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πŸ—‘οΈ Trash & Recycling/Recycling Requirements

Recycling Requirements: Newton vs Somerville

How do recycling requirements rules compare between Newton, MA and Somerville, MA?

Newton has fewer restrictions than Somerville.

Newton, MA

Middlesex County

Some Restrictions

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 β†’

Somerville, MA

Middlesex County

Heavy Restrictions

Somerville requires single-stream recycling weekly alongside trash. Massachusetts bans cardboard, paper, metal, glass, and certain plastics from trash. Contaminated recycling bins may be rejected.

View full Somerville rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactNewtonSomerville
Program TypeSingle-stream, weekly-
Plastics AcceptedNumbers 1-7 rigid only-
No Plastic BagsReturn to grocery store drop-offs-
Yard WasteSeasonal, paper bags only-
TextilesBanned from trash statewide-
Frequency-Weekly, same day as trash
Stream-Single-stream blue cart
MA waste bans-310 CMR 19.017
Plastic bags-Prohibited in recycling
Contamination-Warning then skip

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

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.

Somerville FAQ

Do I need to separate paper and containers?

No. Somerville uses single stream so all accepted recyclables go in one blue cart, but items must be clean and dry.

What about food waste?

Somerville offers a free curbside compost program for residents. Sign up through the DPW website to receive a kitchen bin and weekly collection.

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