Antifreeze
Toxic liquid used to provide year-round protection of automobile cooling systems. As long as it is not mixed with other liquids, it is not classified as hazardous waste in Massachusetts. Due to its toxicity, it must be handled appropriately by a hazardous waste management firm, an antifreeze recycler, or a wastewater treatment facility that agrees to take it.
Autos / Auto Parts
Transportation vehicles and their components. Includes passenger cars, light and heavy-duty trucks, and motorcycles.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Steel: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/steel/steel.htm
Oil / Oil Filters
Spent motor oil and oil filters from passenger cars and trucks that is collected at specified locations for recycling. The motor oil can not be recycled if mixed with other liquids. Motor oil is regulated as a hazardous waste in Massachusetts and must be collected by a transporter licensed to handle waste oil. A list of transporters can be found at http://www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/dhm/files/trnsalph.pdf. For questions on regulations pertaining to waste oil management, call DEP’s waste oil hotline at (617) 566-1022.
Tires
Passenger car and light and heavy-duty truck tires. Whole tires have been restricted from disposal at landfills. DEP provides information on scrap tire management in a document entitled "Scrap Tire Management In Massachusetts: Questions and Answers For Municipal Waste Management Officials." This document also includes information on tire shredding and is available by calling the DEP InfoLine at (617) 338-2255.
Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries are standard household batteries (AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt). They are used in products from walkmans and clocks, to smoke detectors and remote controls. Since 1994, most types contain no added mercury or only contain trace amounts.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recylcing Batteries: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/batteries/batteries.htm
Button Batteries
These batteries are named for being small round and silver-colored. They are most commonly found in watches and hearing aids. Many button batteries contain mercury or silver oxide, both metals that are toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recylcing Batteries: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/batteries/batteries.htm
Lead Acid Batteries
Batteries used in automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles, but not those used in large equipment, heavy-duty trucks and tractors, aircraft, military vehicles, and boats. They contain plastic, lead, and sulfuric acid. Because they can cause serious harm to surface and ground water sources, car batteries have been restricted from disposal at landfills and incinerators per regulation CMR 19.017. For more information, please refer to DEP’s Comprehensive Guidance to Solid Waste Disposal Facilities For Implementation of Disposal Restrictions, 1995 or call (617) 338-2255.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recylcing Batteries: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/batteries/batteries.htm
Rechargeable Batteries
These batteries are marked “Rechargeable” and are found in many products including: cell phones, cordless phones, laptops, power tools, camcorders and remote controlled toys. Rechargeable batteries include: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), and Lithium Ion (Li-ion).
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recylcing Batteries: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/batteries/batteries.htm
Aluminum
Any food or beverage container made mainly of aluminum. This includes aluminum soda and beer cans and some pet food cans, but does not include bimetal containers with steel sides and aluminum ends.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Bottles, Cans, Paper Cartons, and other Containers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/bottles&cans/bottles&cans.htm
Deposit Only
Containers marked specifically for participation in a redemption program designed to monetarily compensate consumers for collecting recyclable materials. By Massachusetts state law, carbonated beverage containers must bear a 5 cent deposit, redeemable at any retail establishment (supermarket, cooperative food market, or redemption center) which sells the containers, as long as they are empty, clean, and uncrushed. Some redemption centers may also accept non-deposit containers, such as aluminum, for their scrap value. Redemption centers are required to register with the DEP every six months. To register your redemption center, call the DEP at (617) 556-1054.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Bottles, Cans, Paper Cartons, and other Containers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/bottles&cans/bottles&cans.htm
Drink Boxes / Paper Cartons
Drink boxes are commonly called juice boxes or aseptic packaging. The packaging consists of a laminate of high-quality paperboard, ethylene, and aluminum layered in the following order: polyethylene, paper, polyethylene, aluminum foil, polyethylene, and polyethylene. Paper cartons (milk and juice cartons) are made from a layer of paperboard sandwiched between two layers of very thin plastic.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Bottles, Cans, Paper Cartons, and other Containers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/bottles&cans/bottles&cans.htm
Glass
Glass containers and packaging such as beer and soft drink bottles, wine and liquor bottles, and bottles and jars for food, cosmetics, and other products.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Bottles, Cans, Paper Cartons, and other Containers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/bottles&cans/bottles&cans.htm
Mixed Bottles and Cans
A mixture of recyclable, non-deposit and deposit, food and beverage containers constructed of glass, plastic, paper, and/or metal collected in one recycling container.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Bottles, Cans, Paper Cartons, and other Containers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/bottles&cans/bottles&cans.htm
Plastic Containers
Plastic beverage and food containers or packaging generally made from PETE (#1) or HDPE (#2). It may also include containers made from PVC (#3), LDPE (#4), PP (#5), PS (#6), or other resins (#7).
