the Waste Bans What
You Need to Know
www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/files/wstban01.doc
A simple guide to waste bans for businesses.
Frequently Asked questions about Massachusetts Waste
Bans
A thorough Q&A of waste bans,
regulations and all items that are banned.
www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/dswm/files/wbgidy2k.doc
Guidance for Solid Waste Handling and Disposal
Facilities
on Waste Disposal Restrictions
www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/dswm/files/wbguide.doc
A document geared towards haulers and waste facilities about complying
with waste and related regulations.
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