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πŸ—‘οΈ Trash & Recycling/Recycling Requirements

Recycling Requirements: Newton vs Wakefield

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

Newton has fewer restrictions than Wakefield.

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†’

Wakefield, MA

Middlesex County

Heavy Restrictions

Recycling is mandatory statewide under MGL c.21H and 310 CMR 19.017. Residents must separate paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic containers from trash.

View full Wakefield rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactNewtonWakefield
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-
State Law-MGL c.21H
Waste Bans-310 CMR 19.017
Collection Type-Single-stream
Commercial Food Threshold-1/2 ton per week
Electronics-Banned from trash

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.

Wakefield FAQ

Can I put plastic bags in recycling?

No. Plastic bags and film tangle sorting equipment. Return them to grocery store drop-off bins. Only rigid plastic containers belong in curbside recycling.

What happens if my recycling is contaminated?

You may receive a warning sticker and your cart could be left behind. Repeated contamination can result in loss of recycling service in some cities.

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