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Bottles, Cans, Paper Cartons, and other Containers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/bottles&cans/bottles&cans.htm
Tin / Steel
Rigid containers made mainly of steel used to store food, beverages, paint, and a variety of other household and consumer products. These items will stick to a magnet and may be tin-coated. This includes bimetal containers with steel sides and aluminum ends.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Bottles, Cans, Paper Cartons, and other Containers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/bottles&cans/bottles&cans.htm
Drop-off
A method of collection whereby recyclable or compostable materials are taken by individual generators to a collection site or appropriate recycling facility.
Pickup
A method of collection whereby recyclable or compostable materials are gathered from individual generators by a hauling service and transported to an appropriate recycling facility.
Broker
An individual or group of individuals acting as an agent or intermediary between the sellers and buyers of recyclable materials.
Composter
A commercial composting facility where discarded organic material is biologically decomposed under controlled conditions; an aerobic process in which organic materials are ground or shredded and then decomposed to humus in windrow piles or in mechanical digesters, drums, or similar enclosures.
End Market / Mill
A facility that purchases or secures collected recyclables for the purpose of incorporation into a final product.
Exporter
A company whose actions result in the transportation of municipal solid waste and recyclables to a location or locations outside the state or locality where they originated.
Farmer
An agricultural operation that accepts organic materials for either composting or livestock feed.
Hauler
A collection company that provides removal services of recyclables. Includes both private and public entities.
Material Exchange
A network "service" that helps to redirect unwanted equipment, overruns, rejects, and other materials from businesses to other businesses, not-for-profits, schools, community groups, and others that need the materials. These material exchanges usually have a catalog or an internet listing of materials wanted and materials available, and often have a staff available to help facilitate the exchange of materials. This term is often used synonymously with "waste exchange".
On-site Sorting
A specialized service where recyclable materials are separated at the generator's facility in preparation for recycling.
Processor
A facility where recyclables are sorted into specific categories and processed, or transported to processors, for remanufacturing.
Remanufacturer
A company that accepts used/spent products which are then completely disassembled. Parts are inspected, cleaned, repaired or replaced, reassembled and refinished to “like new” conditions before the product is returned to the market for sale.
Repair / Refurbish
An organization that implements either functional or "cosmetic" changes to used products before redistribution. This differs from remanufacturing in that none of the major structural parts of the product are replaced.
Reuse
An organization that accepts goods in a “used” or “as-is” condition for the purpose of redistribution through sale or donation.
Scrap Yard
An intermediate operating facility where recovered metal is sorted, cleaned of contaminants, and prepared for final recycling.
Asphalt Paving
Paving and roofing materials made with asphalt, a black or brown tar-like material. Includes asphalt shingles, attached roofing tar, and tar paper.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/construction/construction.htm
Asphalt Shingles
Composite shingles and other roofing material made with asphalt, including asphalt shingles and attached roofing tar, and tar paper.
Brick
A handy sized unit of building or paving material consisting of moist clay hardened by heat.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/construction/construction.htm
Clean Wood
Brush, stumps, lumber ends and trimmings, wood pallets, bark, wood chips, shavings, slash, and other clean wood which are not mixed with other solid wastes.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/construction/construction.htm
Concrete
A hard material made from sand, aggregate gravel, cement mix, and water. This includes pieces of building foundations, concrete paving, and concrete blocks.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/construction/construction.htm
Gypsum Board
Interior wall covering made of a sheet of gypsum sandwiched between paper layers. Examples include used or unused, whole or broken sheets. Gypsum board may also be called sheetrock, drywall, plasterboard, gypboard, gyproc, or wallboard.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/construction/construction.htm
Mixed C & D
A mixture of waste building materials and rubble resulting from the construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of buildings, pavements, roads, or other structures. Mixed C&D debris includes but is not limited to asphalt, bricks, concrete, lumber, masonry, road paving materials, steel rebar, plaster, soil, rock, wood waste, metal, plumbing fixtures, insulation, and electrical wires.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Construction and Demolition Debris: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/construction/construction.htm
Certifies Chain of Custody
Provides documentation of removal services, releasing the generator of possible liabilities.
Confidential / Certified Destruction
Maintains privacy of the generator through shredding documents or removing data from electronic devices.
Helps Design Recycling Programs
Assists generator in establishing or improving their recycling collection methods.
Insured / Bonded
The company is insured against damages or losses caused by normal operational activities.
Material Specifications Available
Offers detailed description of appropriate preparation of recyclables for collection.
Non-Profit
An organization not conducted or maintained for the purpose of making a profit.
Offers Collection Containers
Makes available bins and other infrastructure necessary for implementing a recycling program.
Offers Educational Assistance
Provides informational materials, tutorials, and/or staff training on waste management issues, potentially including source reduction, reuse, recycling, and buying recycled.
Permitted (if required)
The company has been granted permission by appropriate authorities (state/local) to operate recycling services. Not all companies are required to be permitted.
Reports on Amounts Recycled
Documents and supplies data reports stating the amount of recyclables generated and/or resources saved.
Building Materials
Reusable building materials for resale or donation such as doors, windows, molding, flooring, hardware, paint, lumber, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, etc.
Clothing
Quality reusable garments made from pliable material formed by the weaving, felting, or knitting of natural or synthetic fibers and filaments.
Computers
The central processing unit (CPU) or tower. May include the monitor and other electronic peripheral devices.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Computers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/computers/computers.htm
Electronic Equipment
Copiers, phone systems, fax machines, televisions, etc.
Industrial Scrap
Manufacturing cutouts, punchouts, and scrap pieces of a variety of materials.
Large Household Appliances
Large appliances which include water heaters, dishwashers, gas and electric stoves, and clothes washers and dryers.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Steel: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/steel/steel.htm
Office Furniture
Chairs, desks, cabinets, and cubicles for use in a business setting.
Office Supplies
Paper and non-paper products such as pens, pencils, staplers, folders, envelopes, floppy disks, etc, used in offices for an administrative function.
Packaging Peanuts
Fill commonly used in shipping consumer goods. Plastic peanuts are made of EPS (extruded polystyrene). A biodegradable version of packaging peanuts is made from cornstarch.
Paint
Includes latex and oil-based paints, solvents, and tubes of pigment or fine art paint. This does not include dried paint, empty paint cans, or empty aerosol containers.
Pallets
A portable platform made of wood or plastic lumber used for storing or moving cargo or freight. Excludes wood from furniture and other non-packaging wood products.
Surplus Food
Nonperishable and unspoiled perishable food that can be donated to food banks, soup kitchens, shelters, or other charitable organizations.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Food and Organic Residuals: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/organics/organics.htm
Vehicles
Automotive vehicles designed for passenger transportation.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Steel: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/steel/steel.htm
A/V Tapes and CDs
Supporting products for use in camcorders, VCRs, and stereo equipment.
Cell Phones
Mobile phones and accessories. Sometimes other mobile devices are included such as pagers and personal digital assistants.
