Recycling Requirements: Boston vs Revere
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Boston, MA and Revere, MA?
Boston and Revere have similar restriction levels.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston mandates recycling for all residential properties under the city's recycling ordinance. Single-stream recycling accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1-7. Contaminated recycling is not collected. Commercial properties must also recycle under MassDEP's waste ban regulations.
View full Boston rules →Revere, MA
Suffolk County
Suffolk County recycling is mandatory under MassDEP Waste Bans (310 CMR 19.017). Boston provides weekly single-stream curbside recycling and requires recycling in buildings with 6+ units under Boston Municipal Code §7-4.
View full Revere rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Revere |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single-stream mandatory recycling | - |
| Plastics Accepted | #1-7 containers | - |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food |
| Commercial | MassDEP waste ban applies | - |
| City Goal | Zero waste | - |
| State Mandate | - | 310 CMR 19.017 waste bans |
| Boston Accepted | - | Paper, metal, glass, #1/#2/#5 |
| Multi-Unit Rule | - | Recycling required 6+ units |
| Food Waste | - | Banned for commercial 0.5+ ton/wk |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Boston?
Yes. All residential properties must participate in curbside recycling. Single-stream recycling accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1-7. Contaminated bins may be left uncollected.
Can I put plastic bags in my recycling in Boston?
No. Plastic bags are not accepted in Boston's curbside recycling program. They jam sorting equipment at the recycling facility. Return plastic bags to grocery store collection bins instead.
Revere FAQ
Can I throw cardboard in the trash in Boston?
No. Cardboard is state-banned from disposal under 310 CMR 19.017. Flatten and place in your recycling bin. Commercial properties violating the ban face MassDEP penalties.
Does my Boston triple-decker need recycling service?
Only if it has 6+ units. Boston Municipal Code §7-4.6 requires multi-unit buildings of 6 or more units to provide recycling. Triple-deckers (typically 3 units) are not mandated but residents can request city service.
Compare other topics
See how Boston and Revere compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool