Recycling Requirements: Cambridge vs Newton
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Newton, MA?
Cambridge and Newton have similar restriction levels.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge mandates curbside single-stream recycling and weekly curbside composting. State waste bans prohibit disposal of cardboard, glass, metal, paper, textiles, mattresses, and food waste over one ton.
View full Cambridge rules →Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Newton offers weekly single-stream recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics 1-7. Contaminated bins may not be collected, and Massachusetts bans certain materials from trash.
View full Newton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Newton |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling stream | Single-stream blue cart | - |
| Composting | Weekly curbside green cart | - |
| State waste ban | 310 CMR 19.017 | - |
| Not accepted | Plastic bags, film, foam | - |
| Commercial food waste | 1-ton-per-week diversion threshold | - |
| Program Type | - | Single-stream, weekly |
| Plastics Accepted | - | Numbers 1-7 rigid only |
| No Plastic Bags | - | Return to grocery store drop-offs |
| Yard Waste | - | Seasonal, paper bags only |
| Textiles | - | Banned from trash statewide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Do I have to compost?
All residential households served by Cambridge curbside collection are enrolled in the composting program and receive a green cart.
What happens if I put recyclables in the trash?
Massachusetts waste bans prohibit it; DPW may leave the cart untagged and issue educational notices or fines for repeat offenses.
Newton FAQ
Can I put plastic bags in Newton recycling?
No. Plastic bags tangle sorting equipment. Return them to grocery store collection bins or throw them in the trash.
Does Newton recycle number 5 plastic?
Yes. Newton accepts rigid plastics numbered 1 through 7, including yogurt containers and margarine tubs, as long as they are empty and clean.
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