Computer Monitors
A video device that displays data or images generated by a computer or terminal. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has added cathode ray tubes (CRTs), found in televisions and computer monitors, to the list of items prohibited from disposal at solid waste facilities. A typical CRT contains between 15 and 90 pounds of glass. Lead and other elements are added to the specialized CRT glass to protect the user from x-rays generated within the operating CRT.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Computer Monitors and Television Sets (Cathode Ray Tubes): http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/crt/crt.htm
Computer Units
The central processing unit (CPU) or tower. May include electronic peripheral devices such as the keyboard or mouse, but does not include the monitor. Monitors are recycled separately due to the presence of a cathode ray tube (CRT).
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Computers: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/computers/computers.htm
Ink Jet Cartridges
Ink jet cartridges are used in inkjet printers and fax machines. These cartridges hold liquid ink, which is placed in extremely small droplets onto paper to create an image. Depending on the manufacturer and model of the printer, ink cartridges come in various combinations, such as separate black and color cartridges, color and black in a single cartridge, or even a cartridge for each ink color.
Mixed Electronics
Appliances, computers, communication equipment, and other electrical equipment and supplies.
Televisions
An electronic device for receiving and reproducing the images and sounds of a television signal. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has added cathode ray tubes (CRTs), found in televisions and computer monitors, to the list of items prohibited from disposal at solid waste facilities. A typical CRT contains between 15 and 90 pounds of glass. Lead and other elements are added to the specialized CRT glass to protect the user from x-rays generated within the operating CRT.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Computer Monitors and Television Sets (Cathode Ray Tubes): http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/crt/crt.htm
Toner Cartridges
Toner cartridges are used in laser printers, fax machines, and photocopiers. These cartridges are filled with toner, an electrically-charged powder with pigment and plastic. The pigment provides the coloring for the text and images. It is blended into plastic particles, so the toner will melt when it is heated in the printing process and affix to the paper.
Fluorescent Lamps
Any bulb or tube portion of an electric lighting device specifically designed to produce radiant energy, including but not limited to incandescent, fluorescent, high intensity discharge (HID), and neon lamps in which mercury is purposely introduced by the manufacturer for the operation of the lamp.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Mercury Containing Products: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/mercury/mercury.htm
Other Mercury Products
Electrical products or components which contain elemental mercury that is necessary for their operation and is housed within an outer metal, glass, or plastic casing. Mercury containing devices include but are not limited to thermometers, thermostats, barometers, electrical switches and relays, and certain gas flow regulaters and water meters.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Mercury Containing Products: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/mercury/mercury.htm
Thermometers
An instrument to measure temperature. Mercury thermometers can be identified by the silver colored liquid in the bulb. Thermometers typically contain 0.5 - 0.7 grams of mercury. Large thermometers can have as much as 3 grams of mercury.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Mercury Containing Products: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/mercury/mercury.htm
Thermostats
A device that automatically controls the temperature. Non-electronic thermostats contain an average of 5.25 grams of mercury.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Mercury Containing Products: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/mercury/mercury.htm
Freon
Trademarked name used for any of various nonflammable fluorocarbons used as refrigerants and as propellants for aerosols.
Furniture
Chairs, desks, beds, tables, etc.
Mattresses
A fabric case filled with material used as a bed.
Paint
Includes latex and oil-based paints, solvents, and tubes of pigment or fine art paint. This does not include dried paint, empty paint cans, or empty aerosol containers.
Pallets
A portable platform made of wood or plastic lumber used for storing or moving cargo or freight. Excludes wood from furniture and other non-packaging wood products.
Photographic Film
A photographic emulsion (usually consisting of silver halide crystals and gelatin) coated on a flexible, transparent base (generally plastic) that records images.
Plate Glass
Clear or tinted glass that is flat. This includes glass window panes, doors, and tabletops, flat automotive window glass (side windows), safety glass, and architectural glass. This type does not include windshields, laminated glass, or any curved glass.
Rubber
Natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (such as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials.
