Businesses in Massachusetts can access local technical assistance, state-funded programs, and formal third-party certifications to support waste reduction efforts and achieve zero waste goals. The following resources are available to help businesses navigate the MA waste bans and operate successful waste reduction programs.
Did you know that certain items are banned from disposal in Massachusetts? If you do not have a recycling program on site to divert materials including glass, plastic, and aluminum, then you could be at risk of fines and enforcement from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
The fact sheet provides key information for business owners and staff to know about the waste bans and how to stay in compliance.
RecyclingWorks MA is a recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions. The program is funded by the MassDEP and operated by CET. If you need help setting up a recycling or composting program for your business, you can call the RecyclingWorks MA hotline at (888) 254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma.com to receive technical support from a RecyclingWorks Expert.
The Recycling IQ Kit, developed by the MassDEP, helps municipalities work with materials recycling facilities (MRFs) and haulers to improve recycling rates and reduce contamination issues through public outreach and education campaigns.
Reuse Marketplace is a free online surplus materials exchange designed to help businesses and institutions in New England reduce waste and keep materials in circulation. Through Reuse Marketplace, businesses can acquire items at low or no cost, reduce disposal costs by listing unwanted materials, earn credit toward Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification, and make connections.
MassDEP Recycling and Waste Management Resources hosts state information on solid waste facilities, composting, permitting, and other waste topics relevant to business owners in the Commonwealth.
Become a MassRecycle member and gain access to special members-only resources, free facility tours, networking opportunities, and more. Post on our community job board to find well-informed, experienced candidates and receive discounted rates to MassRecycle’s annual conference, webinars, and other special events.
MassRecycle is the only 501(c)(3) in the state dedicated to waste, recycling, and organics management. Add your business to the list of MassRecycle members.
The Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Certification, offered through the US Green Building Council, recognizes businesses and projects that show a strong commitment to zero waste. A TRUE project aims to divert all solid waste from landfills, incinerators, and the environment. Through the certification process, businesses receive professional expertise to support implementation of green initiatives, achieve zero waste targets, and optimize resource use and recovery. TRUE certified businesses also gain access to marketing and promotional opportunities through the Green Building Council.
The Sustainable Business Leader Certification, offered through the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, provides resources, information, and hands-on technical assistance to business owners and staff who want to reduce waste and make their operations more sustainable. Those who complete the program become certified as Sustainable Business Leaders.
SCS Global Services Zero Waste Certification provides a framework for businesses and organizations to measure and report waste diversion efforts and responsible waste management practices. The certification requires organizations to track waste management goals and meet specific diversion thresholds.
The Green Restaurant Association (GRA) Certification incorporates a transparent, science-based point system to verify the environmental practices of food service operations. The certification helps restaurants save money on operating costs by reducing consumption of energy, water, and waste. Certified restaurants are promoted on the GRA website.
The Waste Reduction Innovation Grant provides funding to eligible businesses, start-ups, and non-profit organizations for new technology that expands recycling and reuse infrastructure in Massachusetts.
The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant is available to eligible businesses and nonprofits for short-term projects related to reducing waste in Massachusetts by extending the life of products through donation, sharing, rescue, reuse and/or repair.
Closed Loop Partners (CLP) is a social impact fund that invests in the long-term growth of a circular economy by providing financial support for business recycling efforts. CLP offers funding for projects related to plastics circularity, infrastructure upgrades, and recycling accessibility.
The Recycling and Reuse Business Development Grant offers financial assistance to Massachusetts businesses and non-profit organizations to expand recycling, reuse, and composting infrastructure in Massachusetts. Grants are awarded for the processing and collection of target materials including plastic film, textiles, household hazardous materials, and more.
The Massachusetts Recycling Loan Fund (RLF) provides direct loans of up to $500,000 for solid waste recycling businesses operating in the Commonwealth. The RLF is available to companies involved in collecting, processing, and manufacturing recyclable materials and waste diversion operations in the state.
The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Grant is offered to private organizations that operate household hazardous waste (HHW) collection programs for small businesses and members of the public to promote safe materials management and remove toxic materials from the waste stream.
MassDEP Guide for Recycling Businesses supports the growth and development of companies that collect and process recyclables and/or organic waste. The guide offers resources and connections to workforce development, job training programs, and state assistance including business planning, grant writing, and financial analysis.
MassDEP Commercial Organic Materials Waste Ban Guidance for Businesses provides information to help businesses understand and remain in compliance with organic waste disposal bans and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
CET Wasted Food Solutions for Businesses offers free assistance and state resources for businesses of all sizes to improve food waste reduction efforts and save money.
CET & ReFED Champions for Wasted Food Reduction is a training program that addresses persistent food waste issues and provides technical assistance to help restaurants and other food-related businesses establish lasting waste reduction and diversion practices.