Animal Bedding / Manure
A specific type of agricultural or laboratory waste generally consisting of sawdust, wood chips/shavings, straw/hay, or shredded newspaper, usually combined with animal waste. The biological waste may make this material difficult to process for organics recycling.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Food and Organic Residuals: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/organics/organics.htm
Food Waste - Commercial Processing
Source separated food residuals produced from commercial food processing facilities. This material may consist of fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and animal byproducts, and soiled paper unsuitable for recycling.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Food and Organic Residuals: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/organics/organics.htm
Food Waste - Produce
Source separated food residuals generated at supermarkets. This material consists of food scraps and out of code items from produce, bakery, deli, prepared foods, and other departments. The material collected may include fruits, vegetables, grains, food scraps, waxed cardboard, wood, meat/seafood, and soiled paper unsuitable for recycling.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Food and Organic Residuals: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/organics/organics.htm
Food Waste - Restaurant / Institution
Source separated material produced from human food preparation and consumption activities at restaurants, cafeterias, or dining halls. This material consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, food scraps, and soiled paper unsuitable for recycling.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Food and Organic Residuals: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/organics/organics.htm
Leaves / Yard Waste
Deciduous and coniferous seasonal deposition (e.g. leaves), grass clippings, weeds, hedge clippings, garden materials, and brush.
Rendering
Grease collected from restaurants, grease traps, and fryolators. May also include post-consumer meat by-products.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Food and Organic Residuals: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/organics/organics.htm
Trees / Stumps
Trees and stumps including shavings, chips, and bark. This does not include new or used lumber or wood from construction and demolition waste and does not include treated wood.
Books
A set of written, printed, or blank sheets of paper bound together in a volume.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Paper: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/paper/paper.htm
Cardboard
Corrugated containers made from unbleached, unwaxed paper with a ruffled (corrugated) inner liner. Often referred to as old corrugated containers (OCC).
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Paper: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/cardboard/cardboard.htm
Mixed Office Paper
Office paper generated at a business that is not sorted into specific categories. Includes white office paper, colored paper, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, telephone directories, and cardboard.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Paper: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/paper/paper.htm
Residential Mixed Paper
Post-consumer paper generated by residents that is not sorted into specific categories. Includes newspapers, magazines, office papers, telephone directories, cardboard, paper bags, and paperboard packaging.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Paper: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/paper/paper.htm
White Office Paper
White office paper generated at a business that is seperated to collect only white, high-grade papers such as copier paper, computer printout, stationary, notebook, ledger, bond, and writing paper.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Paper: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/paper/paper.htm
#1 - PET
Polyethylene Terephthalate (e.g., soda, water bottles, and food containers). One of the two most commonly collected kinds of plastic by municipal and commercial recycling programs. PET or PETE is a thermoplastic material usually transparent or green that is used to manufacture soft drink containers and other rigid containers. When marked for identification, it bears the number "1" in the center of the triangular recycling symbol.
#2 - HDPE
High Density Polyethylene (e.g. milk & water jugs, detergent bottles). One of the two most commonly collected kinds of plastic by municipal and commercial recycling programs. HDPE is usually either cloudy white (natural), allowing light to pass through it, or a solid color (colored), preventing light from passing through it. When marked for identification, it bears the number "2" in the triangular recycling symbol.
#3 - PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as vinyl. PVC is used to make products such as pipes, shampoo bottles, upholstery, and automotive parts. When marked for identification, it bears the number "3" in the center of the triangular recycling symbol.
#4 - LDPE
Low Density Polyethylene (e.g. plastic bags, 6-pack rings, shrink-wrap, flexible lids). LDPE is used for both rigid containers and plastic film applications. When marked for identification, it bears the number "4" in the center of the triangular recycling symbol.
#5 - PP
Polypropylene (e.g. lids, closure caps, snack food wrap, selected kinds of food and consumer products containers, film packaging, specialized textiles). When marked for identification, it bears the number "5" in the center of the triangular recycling symbol.
#6 - PS
Polystyrene (e.g. Styrofoam, clear brittle cups). PS is used to make a variety of products including plastic cutlery and food containers. It is often used in retail food operations. When marked for identification, it bears the number "6" in the center of the triangular recycling symbol.
#7 - Other
Plastic marked for recycling with the number "7" in the center of the triangular recycling symbol. It is made from a resin other than the six identified for recycling (#1 through #6) or made from a combination of resins.
Mixed 1-7
A combination of plastic materials that are not sorted into specific resin grades. It could include PETE (#1), HDPE (#2), PVC (#3), LDPE (#4), PP (#5), PS (#6), and/or Other (#7).
Other Plastics
Industrial plastic materials made from resins which are not specifically marked for recycling by a triangular recycling symbol with a number. Examples include ABS, polycarbonate, and polyurethane.
Packing Peanuts
Fill commonly used in shipping consumer goods. Plastic peanuts are made of EPS (extruded polystyrene).
Ferrous Metals
Magnetic metals derived from iron (steel). Products made from ferrous metals include major and small appliances, furniture, and containers and packaging (steel drums and barrels).
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Steel: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/steel/steel.htm
Large Household Appliances
Large appliances which include water heaters, dishwashers, gas and electric stoves, and clothes washers and dryers. Large appliances that contain CFCs are dealt with differently and therefore listed separately.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Steel: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/steel/steel.htm
Large Household Appliances with CFCs
A subcategory of large appliances that includes refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners.
For more info visit WasteCap's web page:
Information on Recycling Steel: http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/steel/steel.htm
Metal Drums
Large metal cylindrical containers resembling a drum in shape intended for the storage of liquids. May come in various sizes, though 55-gallon is most common. According to Massachusetts state regulations, the container must be empty (less than one inch of liquid remaining) to be recycled. If the container has previously held a hazardous material, the container must be completely empty (no liquid remaining) and be triple-rinsed before recycling can take place.
Non-ferrous Metals
Non-magnetic metals such as aluminum, lead, and copper. Excludes lead-acid batteries and nonferrous metals from industrial applications and construction and demolition debris.
Precious Metals
Non-ferrous metals with a high market value such as gold, silver, and platinum.
Propane Tanks
A steel container used for the storage of liquified propane gas.
Construction
Private construction, home repair or renovation businesses that generate large amounts of recyclable construction and demolition materials.
Hotel
A building providing lodging and often other services such as entertainment and meals.
Individual
Solid waste and recyclables collected on a fee for service basis from residential populations, including single-family, multi-family, and apartments and condos. Individual homeowners or building managers must arrange for collection service.
Institution
Large organizations privately or publicly owned that generate a range of solid waste and recyclable materials. Examples include hospitals, colleges, prisons, etc.
Manufacturing
Industrial activities that generate large quantities of solid waste, commonly recyclable materials, and/or specialized industrial wastes.
Municipality
Solid waste and recyclables collection provided to residential populations, that could include single-family, multi-family, and apartments and condos, under the terms of a municipal contract managed by the local Department of Public Works or Board of Health. The collection methods provided may be curbside pick up or drop off facilities as defined in this glossary.
Office
Locations where business transactions take place or services are provided. This category excludes retail and industrial space since it primarily defines an administrative atmosphere.
Restaurant
A public eating place.
Retail / Wholesale
The industry of selling commodities or goods in small quantities to the ultimate consumer.
Large
Business with over 150 employees.
Medium
Business with 30 to 150 employees.
Small
Business with less than 30 employees.
Carpet
Floor covering consisting of face fiber and a base that is usually latex, adhesive, or limestone.
Carpet Padding
Floor covering laid underneath carpets and rugs for added comfort and insulation purposes. Most is made of polyurethane foam, but can also be made of sponge rubber or a mixture of cattle hair and rubberized jute fibers.
Clothing
Garments made from pliable material formed by the weaving, felting, or knitting of natural or synthetic fibers and filaments. Common examples include both first quality reusable clothing and post-consumer clothing to be shredded and made into new products.
Leather
Shoes, belts, handbags, and other clothing items or accessories made from treated animal skin.
Mixed Textiles
Items made from thread, yarn, fabric, or cloth (excluding cloth covered furniture and mattresses). This includes fabric trimmings, draperies, and all natural and synthetic cloth fibres.